On Monday, U.S. Treasury yields saw a slight increase as investors weighed the economic outlook and the possibility of an end to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate hiking cycle. At 3:31 a.m. ET, the 10-year Treasury yield was over three basis points higher at 4.4764%, up from the 4.379% low it briefly touched on Friday. The 2-year Treasury yield rose by less than one basis point to 4.9151%.
Investors have been considering the economic outlook and the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve, with hope growing that the central bank is done hiking rates. Last week, both the producer and consumer price index came in lower than expected, suggesting that inflation is easing and the Fed’s interest rate hikes are having their desired effect of cooling the economy. With the Fed due to meet in December, expectations are for interest rates to remain unchanged. Investors are also pondering when the Fed will begin cutting rates, something that Fed officials have not addressed in detail yet. However, many are hoping this may change based on recent economic data.
This month, bond markets will have a shortened week as they will remain closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving and close early on Friday.
Furthermore, investors are eagerly waiting for the release of minutes from the Fed’s last meeting which could provide more insight into their considerations and expectations regarding monetary policy decisions moving forward.
Overall, it appears that investors are becoming more optimistic about future interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve as they weigh various economic factors such as inflation and growth prospects.
It is important to note that yields and prices move in opposite directions and that a basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.