The recent surge in bond yields has left bond investors facing a crucial decision – how much risk should they take in Treasuries? With 10-year yields at the highest level in over a decade and the Federal Reserve signaling that it is close to finishing its rate hikes, this decision is becoming increasingly important.
For many portfolio managers, the debate now centers around how far to go in the opposite direction. Two-year yields have reached levels not seen since 2006, while 10-year yields surpassed 4.5% for the first time since 2007. The rising yields pose a risk to bond investors, particularly those invested in longer-dated maturities, which have experienced significant losses this year.
According to Ed Al-Hussainy, a global rates strategist at Columbia Threadneedle, the sweet spot for investors is in shorter-dated notes. These shorter maturities would likely perform well if the Federal Reserve shifts to rate cuts in the next couple of years. Additionally, they carry less risk compared to longer tenors, which have caused the most pain for bond investors in 2023.
However, to extend further out on the yield curve, investors would have to have a strong belief that the labor market is going to deteriorate. In that scenario, investors might bet on a recession, leading to a rally in Treasuries and substantial gains in longer maturities. However, with the job market remaining robust, this outcome seems unlikely in the near term.
The recent selloff in front-end Treasuries, driven by the Fed’s decision to keep rates unchanged and its outlook on inflation, suggests that even short maturities may not be immune from further losses. ING Financial Markets LLC predicts a further selloff that could drive 10-year yields to 5%.
Despite the risks, there are still some bond bulls who believe that longer-dated maturities are the place to be. These investors argue that rising borrowing costs are likely to hinder economic growth. For them, the current weakness in equities and rising oil prices justify their stance. However, they acknowledge the risk of additional losses.
For investors with a longer time horizon, longer-dated Treasuries offer attractive starting points for future returns, according to Michael Cudzil, a portfolio manager at Pacific Investment Management Co. However, the US fiscal deficits and the Fed’s reduction of its balance sheet complicate this long-term view.
Ultimately, the decision on how much risk to take in Treasuries depends on an investor’s time horizon and risk appetite. Shorter-dated maturities seem to be the safer option for now, but there are still opportunities in longer maturities for those willing to bear the risks. A steeper yield curve with elevated long-term rates may be the new normal in the bond market, even if the market becomes comfortable with the Fed pausing its rate hikes.
In the coming weeks, investors will be closely watching economic data, Fed calendar events, and auction calendars for further clues about the direction of Treasury yields. It remains to be seen how bond investors will navigate this challenging environment, but their decisions will play a crucial role in determining the future of the bond market.
In conclusion, bond investors are facing a critical decision on how much risk to take in Treasuries amid rising yields. Shorter-dated maturities offer some safety, while longer maturities provide potential for higher returns. The outcome depends on an investor’s time horizon and risk appetite, as well as economic data and central bank actions in the coming weeks.