Thursday, October 20, 2011

US Term Structure

Coming into "twist," Sep/21, we advised owning the curve, looking for an expansion (contrary to Fed intent). Instead, 2 - 10 for example, at +178 pre-announcement, contracted to 169 by the end of the day. On Sep/22, it printed +160. Not a satisfactory experience as we were rolled by the mkt crowd so that traders, depending on risk control, would most likely have to realize a loss.

Investors were advised to sit still as nothing had changed. Dynamics for expansion remained in place.

Next, in an Oct/11 update we told clients to continue to look for cheaper prices, US debt, and a more expanded curve, especially 2 - 30. The 10 yr then 2.14%, 2 - 10, +184, 2 - 30, +276. Last, 2.20%, +192, +294.

Most feel still that the consistent right trade on Europe is to position for disappointment. We have disagreed (see our 10/9 piece - Kicking The Can). There will be more US price pressures than expected over the intermediate term; there will be more consumer activity and employment activity than expected over the intermediate term. Thus, the course-of-least-resistance for the US curve to remain steeper, even now. This defines the landscape ahead.

Clients are left to their own devices to best lever this reality.
 

Robert Craven
 

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