Highlights
Thin late August markets are making for soft Treasury auctions. Coverage for today's $36 billion 5-year auction was solid at 2.83 but the offering size was the smallest of the year at $36 billion. The auction shows a one basis point tail, posting a stop-out rate of 1.374 percent vs. a 1:00 bid of 1.365 percent. Buyside participation was respectable with non-dealers taking 57 percent of the auction, only slightly lower than the July auction. The Treasury closes out another heavy week of supply tomorrow with a $29 billion 7-year auction.
It looks like non-competitive, non-dealer buying was a bit heavier, indicating that individuals are stretching a bit for yield. Still, at 1.375% yield, the after-tax real yield (subtracting for inflation) is negative. This issue came with a coupon of 1.25% and, therefore, because it had a yield of 1.3774%, was sold at a discount. This is now the so-called "on-the-run" 5-year Treasury note. Using the same drop down list as for the calendar and clicking on "Rates & Bonds" gets you to a complete list of on-the-run issue
s and what is called the "Treasury Yield Curve": Click Image to Enlarge. Note the discounted price of the new 5-year and its yield-to-maturity of 1.37%.
How very disappointing that the post-inflation, after tax yield is negative. Overall, this is very grim indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is grim. It gets people to take on more risk than they would otherwise.
ReplyDeleteSome 5 year CDs currently yield 2.9%..... that sounds like a better deal to me.
ReplyDeletere Grouch: I pretty much agree although be careful of the bank. Funds could be tied up if bank goes under. Also they aren't as liquid. With the Treasuries you can ride the yield curve if rates don't change. Next year this time the 5 year will be a 4 year and priced according to the 4 year rate which may be lower in yield.
ReplyDelete