U.S. Treasury prices declined ahead of key economic data releases, as markets anticipate renewed inflationary pressures that could dampen expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 1 basis point to 4.04%, snapping a three-day rally after hitting its lowest monthly level earlier this week.
The volatility comes as September's Producer Price Index (PPI) data approaches, with economists forecasting a potential month-over-month rebound. Traders currently price in an 80% probability of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut by December 10, though resurgent inflation could alter policy trajectories.
Anwiti Bahuguna, Global Co-CIO at Northern Trust Asset Management, suggested the delayed economic data due to the government shutdown might prompt a "preemptive rate cut" next month while awaiting clearer growth and inflation signals. "We're seeing rate cuts in an economy potentially reaccelerating," Bahuguna noted, warning that expanded fiscal spending in 2024 could pressure bond markets. She identified inflation resurgence as next year's "significant risk," maintaining underweight positions in conventional Treasuries while favoring inflation-protected securities.
Meanwhile, the Treasury will auction 5-year notes and reopen 2-year issuance on Tuesday, following tepid demand in Monday's 3-month and 6-month bill sales. Evelyne Gomez-Liechti, Mizuho Securities strategist, observed investors returning to risk assets after last week's避险 mood, cautioning that yields may retreat from current levels as the 10-year yield tests the psychologically significant 4% resistance level that capped gains in September and October.
Comments