US Treasury Quarterly Portfolio Yield

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds useful behavioral context: default returns 8 most recent quarters, provides an example yield, and notes no-auth/commercial-use status. It does not disclose pagination or update cadence, but the output schema and annotations lower the burden.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is about four sentences and front-loads the core purpose, followed by default behavior, example, and source/legal notes. Each sentence adds some value, though the example and source lines could be considered optional. It is reasonably concise and well-ordered.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only data retrieval tool with one optional parameter, output schema, and strong annotations, the description covers default behavior, example, use case, and licensing. It leaves out only minor details like how 'most recent' is calculated, but the schema and output schema cover the needed invocation details.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already fully describes the 'limit' parameter (range, default, meaning). The description's reference to default quarters reiterates schema content without adding new parameter-level meaning. Baseline 3 applies because schema coverage is 100%.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb ('Get'), a clear resource ('quarterly average yield of the US Treasury securities portfolio') and scope ('Uniform Treasury Tax and Loan Program'). It provides a concrete example and source identifier. It does not explicitly name or contrast sibling tools such as treasuryfiscal.rates.interest or treasuryfiscal.debt.current, but the resource is specific enough to stand out among siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description includes a use case ('useful for tracking long-term trends in the cost of US government borrowing') and notes the default behavior. It does not explicitly state when to prefer this tool over sibling treasuryfiscal tools or provide exclusions, but the context is clear enough for an agent to infer appropriate usage.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.