Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers for CNBC's Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge

CNBC's Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge is back. Trading started November 17th, 2008. Hours: Monday 6:00 a.m. to Friday 4:00 p.m. During the week, you can post your answers even after the market closes.

==>From Daily CNBC Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers<==

Daily Answers for
12/31/08:

Squawk Box question: Market rally predictor Jack Hough jokes that he should have written what kind of book?

• Answer: "doom-and-gloom"

Squawk On The Street Question: : In his Guest Blog post "My Top 10 Investment Themes for '09", why does Tony Crescenzi praise the art market?

• Answer: all of the above

The Call Question: Just how bad were holiday retail sales this year?

• Answer: Worst since 1970, at least

Power Lunch Question: In our new slideshow entitled The Year in Slideshows, what story will you find bullet-pointed on the Miami Fashion page?

• Power Lunch Answer: "Bikinis and Business News?"

Street Signs Question: In the edition of Pros Say concerning a "Recession-Depression Hybrid" what does George Ball say we must do?

• Best CD Rate: 5.00% at Washington Mutual - WaMu
  
  

• Street Signs Answer: "learn to undo" our financial behavior
  

Happy New Year Everyone!
Thanks for your support!

Closing Bell Question: In the "Fast Money" episode "Famous Last Words of 2008," which FM trader chose his/her own words to mock?

==> Very Best CD Rates with FDIC Survey <==

==> Weekly Challenge Question #7 Answer <==

==> Global Stock Market Charts at a Glance <==

==> US Treasury Rate Charts at a Glance <==

Rates for US Treasury Bonds, Bills and Notes

Today's rates for US Treasury Bonds, Bills and Notes:

	COUPON	MATURITY DATE	CURRENT YIELD
3-Month	0.000	03/26/2009	0.06
6-Month	0.000	06/25/2009	0.22
12-Month	0.000	12/17/2009	0.36
2-Year	0.875	12/31/2010	0.88
3-Year	1.125	12/15/2011	1.06
5-Year	1.500	12/31/2013	1.51
10-Year	3.750	11/15/2018	2.13
30-Year	4.500	05/15/2038	2.61

Data current as of 12/28/08

US Treasuries are backed by the full faith of the US Government and its ability to tax.

Current US Treasury Rates at a Glance

Best CD Rate Update - 5.0%

The top rate for CDs this week is 5.00% at Washington Mutual, also known as WaMu, for a 5-year certificate of deposit.

For shorter term, Corus Bank has a 6-month CD with a 3.50% annual percentage rate .

With rates so low, banks will try to sell you their annuity products. Make sure you read our article: Beware of Annuities

The table below shows the best CD rates for other terms.

"Highest CD Rate Survey + Current US Treasury Rates"

Term	Date	Highest Rate (APY)	Where? (Click link for Full Rate Sheets)
Daily Savings	12/21/08	2.43%	Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund
Tax Exempt	12/21/08	1.03%	Vanguard Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
Online Savings	12/21/08	3.00%	High Performance Money Fund @ Wachovia Bank
3-Month Treasury	12/21/08	-0.01%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
6 Months	12/21/08	3.51%	Fultdirect.com & 3.50% @ Corus Bank
6-Month Treasury	12/21/08	0.14%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
7 Months	12/21/08	2.00%	Wachovia Bank
1 Year	12/21/08	3.90%	MetLife Bank
1 Year Treasury	12/21/08	0.37%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
18 Months	12/21/08	3.95%	MetLife Bank
2 Years	12/21/08	4.25%	MetLife Bank
2 Year Treasury	12/21/08	0.74%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
3 Years	12/21/08	4.35%	MetLife Bank
3-Yr Treasury	12/21/08	1.03%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
4 Years	12/21/08	4.51%	Flagstar Bank & 4.35% @ MetLife Bank
5 Years	12/21/08	5.00%	Washington Mutual - WaMu
5 Yr Treasury	12/21/08	1.36%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
7 Years	12/21/08	4.75%	Pentagon Federal Credit Union
10 Yr Treasury	12/21/08	2.12%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
10 Years	12/21/08	4.15%	Intervest National Bank
30 Yr Treasury	12/21/08	2.55%	US Treasury Rates at a glance

With rates so low, banks will try to sell you their annuity products. Make sure you read our article: Beware of Annuities

LIBOR Rates Fall: Historical and Current London Interbank Offered Rates at a Glance

LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate. It is a daily reference rate based on the interest rates banks in the London wholesale money market (or interbank market) offer to lend unsecured funds to each other. LIBOR is usually slightly higher than the London Interbank Bid Rate (LIBID). LIBID is the rate the same banks are prepared to accept deposits.

Current LIBOR Rates
Term Rate
1-month 0.88%
3-months 1.85%
6-months 2.17%
12-months 2.37%

Data from Current and Historical Libor Rates at at Glance

.

Best CD Rates Update - 5.31% at Intervest National Bank

The top rate for CDs this week is 5.31% Intervest National Bank for a 7-year certificate of deposit.

For shorter term, the State Bank of India, with US Branches in New York City and Chicago, has a 6-month CD with a 4.32% annual percentage rate .

