Beyond the Headlines

November 18, 2019 HeadlinesTreasuries are little changed to start the week following a quiet weekend news cycle, particularly on the trade front. That said, Reuters is reporting that the White House is set to issue a 90-day extension that would allow U.S. companies to...

November 15, 2019 HeadlinesTreasury yields are drifting higher this morning following a relatively quiet overnight session. S&P 500 futures are currently up 0.27%. There were positive trade comments from White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow last night, saying...

November 14, 2019 HeadlinesNegative trade headlines are pressuring equities and Treasury yields lower this morning. The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday afternoon that U.S. and Chinese officials have hit a “snag” over agricultural purchases. President Trump has...

November 13, 2019 HeadlinesGlobal risk markets struggled overnight in response to President Trump’s comments on US/China trade yesterday. Treasury yields are 2-6 bps lower across the curve, and S&P 500 futures are currently down 0.3%. Trump threatened higher...

November 12, 2019 HeadlinesUS Treasuries traded in a narrow range over the long holiday weekend with yields settling 1bps lower across the curve. Positive developments on the US/China trade war was the primary catalyst for the move for stocks and bonds last week....

November 8, 2019 HeadlinesTreasury prices were higher overnight as foreign investors stepped up purchases of U.S. debt following yesterday’s sharp sell-off. However, in early New York trading, Treasuries have given up those gains, and yields are drifting higher again...

November 7, 2019 HeadlinesUS Treasury yields are higher this morning following optimistic comments from the China Commerce Ministry. Headlines earlier in the week have expressed doubt that a preliminary deal will be signed as the two countries continue to disagree on...

November 6, 2019 HeadlinesTreasury yields turned lower this morning following the first decline in U.S. productivity since Q4 2015. Employee output per hour fell 0.3% annualized in Q3 according to a Labor Department report, sparking concerns that the economy may be...

November 5, 2019 HeadlinesTreasury yields are up another 4-6 bps this morning as the tone in risk market improves further. Equity markets continue to trade favorably in anticipation of a phase one U.S./China trade deal this month, with reports surfacing overnight that...

November 4, 2019 HeadlinesPositive trade headlines are boosting risk assets and pushing Treasury prices lower this morning.  Yields are up 3-6 bps, and the curve is modestly steeper. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross expressed optimism that a phase one trade deal with...

November 1, 2019 HeadlinesAlthough most of Europe was on holiday, US Treasuries were weaker following a better than expected US jobs report despite the effects of the GM strike and layoffs related to 2020 census workers. The headline number showed non-farm payrolls...

October 31, 2019 HeadlinesThe FOMC decided to cut the fed funds rate for the third straight meeting which was widely expected by market participants. In the following press conference, Chairman Powell alluded that the Fed is on hold unless there is “a material...

October 30, 2019 HeadlinesTrading activity continues to be light as market participants patiently wait for the FOMC to conclude their policy meeting this afternoon. Officials are expected to cut interest rates for the third straight meeting to provide insurance...

October 29, 2019 HeadlinesActivity was light overnight ahead of key events later in the week that includes the FOMC decision, GDP release and jobs report. S&P500 futures are set to open slightly lower after closing yesterday at an all time high and US Treasury...

October 28, 2019 HeadlinesPositive headlines on both the US China trade war and Brexit lead to a risk-on sentiment pushing US Treasury yields and equities higher this morning. China released a statement that said the first phase of the trade deal is “basically...

October 25, 2019 HeadlinesUS Treasury prices are slightly higher this morning after trading in a tight range overnight on low volume. Business sentiment in Germany rebounded from a decade low, providing optimism following a string of weak economic data points....

October 24, 2019 HeadlinesUS Treasury yields fluctuated overnight on notably weak volume and ended unchanged to start the morning. The European Central Bank (ECB) decided to hold rates constant which was widely expected by the market. In what will be Mario Draghi’s...

October 23, 2019 HeadlinesThe US Treasury curve bull steepened overnight as Brexit uncertainty continues to drive the risk-off sentiment. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal was endorsed for the first time but in a vote minutes later, rejected the plan...

October 22, 2019 HeadlinesBrexit headlines are driving a bid for Treasuries this morning, with yields 3 bps lower across the curve. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s deal to withdraw from the EU will be voted on later today by parliament, and if it does not pass,...

October 21, 2019 HeadlinesA positive tone in risk markets to start the week is pushing Treasury yields higher this morning. S&P 500 futures are currently up 0.4%, and all major global equity indices are in positive territory on the day. A top Chinese official said...