Market Review
The 10-year Treasury rate hovered in a stable range for most of January, but was book-ended by significant rallies at the beginning and end of the month. Weak data out of China and a lousy ISM Manufacturing report got the ball rolling on January 2. The rally ended quickly, as the employment report on the 4th helped positively change market sentiment.
Read more2018 brought a host of challenges as geopolitical events, policy upheavals, and changing economic conditions buffeted the markets. Volatility, and lots of it, was pervasive, with several prominent themes rotating through the headlines and contributing to the unsettled markets.
Read moreAfter an uptick to 3.23% early in the month, the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate fell significantly and closed the period at 2.98%. The yield curve flattened; particularly noticeable was the 2- to 5-year segment which is now nearly flat. Ten-year Treasury Inflation Protected Securities breakeven spreads fell to 196 basis points (bps) from 206 the month prior, as core PCE fell below 2.0%.
Read moreEquity markets dominated the news in October, with a broad-based sell-off and high volatility through most of the month, despite generally positive earnings reports. Treasury bond prices broke the pattern of responding positively to poor equity performance. Instead, yields rose significantly early in the month.
Read moreAs the summer months got under way, it seemed as though the fixed income markets would enjoy a peaceful respite from the tumultuous first half of 2018. Alas, it was not to be. The bond market found itself buffeted by economic data as well as global/political events.
Read moreAgainst a backdrop of record setting equity markets, sinking emerging market currencies, potential trade wars (and resolutions thereof), strong corporate profits, and solid domestic economic growth, bond markets were fairly sanguine during the month of August. The 10-year U.S. Treasury note closed the month at a yield of 2.84%, about 12 basis points (bps) lower than where it began. The 2-year note fell 5 bps, as the yield curve maintained its flattening trend.
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