Treasuries Plummet as UK Selloff Fears Spill Over Amid Fresh Fiscal Worries

Treasuries Plummet as UK Selloff Fears Spill Over Amid Fresh Fiscal Worries

Global Fiscal Concerns Weigh on US Treasuries Ahead of Pivotal Jobs Report

As the global economy continues to grapple with uncertainty, fresh fiscal concerns have sparked a selloff in the UK bond market, causing US Treasuries to slip ahead of a pivotal jobs report. The recent developments have reignited questions over the nation's fiscal position, both in the UK and the US.

Fiscal Concerns in the UK

The UK bond market has been hit hard by concerns over Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves' future, leading to a sharp increase in yields on 30-year gilts. This move was partly due to the impact of Brexit and the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation. The yield on 30-year gilts jumped significantly, adding to the already-existing fiscal concerns.

Similar Concerns in the US

Similarly, concerns about the outlook in the US have been growing, with the Senate passing President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill. This legislation would add an estimated $3.4 trillion to the nation's debt over a decade, sparking worries among investors about the long-term fiscal implications.

Investor Reaction

According to Zachary Griffiths, head of investment-grade and macroeconomic strategy at CreditSights, "investors are already pricing in the One Big Beautiful Bill, at least in some form." He further noted that there will be more supply from the US and concerns fiscally across the globe, including in the UK.

Recalibrating Market Views

Bloomberg strategists point out that with both UK and US fiscal trajectories in the spotlight, markets are recalibrating their view of the term premium. This adjustment is taking place even as short-end expectations remain anchored by the potential for rate cuts.

Focus Shifts to Thursday's Jobs Report

Investors are shifting their focus to Thursday's jobs report, which will provide insight into US labor market conditions. If the data is weak enough, it could lead to an increase in wagers on at least two cuts this year, with the first coming in September.

Market Expectations

A "general softening trend among many labor market indicators is really the story," said Angelo Manolatos, a rates strategist at Wells Fargo. This softening likely puts the Fed in a position to cut rates later this year, likely starting in September.

Fed Cuts and Treasury Market Performance

The prospect of Fed cuts has propelled the Treasury market in June to its best monthly performance since February. Yields dropped last week to their lowest level in more than a month. Open interest data shows traders added new long positions into the recent bond market rally.

Material Increase in Unemployment Rate

"If there's a material increase in the unemployment rate it will change the calculus in the market's mind about the timing and pace of rate cuts," said Dominic Konstam, head of macro strategy at Mizuho Securities USA.

Conclusion

The recent developments in the global economy have highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding fiscal policy. As investors continue to monitor the situation, they are shifting their focus to Thursday's jobs report, which will provide crucial insight into US labor market conditions. The prospect of Fed cuts has already had a significant impact on the Treasury market, and it remains to be seen how the data from the jobs report will influence market expectations.