The impact of any type of yield curve shift can be quantified using key rate durations. A level shift can be quantified by changing all key rate by the same number of basis points and determining, based on the corresponding key rate durations, the effect on the value of a portfolio. The impact of a steepening of a steepening of the yield curve can be found by (1) decreasing the key rate at the short end of the yield curve and determining the positive change in the portfolio’s value using the corresponding key rate durations, and (2) increasing the key rates at the long end of the yield curve and determining the negative change in the portfolio’s value using the corresponding key rate durations.