Sales of U.S. savings bonds increased in...

Sales of U.S. savings bonds increased in February for the sixth consecutive month, rising 2% to $658 million, the Treasury Department reported. The Treasury said that February sales were $13 million higher than January and were 2% above the level of a year ago, when sales were $646 million. With the inclusion of interest earnings, the value of outstanding bonds rose by $1 billion to total $103.24 billion, 10% higher than a year ago. Since November, 1982, savings bonds held five years or longer have earned market-based interest rates. The current rate, in effect until May 1, is 7.17%.