Surging U.S. Treasury yields are causing concern among investors as they wonder how much it will impact the rally in stocks and speculative assets, with the S&P 500, technology sector, bitcoin, and high-growth names all experiencing losses; rising rates are making it more difficult for borrowers and increasing the appeal of risk-free Treasury yields.
The recent spike in U.S. bond yields is not driven by inflation expectations but by economic resilience and high bond supply, according to bond fund managers, with factors such as the Bank of Japan allowing yields to rise and an increase in the supply of U.S. government bonds playing a larger role.
Investors are turning to high-yield cash alternatives, such as savings accounts and bonds, which offer returns of over 5% and are outperforming the S&P 500, prompting some to reconsider their exposure to the stock market's volatility.
US Treasuries are attracting investors despite the possibility of interest rate hikes, as the potential income from high yields outweighs the potential losses from rate increases.
Despite the appearance of a "Goldilocks" economy, with falling inflation and strong economic growth, rising yields on American government bonds are posing a threat to financial stability, particularly in the commercial property market, where owners may face financial distress due to a combination of rising interest rates and remote work practices. This situation could also impact other sectors and lenders exposed to commercial real estate.
Amid indications that the bond market is betting on higher interest rates for a longer period, some investors are placing bets on the economy hitting a wall and a potential reversal in policy in the near future.
