USD Rates: USTs bid as sentiment sours
Yields fell quickly.
Group Research - Econs, Eugene Leow2 Aug 2024
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US Treasuries got bid as sentiment sours, driving 10Y US yields below 4% for the first time since early February. Frontend yields also declined, with the market pricing in more than three cuts this year (suggesting that the odds of a 50bps cut at one of the remaining FOMC meetings is being considered by participants). The initial trigger for lower yields was jobless claims (actual: 249k, consensus:236k) and ISM employment (actual: 43.4, consensus: 49.2). However, there was follow through as all three major US stock indices pushed lower through the trading session. Notably, this sentiment deterioration drove the VIX above 18. Meanwhile, a broader measure of financial conditions also points to some stresses in the credit space.

We are somewhat wary that yields have fallen this quickly and, at these levels, are arguably braced for a weaker set of NFP (consensus: 175k) and higher unemployment rate (consensus: 4.1%) tonight. 2Y yields are close to support at 4.1%. However, with lacklustre sentiment, weak data would likely embolden bond bulls to push yields lower. We prefer to stay sidelined on levels, but stick with our steepening call for the curve. We also note downside risks to our forecasts, noting that the odds of a faster recalibration cycle has ticked up. 


Eugene Leow

Senior Rates Strategist - G3 & Asia
[email protected]

 


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