Correct Answer: B
The yield curve (or term structure of interest rates) is a function that relates the term to maturity (X-axis) to the yield to maturity (Y-axis) for a sample of bonds at a given point in time. A rising yield curve means that investors expect interest rates to rise in the future, requiring them to demand a higher yield for longer maturities. The declining yield curve occurs when investors expect interest rates to decline and holding onto a longer-term bond is a good investment. Therefore yield demands are lower for longer investments. A humped yield curve is formed when extremely high rates are expected to decline to more normal levels. The shape indicates that the yield on intermediate term issues is higher than that of short-term issues and the rates on long term issues decline to levels below those of short-term and then level out (after about 15 years).