Global Fund's Stance on U.S. Bonds
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The global landscape of financial investments is continually evolving, with U.STreasuries standing as a prominent choice among overseas investors despite the tumultuous market conditionsMajor fund management companies across Europe, Australia, and even Japan uniformly echo a sentiment: the resilience of American debt is difficult to undermineThis consensus is particularly intriguing when considering recent market fluctuations and historical economic trends.
Only four months prior, market analyst JD Wans highlighted concerns regarding potential yield hikes which could send U.Sbonds into a so-called "death spiral.” Fast forward to today, and a wave of corporate optimism has emergedFirms like Legal & General Investment Management and Amundi SA are choosing to cautiously invest under the belief that the new administration will steer fiscal policy in a favorable direction.
Despite the current bear market surrounding U.S
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Treasuries—marked historically as one of the most challenging periods for American debt—an array of investors continue to find compelling reasons to buyThe allure stems largely from the relatively high yields of U.Sbonds compared to those from countries like Japan, where returns are notably lowerAustralia's pension industry, thriving and robust, further exemplifies this trend by consistently increasing their stakes in U.Sbonds each month, showcasing their unwavering belief in the liquidity and depth of the U.SmarketThis positions America as a more secure bet, especially when contrasted with European sovereign markets that are grappling with their own financial challenges.
Investor confidence received a boost with the nomination of hedge fund manager Bessent to the role of Treasury Secretary, which entails oversight of government bond salesHe is set to undergo confirmation hearings this Thursday, promising a potential strategy that incorporates tax cuts, controlled spending, deregulation, and a focus on cheap energy to help shrink the deficit relative to GDP
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Chris Jeffery, the macro strategy head at Legal & General Investment Management, remarked, "The risks of a ‘death spiral’ loom over any bond market where rising yields and increasing debt forecasts lock investors in a detrimental loop." Yet he added a note of optimism, stating that the incoming Treasury Secretary's aspirations to lower the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2028 could dispel any fears and encourage bond investors to remain engaged rather than withdraw.
International investors are playing an increasingly critical role in the U.Sdebt marketAccording to the latest figures from the U.Sgovernment, foreign entities held approximately $7.33 trillion in long-term U.Sgovernment debt as of late October last year, accounting for around one-third of the total outstanding debtThis figure hovered just below a record $7.43 trillion set in September, highlighting a steadfast interest in American bonds amidst uncertainty.
The ongoing debate among investors concerning whether to maintain or increase their holdings in U.S
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Treasuries pivots on the realization that the federal deficit has reached its highest levels outside of crises like the pandemic and the global financial meltdownThis scenario has resulted in numerous signals indicating rising investor anxietyThe yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond surged over one percentage point from a low last September, threatening to break through the psychologically significant 5% mark once more.
In a surprising turn influenced by the latest U.Sinflation data, however, the yield on the 10-year Treasuries fell by 14 basis points on Wednesday to 4.65%, marking a noticeable decline for the first time in nine days.
Japanese investors, known to be significant holders of U.STreasuries, recognize the escalating risks yet continue to exhibit appetite for American debtNaomi Fink, Chief Global Strategist at Nomura Asset Management based in Tokyo, attributed this phenomenon to a widespread belief that American debt markets are too expansive and liquid, making the U.S.'s ability to support its debts deeply entrenched within the global financial framework.
Fink noted, “In our core scenario, we foresee an orderly adjustment in Treasury yields
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However, the likelihood for a more disruptive adjustment, while still low, has increased.” For Japanese entities, another appealing factor is the exposure to the consistently robust dollarIt is predicted that funds in Japan will enjoy a 12% return from their unhedged investments in U.STreasuries in 2024, with a significant portion of that figure attributed to the dollar's appreciation.
European investors, too, maintain an optimistic outlook regarding U.Sdebt, contending that a spike in yields is unlikely, especially given America's dependency on global investors' supportAnne Beaudu, Global Head of Overall Strategy at Amundi in Paris, commented that market expectations indicate that the new administration could fuel both economic growth and inflation, resulting in a steeper yield curve that, paradoxically, enhances the appeal of U.Sbonds.
“At these levels, American bonds appear increasingly attractive,” Beaudu elaborated
“Rising yields will ultimately impact growth prospects or the performance of risk assetsHowever, until further clarity is provided on the American agenda, the market is likely to remain cautious.”
As the volume of U.Sdebt continues to rise, it prompts some global funds to adopt a more cautious stance regarding their investments in American bondsFurthermore, the data released in October indicated that the budget deficit soared to $1.83 trillion for the fiscal year ending in SeptemberShould the government follow through on promises of tax cuts and increased spending, the deficit is expected to expand even further.
RBC BlueBay Asset Management's Senior Portfolio Manager, Kaspar Hense, remarked, “With a surge in new bond issuances flooding the market, the yield curve is likely to remain very steep, imposing additional downward pressure on Treasuries.” He drew parallels to the tumult experienced during the premiership of former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss in 2022, suggesting the potential for U.S
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