First there are fundamental reasons for lower yields from current levels: Yes, the economic situation is getting less bad compared to Q408/Q109 but any positive growth momentum will remain dependent on macro-economic stimulus for a prolonged period of time. The most likely scenario is that following a move back into positive territory during H209, growth will oscillate around 0% for several more quarters. Furthermore, despite all the talk about inflation being around the corner, I remain unconvinced. The deflationary impetus of the private sector deleveraging is far from having run its course (see for example the previous post: consumer deleveraging spiral still getting worse). I am not yet concerned about the balance sheet lengthening of for example the US Fed as velocity of money is falling. Furthermore, most of the expansionary monetary policy measures can be reverted relatively easily (I am more concerned about the size of the budget deficit as history shows that it is much more difficult to reduce the cyclically adjusted fiscal deficit).
So overall, I expect nominal GDP (which shows a good long-term relationship with nominal yields, see chart) to remain subdued for a prolonged period of time. In turn, longer-dated UST yields should remain relatively low as well. 10y UST yields of close to 4% do not fit with the outlook for nominal GDP growth of below 4% for the next several quarters.
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Finally, I think that we have touched a major correction level in 10y Bunds this week, the 50% Fibonacci retracement of the Jul08-Mar09 upward move. This Fibonacci level is on the adjusted future chart at 117.44. The bund future traded down to 117.47 on Monday and to 117.52 today.
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