The table below shows the best CD rates for other terms.

"Highest CD Rate Survey + Current US Treasury Rates"

Term	Date	Highest Rate (APY)	Where? (Click link for Full Rate Sheets)
Daily Savings	12/04/08	2.60%	Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund
Tax Exempt	12/04/08	1.13%	Vanguard Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
Online Savings	12/04/08	3.25%	High Performance Money Fund @ Wachovia Bank
3-Month Treasury	12/04/08	0.01%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
6 Months	12/04/08	4.32%	State Bank of India & 3.76% at Ascencia Bank
6-Month Treasury	12/04/08	0.29%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
7 Months	12/04/08	2.60%	Wachovia Bank
1 Year	12/04/08	4.68%	State Bank of India
1 Year Treasury	12/04/08	0.64%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
18 Months	12/04/08	4.40%	UmbrellaBank
2 Years	12/04/08	4.50%	UmbrellaBank
1 Year Treasury	12/04/08	0.90%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
3 Years	12/04/08	4.75%	Intervest National Bank
3-Yr Treasury	12/04/08	1.09%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
4 Years	12/04/08	5.05%	Intervest National Bank & 4.75% @ Capital One
5 Years	12/04/08	5.25%	Intervest National Bank & 5.10% @ Capital One
5 Yr Treasury	12/04/08	1.61%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
7 Years	12/04/08	5.50%	Capital One & 4.75% @ PenFed CU
10 Yr Treasury	12/04/08	2.63%	US Treasury Rates at a glance
10 Years	12/04/08	5.31%	Intervest National Bank
30 Yr Treasury	12/04/08	3.13%	US Treasury Rates at a glance

Make sure you read the article:

=>How to Get the Best CD Rates

Treasury Direct Rates - Note, Bond, and TIPS

Recent US Treasury Note, Bond, and TIPS Auction Results

Security	Term	-Type-	Issue Date	Maturity Date	Interest Rate %	-Yield- %	CUSIP
2-YEAR		NOTE	12-01-2008	11-30-2010	1.250	1.269	912828JS0
5-YEAR		NOTE	12-01-2008	11-30-2013	2.000	2.110	912828JT8
3-YEAR		NOTE	11-17-2008	11-15-2011	1.750	1.800	912828JU5
10-YEAR		NOTE	11-17-2008	11-15-2018	3.750	3.783	912828JR2
29-YEAR	6-MONTH	BOND	11-17-2008	05-15-2038	4.500	4.310	912810PX0
2-YEAR		NOTE	10-31-2008	10-31-2010	1.500	1.600	912828JP6
4-YEAR	6-MONTH	TIPS	10-31-2008	04-15-2013	0.625	3.270	912828HW3
5-YEAR		NOTE	10-31-2008	10-31-2013	2.750	2.825	912828JQ4
6-YEAR	4-MONTH	NOTE	10-15-2008	02-15-2015	4.000	3.228	912828DM9
6-YEAR	7-MONTH	NOTE	10-15-2008	05-15-2015	4.125	3.310	912828DV9
6-YEAR	10-MONTH	NOTE	10-15-2008	08-15-2015	4.250	3.440	912828EE6
9-YEAR	4-MONTH	NOTE	10-15-2008	02-15-2018	3.500	3.790	912828HR4
9-YEAR	9-MONTH	TIPS	10-15-2008	07-15-2018	1.375	2.850	912828JE1
2-YEAR		NOTE	09-30-2008	09-30-2010	2.000	2.115	912828JL5
5-YEAR		NOTE	09-30-2008	09-30-2013	3.125	3.129	912828JM3
9-YEAR	11-MONTH	NOTE	09-15-2008	08-15-2018	4.000	3.628	912828JH4
2-YEAR		NOTE	09-02-2008	08-31-2010	2.375	2.380	912828JJ0
5-YEAR		NOTE	09-02-2008	08-31-2013	3.125	3.129	912828JK7
10-YEAR		NOTE	08-15-2008	08-15-2018	4.000	4.075	912828JH4
29-YEAR	9-MONTH	BOND	08-15-2008	05-15-2038	4.500	4.609	912810PX0
2-YEAR		NOTE	07-31-2008	07-31-2010	2.750	2.820	912828JF8
5-YEAR		NOTE	07-31-2008	07-31-2013	3.375	3.440	912828JG6
*19-YEAR	6-MONTH	TIPS	07-31-2008	01-15-2028	1.750	2.219	912810PV4
10-YEAR		TIPS	07-15-2008	07-15-2018	1.375	1.485	912828JE1
2-YEAR		NOTE	06-30-2008	06-30-2010	2.875	2.922	912828JC5
5-YEAR		NOTE	06-30-2008	06-30-2013	3.375	3.440	912828JD3
9-YEAR	11-MONTH	NOTE	06-16-2008	05-15-2018	3.875	4.225	912828HZ6
2-YEAR		NOTE	06-02-2008	05-31-2010	2.625	2.640	912828JA9
5-YEAR		NOTE	06-02-2008	05-31-2013	3.500	3.520	912828JB7
10-YEAR		NOTE	05-15-2008	05-15-2018	3.875	3.937	912828HZ6
29-YEAR	9-MONTH	BOND	05-15-2008	02-15-2038	4.375	4.599	912810PW2
2-YEAR		NOTE	04-30-2008	04-30-2010	2.125	2.225	912828HX1
5-YEAR		TIPS	04-30-2008	04-15-2013	0.625	0.745	912828HW3
5-YEAR		NOTE	04-30-2008	04-30-2013	3.125	3.159	912828HY9
9-YEAR	9-MONTH	TIPS	04-15-2008	01-15-2018	1.625	1.250	912828HN3
2-YEAR		NOTE	03-31-2008	03-31-2010	1.750	1.761	912828HU7
5-YEAR		NOTE	03-31-2008	03-31-2013	2.500	2.595	912828HV5
9-YEAR	11-MONTH	NOTE	03-17-2008	02-15-2018	3.500	3.510	912828HR4
2-YEAR		NOTE	02-29-2008	02-28-2010	2.000	2.045	912828HS2
5-YEAR		NOTE	02-29-2008	02-28-2013	2.750	2.755	912828HT0

