The Long, Long Term View of Interest Rates

 | Jan 26, 2012 03:19AM ET

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words... and a couple of centuries. Graphing 222 years of U.S. long-term interest rate history isn't exactly actionable information, but it's damn interesting just the same. You want perspective? Here it is in spades. Heck, it's also a great party favor for your next financial mixer.

Thanks to Barry Ritholtz at The Big Picture and the primary source, Bianco Research, for this deep dive data dig. The obvious point is that we're near all-time lows in the long bond. If that doesn't spark a few thoughts, nothing will.