Particle.news

Download on the App Store

U.S. Treasury Market Faces Turbulence as Tariff Policies and Hedge Fund Unwindings Shake Stability

Volatility surges in bond markets as Trump's tariff adjustments and forced sales of Treasuries disrupt traditional safe-haven dynamics.

Janet Yellen speaks to the New York Association for Business Economics on the Biden-Harris Administration's Economic Record, in New York City, U.S., January 15, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo
Treasuries are still a safe haven—but with an asterisk
Image
Image

Overview

  • U.S. Treasury yields have risen unusually during stock sell-offs, breaking their traditional role as a safe haven for investors.
  • Trump's recent tariff adjustments, including a 90-day reprieve for most countries but increased levies on Chinese goods, have added uncertainty to the bond market.
  • The forced unwinding of hedge fund strategies, such as basis trades, has triggered rapid sell-offs, further destabilizing the market.
  • Concerns grow over potential reductions in U.S. Treasury purchases by major foreign investors, including Japan and China, due to shifting trade dynamics.
  • Financial advisors recommend defensive portfolio adjustments, such as investing in TIPS, short-term Treasuries, and buffer ETFs, to mitigate risks from ongoing volatility.