USA Treasury yields saw minimal movement early on Monday after the extended Easter weekend, with the 10-year yield remaining flat while the 2-year yield dipped slightly. Investors are responding to the latest data on inflation, which indicates that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. Analysts have varying opinions on the Fed’s future actions, with some forecasting no rate cuts this year and others anticipating more decisive measures. This week’s market focus will be on USA Treasury auctions, ISM manufacturing data, construction spending figures, and the upcoming March jobs report.
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The 10-year USA Treasury yield was flat early on Monday following the long Easter weekend, while the 2-year yield was marginally lower.
The benchmark rate was trading around 4.2004% at 4:25 a.m. ET. The yield on the 2-year USA Treasury note was 2 basis points lower at 4.5972%.
Yields and prices move in opposite directions and one basis point equals 0.01%.
Markets are reacting for the first time to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ personal consumption expenditures reading for February — the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge — released on Friday. Excluding food and energy, the PCE rose by 2.8% on a 12-month basis and was 0.3% higher from a month earlier, meeting expectations.
The figures will likely add to the belief that the Federal Reserve will hold off on cutting rates at its next meeting. The CME Group’s FedWatch Tool shows that traders are expecting the Fed to stand pat in May, and are pricing in around a 55% chance of a cut to interest rates in June.
On Wednesday last week, Fed Governor Christopher Waller insisted there was “there is no rush to cut the policy rate.” He said recent data indicated it was “prudent to hold this rate at its current restrictive stance perhaps for longer than previously thought to help keep inflation on a sustainable trajectory toward 2 percent.”
His comments come amid a growing sense that the Fed could keep rates at their current level for longer than expected.
Steven Blitz, chief U.S. economist at TS Lombard, last week told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Thursday that the likelihood of one or no Fed interest rate cuts this year was looking “pretty good.”
Blitz said markets would continue to march higher, however, even if the Fed decides not to impose any interest rate cuts this year.
However, Canaccord Genuity’s Tony Dwyer said he thinks a deteriorating jobs market and easing inflation will ultimately push the Fed to act.
“I’m not saying that they have to go back to zero, but they have to be more aggressive,” the firm’s chief market strategist told CNBC’s “Fast Money” on Thursday. “One of the most aggressive topics that I talk to clients about is how bad the incoming data is.”
There will be 13-week and 26-week USA Treasury auctions on Monday, as well as the ISM manufacturing figures for March and construction spending for February. Later in the week, the jobs report for March is slated for Friday and will be closely watched.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What are USA Treasury yields?
USA Treasury yields represent the return on investment for U.S. government debt securities. They are a key indicator of economic sentiment and can influence borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.
How do Treasury yields impact the economy?
Changes in Treasury yields can affect interest rates on various financial products, including mortgages, car loans, and savings accounts. They also reflect investor confidence in the economy and government stability.
Why are investors closely monitoring inflation data?
Inflation data, such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ personal consumption expenditures reading, provides insights into the purchasing power of consumers and the overall health of the economy. High inflation rates may prompt central banks like the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to control inflation.
What factors influence the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates?
The Federal Reserve considers various economic indicators, including inflation, unemployment, and GDP growth, when making decisions on interest rates. Additionally, Fed officials assess global economic conditions and geopolitical events.
What impact do Treasury auctions have on financial markets?
Treasury auctions involve the issuance of new government debt securities to finance federal spending. The results of these auctions can affect Treasury yields and bond prices, influencing broader financial markets and investor sentiment.
