USA TODAY - Treasury cuts minimum securities purchase to $100

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WASHINGTON

The Treasury Department deals in billions and even trillions of dollars, but it can think small, too.

Officials announced Friday that starting next month, individuals will be able to buy Treasury securities, including Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), in amounts as small as $100, down from the current minimum of $1,000.

GET MORE DETAILS: Treasury's press release

The change will take effect for the weekly auction of three-month and six-month Treasury bills that will be held April 7.

Treasury said the reduction in minimum bid amounts is being made possible by an improved processing system for government debt auctions. The hope is the reduction will attract smaller investors.

"U.S. Treasury securities, the world's safest, most liquid investments, should be accessible to the broadest universe of investors large and small," said Anthony Ryan, assistant Treasury secretary for financial markets. "Being able to buy securities in $100 increments adds a new degree of flexibility for all market participants."

The reduction in the minimum sales amount is the first since 1998, when the purchase amount was cut to $1,000. Before that time, the minimum purchase amount had been $10,000 for Treasury bills, which are securities with a maturity of one year or less, and $5,000 for Treasury notes with a maturity of up to four years.

Individuals can learn more about buying Treasury securities and buy them directly from the Treasury Department by going to www.treasurydirect.gov to open an online account.

Website address: http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/bonds/2008-03-21-treasury-securities-minimum_N.htm