On Friday, U.S. Treasury yields declined as investors carefully considered the latest economic data and statements from Federal Reserve officials to assess the potential impact on monetary policy. At 4:20 a.m. ET, the yield on the 10-year Treasury dropped by more than five basis points to 4.5878%. The 2-year Treasury yield also fell by over two basis points to 4.9622%.
Investors closely monitored data on Treasury yields, including those for the 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 30-year Treasurys. They analyzed this information in light of recent economic updates and policymakers’ statements regarding interest rates.
Federal Reserve officials have suggested that interest rates may need to remain elevated for an extended period than previously anticipated. For example, New York Fed President John Williams stated on Thursday that there was no urgency to cut interest rates due to the strength of the economy. Other Fed officials like Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari also indicated that rate cuts may not come until year’s end or even as late as 2025.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions added volatility to financial markets with reports of Israel conducting a limited direct military attack on Iranian soil on Friday. This news came alongside unexpected strength seen in the Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing survey, which further influenced investors’ evaluations of various factors affecting the economy and financial markets.
Overall, investors are closely monitoring economic updates and policymakers’ statements regarding interest rates while also considering geopolitical tensions when making investment decisions related to treasury yields.