【财经分析】2026美债迷局：美联储的“隐形宽松”与利率的悬崖之舞

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is expected to initiate a significant transition from "Quantitative Tightening" (QT) to "Reserve Management Purchases" (RMP) by the end of 2025, which may signal the start of a form of "invisible easing" in 2026 [1][2] Group 1: Mechanism Change - The cessation of QT in Q4 2025 marks the end of a period where approximately $2.4 trillion in liquidity was withdrawn from the market, leading to the introduction of RMP in January 2026 [2] - RMP is officially defined as a technical operation to ensure sufficient liquidity in the financial system, but is interpreted by the market as a form of "covert easing" or "quasi-quantitative easing" [2] - The shift to RMP is driven by structural liquidity constraints in the financial system, as banks prefer to pay higher premiums in the market rather than utilize reserves held at the Fed [2] Group 2: Economic Outlook and Interest Rate Predictions - There is a notable divergence in predictions for the federal funds rate in 2026, with ICBC International forecasting a reduction of 50-75 basis points, while J.P. Morgan anticipates only a single rate cut [4] - ICBC International's bearish outlook is based on the need to shift monetary policy focus from anti-inflation to stabilizing growth amid slowing domestic demand [4] - J.P. Morgan's optimistic view is supported by strong non-residential fixed investment, suggesting limited rate cuts and stabilization around 3%-3.25% [4] Group 3: Fiscal Concerns - The implementation of RMP coincides with historically high federal budget deficits, raising concerns about the potential for monetizing fiscal deficits through the issuance of short-term Treasury bonds [3] Group 4: Yield Curve Dynamics - Analysts predict a steepening of the U.S. Treasury yield curve, with expectations that the federal funds rate will settle around 3% by the end of 2026, driven by a tug-of-war between short-term rate easing and long-term concerns over fiscal sustainability [6] - The yield curve's shape in 2026 may serve as a litmus test for the impact of the AI revolution on the economy, with a healthy inflation cycle potentially leading to a steepening curve [5] Group 5: Scenario Analysis for 2026 - ING outlines two extreme scenarios for 2026: one where the Fed cuts rates in response to a significant economic downturn, leading to a drop in 10-year Treasury yields to around 3%, and another where premature rate cuts occur without economic justification, potentially pushing yields above 5% [7] - The baseline forecast from ING suggests that 10-year Treasury yields will fluctuate around 4.5% before gradually declining to 4.25% by year-end [7] Group 6: Investment Strategies - First Source Bank emphasizes the importance of structural opportunities in a volatile environment, recommending a diversified bond portfolio that includes investment-grade corporate bonds, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and selected high-yield options [8]