美债札记：“大而美”之后，如何看美债需求？

Demand Structure - As of Q1 2025, the total market value of publicly held U.S. Treasury securities is $26.88 trillion, with a face value of $28.45 trillion[15] - The main holders of U.S. Treasuries include overseas investors (33.5%), broad-based mutual funds (18.7%), the Federal Reserve (14.3%), households and nonprofits (10.6%), and state and local governments (6.0%)[17] Overseas Holdings - Since 1996, overseas investors have consistently held over 30% of U.S. Treasuries, but this dropped below 60% for the first time in July 2024[21] - Japan and China have historically been the largest foreign holders, but both have recently reduced their holdings, with Japan's holdings around $1.1 to $1.3 trillion and China's down to $757.2 billion[22][23] Duration Preferences - As of June 2024, foreign official institutions hold U.S. Treasuries with a weighted average maturity (WAM) of approximately 5.3 years, while private investors have a WAM of about 7.3 years[27] - Approximately 28% of overseas holdings are concentrated in the 0-2 year maturity range, with over 60% maturing within 5 years, indicating a preference for shorter durations among foreign official accounts[27] Auction Dynamics - In June 2024, domestic demand supported the 2Y, 5Y, 10Y, and 20Y maturities, while demand for 3Y, 7Y, and 30Y maturities declined, suggesting a shift in overseas interest towards certain mid- to long-term bonds[6] Future Demand Outlook - The implementation of the "Big and Beautiful Act" (OBBBA) is projected to increase the U.S. federal deficit significantly, with an estimated $4.1 trillion increase in debt by 2034, potentially raising net supply pressure by several trillion dollars[6] - The demand for U.S. Treasuries is expected to remain structurally stable but may see a retreat from overseas investors, while domestic demand will likely remain passive and stable[6] Risk Factors - Key risks include unexpected geopolitical conflicts, a resurgence of inflation in the U.S., and deteriorating fiscal prospects leading to unsustainable federal debt levels[6]