* Denotes TIPS bond; all other TIPS without asterisks are notes

Get our estimate for US Treasury Rates at the next auction in "The Retirement Advisor."

FREE=> 2009 SAMPLE Issue <== FREE

Treasury Direct Rates - Treasury Bills

Recent US Treasury Bill Auction Results

Security Term	Issue Date	Maturity Date	Discount Rate %	Investment Rate %	CUSIP
4-WEEK	11-28-2008	12-26-2008	0.050	0.051	912795J44
13-WEEK	11-28-2008	02-26-2009	0.150	0.152	912795K59
26-WEEK	11-28-2008	05-28-2009	0.490	0.498	912795M24
328-DAY	11-28-2008	10-22-2009	1.000	1.021	912795S44
4-WEEK	11-20-2008	12-18-2008	0.100	0.101	912795J36
13-WEEK	11-20-2008	02-19-2009	0.150	0.152	912795K42
26-WEEK	11-20-2008	05-21-2009	0.840	0.855	912795L90
52-WEEK	11-20-2008	11-19-2009	1.040	1.063	912795S51
254-DAY	11-18-2008	07-30-2009	1.050	1.071	912795Q95
182-DAY	11-14-2008	05-15-2009	0.990	1.009	912795V32
4-WEEK	11-13-2008	12-11-2008	0.070	0.071	912795J28
13-WEEK	11-13-2008	02-12-2009	0.355	0.360	912795K34
26-WEEK	11-13-2008	05-14-2009	0.990	1.009	912795L82
4-WEEK	11-06-2008	12-04-2008	0.320	0.325	912795H95
77-DAY	11-06-2008	01-22-2009	0.420	0.426	912795J85
13-WEEK	11-06-2008	02-05-2009	0.530	0.538	912795K26
26-WEEK	11-06-2008	05-07-2009	1.100	1.122	912795L74
238-DAY	11-06-2008	07-02-2009	1.330	1.358	912795Q87
4-WEEK	10-30-2008	11-28-2008	0.440	0.446	912795H87
64-DAY	10-30-2008	01-02-2009	0.700	0.711	912795J51
13-WEEK	10-30-2008	01-29-2009	0.900	0.915	912795J93
26-WEEK	10-30-2008	04-30-2009	1.400	1.430	912795L66
4-WEEK	10-23-2008	11-20-2008	0.700	0.710	912795H79
13-WEEK	10-23-2008	01-22-2009	1.250	1.271	912795J85
98-DAY	10-23-2008	01-29-2009	1.240	1.261	912795J93
26-WEEK	10-23-2008	04-23-2009	1.800	1.842	912795L58
52-WEEK	10-23-2008	10-22-2009	1.720	1.767	912795S44
225-DAY	10-22-2008	06-04-2009	1.600	1.636	912795Q79
74-DAY	10-20-2008	01-02-2009	0.800	0.812	912795J51
94-DAY	10-20-2008	01-22-2009	0.930	0.945	912795J85
191-DAY	10-20-2008	04-29-2009	1.350	1.378	912795T92
247-DAY	10-20-2008	06-24-2009	1.350	1.379	912795U25
4-WEEK	10-16-2008	11-13-2008	0.100	0.101	912795H61
63-DAY	10-16-2008	12-18-2008	0.490	0.497	912795J36
13-WEEK	10-16-2008	01-15-2009	0.500	0.508	912795J77
26-WEEK	10-16-2008	04-16-2009	1.100	1.122	912795L41
97-DAY	10-10-2008	01-15-2009	0.800	0.813	912795J77
4-WEEK	10-09-2008	11-06-2008	0.680	0.690	912795H53
63-DAY	10-09-2008	12-11-2008	0.770	0.782	912795J28
13-WEEK	10-09-2008	01-08-2009	0.460	0.467	912795J69

Effective with the 11/2/98 auction, all bills are auctioned using the single-priced method.