Xin Hua She·2025-05-22 08:06Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Congress's tax reform proposal is raising concerns about significantly increasing the federal deficit, leading to a rise in U.S. Treasury yields and a sell-off in the stock market [1][2]. Group 1: Market Reactions - The U.S. stock market experienced a notable decline on May 21, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 816.80 points to close at 41,860.44, a decrease of 1.91% [1]. - The S&P 500 index fell by 95.85 points to 5,844.61, down 1.61%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index decreased by 270.07 points to 18,872.64, a drop of 1.41% [1]. - The auction of $16 billion in 20-year Treasury bonds saw weak demand, resulting in a rise in bond yields, which negatively impacted the stock market [1]. Group 2: Treasury Yields - The 30-year Treasury yield surpassed 5% for the second time that week, closing at 5.09%, marking the highest level since October 2023 [2]. - The 10-year Treasury yield increased by 11 basis points to 4.6% on the same day [2]. - The yield on the 20-year Treasury bond reached 5.047%, the first time it has exceeded 5% since October 2023, indicating a lack of interest in purchasing new bonds [1][2]. Group 3: Economic Concerns - The proposed tax reform is expected to increase the federal deficit by approximately $3 trillion over the next decade, raising the debt-to-GDP ratio from 100% to a record 125% [2]. - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 due to rising government debt and interest expenditures [2]. - Concerns about inflation control and debt management are contributing to the rise in Treasury yields, as noted by market analysts [3]. Group 4: Corporate Earnings Impact - Major retailers, including Target, have lowered their full-year earnings forecasts due to slowing consumer spending and declining confidence, further pressuring the stock market [3].