spot rates vs forward rates

Hi,
I understand how to compute forward rates given a spot rates over future periods of time. However, I am not able to interpret a comparison given a spot curve and forward curve, say for interest rates with 1 month to 15 year maturities. So my question is how do I compare the two curves? What extra information is embedded in forward curve?

S

 

Seek ye the "Understanding the Yield Curve" series of papers by Antti Ilmanen of ol' Solly. I think I may have posted a link in one of the threads here some time in the past. Part I has the answers to your question. Otherwise, Tuckman's "Fixed Income Securities" is very good as well.

 

Thank you. Can you post the link if possible. I cannot find these papers online.

 

Try here:
http://www.wilmott.com/messageview.cfm?catid=11&threadid=7633

 

do u know where 7-12 is?

 

They don't exist...