US Treasury futures were lower for the third day running amid fresh signs of economic expansion, putting the yield of the benchmark 10-yr Notes on the cusp of rising above 3% for the first time in two years. According to ADP, Thursday, the US added 176,000 jobs in August. A key gauge of the US service sector (ISM Non-Mfg PMI) rose to its highest level since 08’. The consensus is the pace of US economic growth is gaining momentum potentially clearing the way for the Fed to start curtailing its monthly bond purchases. Fridays NFP # is viewed as the next key catalyst and then a FOMC policy meeting shortly thereafter where the Fed could signal a reduction of their bond purchases, currently at $85B monthly.
Already Priced In
The bottom line is that regardless of what end of the curve, yields have increased primary because the markets have priced in how long the Fed will keep the current program at hand. The sharp rise in yields since May has caught many an investor off guard fueling a mass exodus from fixed income and it has been like a snowball rolling down a hill. Since the start of June approximately $120B in cash has fled the debt sector, according to TrimTabs Investment Research. It is estimated that $1.2T flowed into bond funds between 09’-12’ so this would represent a 10% haircut in the last few months with no end in sight.
I think traders should continue with their bearish bias. Below you will see three charts: 30-yr bonds, 10-yr notes and Eurodollars.
- My Favored Play: Bearish exposure in the short end of the curve-Eurodollars.
Look to continue fading rallies in these instruments, clients that are building short length in futures could partially hedge their open profits by purchasing out of the money calls. I do think traders should hold bearish trades into the coming FOMC meeting…approximately two weeks out.