- Treasury prices fell and yields rose after a CNN report said Joe Biden could launch a stimulus package worth $US2 trillion, causing investors to brace for more bond issuance and higher inflation.
- US stocks were set for a mixed start as markets awaited the details of Biden’s plan and mulled over the spread of coronavirus.
- Chinese stocks tumbled as coronavirus cases rose, but oil prices climbed as traders looked towards a vaccine-driven economic recovery.
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US Treasury prices slipped on Thursday after a CNN report said President-elect Joe Biden was mulling a $US2 trillion stimulus bill, while stocks were set to open slightly higher on Wall Street. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note – which moves inversely to its price – rose 1.2 basis points to 1.1%. Yields were up on Treasuries from the 3-year note to the 30-year bond, as investors bet more stimulus would lead to more issuance of government debt and higher inflation. The S&P 500 was set to open slightly higher, with futures up 0.22%. Dow Jones futures were 0.31% higher but Nasdaq futures were up just 0.02%. The second impeachment of US President Donald Trump did little to market sentiment, with investors instead focused on stimulus and the Federal Reserve. On Wednesday the S&P 500 closed 0.23% higher, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq advanced 0.43%. The Dow Jones closed 0.03% lower, as cyclical stocks underperformed growth companies. Biden is expected to lay out his plans later in the day in Wilmington, Delaware. His advisors have told allies the total package could come to around $US2 trillion, two people briefed on the plans told CNN. David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets, said: “Essentially, the markets have been in a holding pattern for the past three days as dealers have been waiting to hear from Mr Biden. “To an extent, a large amount of positive news has been factored into stocks and commodities.” Bond yields have marched higher, while prices have fallen in recent weeks. Investors expect the government to issue another wave of bonds to fund extra stimulus, pushing up supply. Markets are also betting stimulus will help growth and inflation. That pushes down bond prices and pushes up yields as low-yielding bonds look less attractive, especially compared to stocks.
“With President-elect Biden shooting for the moon on stimulus, and China data suggesting its economic juggernaut remains on track, financial markets should enter the last part of the week on a positive frame of mind,” said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at currency broker Oanda.
“Any rise in US yields and the US dollar should not be enough to derail further rallies in equity markets and support energy.”