U.S. rates have moved substantially higher in the past few weeks, advancing a trend that’s seen Treasury yields rise from historic lows amid the depths of the pandemic last year. As markets try to gauge whether economic growth and inflation could accelerate more quickly than anticipated in 2021, many investors are left wondering whether rates will climb further in the near term. We think upward pressure on inflation is likely to be relatively contained as the global economy continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, and that yields on longer-dated bonds should stay broadly bounded within recent ranges as central banks keep short-term policy rates anchored near zero.
While there were several catalysts for the bond market sell-off that began in February, which saw 10-year Treasury yields reach the highest levels in about a year, concerns about inflation expectations played a large role. The U.S. yield curve steepened as longer-dated rates rose more than short-dated ones, typically signaling higher expectations for economic expansion and inflation down the road. Although such periodic sharp rate increases can be painful in the short term for bond portfolios, the opportunity for yields to reset higher can offer attractive entry points for active fund managers like PIMCO, and ultimately provide higher income and return potential for investors. Passive funds that track a benchmark may be locked into certain investments even as rates rise, giving active managers with broader, more flexible mandates room to outperform.
The magnitude of fiscal stimulus and accommodative monetary policy in response to the pandemic has positioned 2021 to be a recovery year, alongside vaccine rollouts that should help the U.S. and the world rebound from the negative effects of COVID-19 on economic activity and employment. We are cautiously optimistic on the pace of that recovery (see this January 2021 blog post). We remain alert to the potential implications for price growth, yet we don’t see a substantial risk of a rapid acceleration in inflation, particularly in the near term. There are still several potent forces in place that could curb wage gains and keep inflation in check, even as the Federal Reserve and other central banks maintain low rates and bond-buying programs, and as the U.S. government expands fiscal stimulus spending.
Sustained inflation typically occurs after the economy is operating at full capacity and wage pressures take hold. The pandemic has dented output and demand, while unemployment – though it continues to decline from peak levels early last year – may remain elevated by longer-term standards. Consumer price inflation is likely to climb only moderately this year and could continue to lag behind target levels for the Fed and other central banks. Labor market slack (as discussed in this February 24 blog post) will make wage growth difficult, while factors such as demographic trends and technological innovation are also poised to restrain inflation.
The extent of the bond market sell-off in early 2021 suggests inflation expectations may have run too far, too fast. With a more balanced outlook for inflation, and after the yield curve has steepened significantly in recent months, there may be limitations on how much further yields can climb for now. While it’s certainly possible that rates could still drift somewhat higher, actively managing exposures allows us the ability to build some resiliency and still capitalize on higher yields. With every rise in yields, value is being created for longer-term, income-oriented investors and those looking to diversify a broader asset allocation, particularly with equity valuations near historical highs.
Marc Seidner is CIO Non-traditional Strategies.
DISCLOSURES
All investments contain risk and may lose value. Investing in the bond market is subject to risks, including market, interest rate, issuer, credit, inflation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of most bonds and bond strategies are impacted by changes in interest rates. Bonds and bond strategies with longer durations tend to be more sensitive and volatile than those with shorter durations; bond prices generally fall as interest rates rise, and low interest rate environments increase this risk. Reductions in bond counterparty capacity may contribute to decreased market liquidity and increased price volatility. Bond investments may be worth more or less than the original cost when redeemed.
Statements concerning financial market trends or portfolio strategies are based on current market conditions, which will fluctuate. There is no guarantee that these investment strategies will work under all market conditions or are appropriate for all investors and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. Outlook and strategies are subject to change without notice.
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