Market Trends - The yield curve exhibits unusual behavior with 30-year Treasury yields rising while shorter-term yields are falling, a pattern last seen in 2001 [1][2] - The Federal Reserve has cut short-term interest rates by 100 basis points since September 2024, contributing to lower short-end yields [2] - Further easing by the Federal Reserve is anticipated, potentially reaching 50 basis points in 2025 [2] Investment Risks and Opportunities - Longer-term yields have increased, with 30-year Treasuries exceeding 5%, a level unseen since 2007 [3] - Investors are demanding higher yields for longer-dated bonds due to concerns about US fiscal policy, growing federal debt, and potential future inflation [3] - Uncertainty surrounds the government's future debt issuance and market demand to absorb it without further yield increases [4] Economic Outlook - Falling short-term yields reflect expectations for additional Federal Reserve rate cuts [4] - Economic uncertainty is potentially linked to recent trade conflicts and tariff discussions [4]

Market Trends & Yield Curve - Different duration Treasury yields are moving in opposite directions, a rare occurrence with 30-year yields rising while shorter-term yields are falling [1] - This pattern was last observed in 2001 [2] Federal Reserve Policy - The Federal Reserve has cut short-term interest rates by 100 basis points (1%) since September 2024, lowering short-end yields [2] - Further easing by the Federal Reserve is anticipated, potentially as much as 50 basis points (0.5%) in 2025 [2] Long-Term Yields & Economic Concerns - Longer-term yields have increased, with 30-year Treasuries exceeding 5%, a level not seen since 2007 [3] - Investors are demanding higher yields for longer-dated bonds due to concerns about US fiscal policy, increasing federal debt, and potential future inflation [3] - Uncertainty exists regarding the amount of future government debt issuance and whether there will be sufficient demand to absorb it without further yield increases [4] Economic Uncertainty - Falling short-term yields reflect expectations for more Federal Reserve rate cuts, potentially linked to economic uncertainty from recent trade conflicts and tariff discussions [4]

But are you short the dollar. I mean, you mentioned you're into yields. I would say that the easiest long term trades are, you know, the yield curve is going to steep and probably the historic wise, you know, we're going to cut short term rates dramatically in the next year.And, you know, the dollar will probably be lower because of that. A lot lower because of that. How much lower off.10% from our high right now. Yes, I would say that that that's I think that's a year from today. That's probably a realisti ...

U.S. Fiscal Outlook and Treasury Market - The U.S. faces an unsustainable fiscal path, with the interest expense becoming untenable due to high budget deficits and sticky interest rates [1][4] - The average coupon on Treasuries has risen from below 2% to pushing 4%, creating a building problem as trillions of bonds mature and are re-issued at higher rates, a difference of 400 basis points [4][5][6] - The long-term Treasury bond is no longer behaving as a legitimate flight to quality asset, and is not responding to lower interest rates or an inflation rate around 25%, with potential for it to go higher [6][7] - The U.S national debt is approaching $37 trillion, requiring creative solutions, and markets are starting to acknowledge this [7][8] Investment Strategy and Market Dynamics - A paradigm shift is occurring where money is no longer flowing into the United States, and the long bond is not acting as a flight to quality asset, with gold emerging as an alternative [16] - The dollar is falling, and some of the $25 trillion net investment position that flowed into the U.S over the past two decades could potentially flow out, suggesting increased allocations to non-dollar investments [9][10] - The market environment feels similar to 1999 (dot-com bubble) and 2006/2007 (pre-credit crisis), with AI enthusiasm mirroring the dot-com boom [21][22] - A great buying opportunity is anticipated, but the timing is uncertain [21] Private Credit and Alternative Investments - There is overinvestment in private credit, and the excess reward is not as attractive as it once was, potentially leading to forced selling [32] - Gold has proven to be a source of growth, outperforming Bitcoin year-to-date, and is recommended as an asset class, with central banks accumulating gold [16][17][50] - Dollar-based investors should consider investing in foreign currencies and selective emerging market equities, as the S&P 500 is underperforming MSCI Europe year-to-date [51][52] Restructuring and Long-Term Themes - There is a need to restructure various aspects of the system, including institutions, political parties, and finances, due to wealth inequality and calcified property relations [42][46] - India is highlighted as a long-term investment theme, with a similar profile to China 35 years ago, benefiting from demographic outlook, supply chain shifts, and technology [48][49]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core View of the Report The report argues that there is no need to be overly worried about the liquidity situation at this stage. The probability of the monetary authorities actively tightening the liquidity is low, and factors such as CD maturities and deposit rate cuts are not the main factors affecting money market interest rates. There is a high probability of an expected difference in the liquidity situation, and the medium - and long - end of the yield curve may be repriced. However, the downward space of the yield curve this year is limited compared to the same period last year [2][4]. 3. Summary by Related Catalog Why Not Worry About the Liquidity? - **Low Probability of Monetary Authorities Tightening Liquidity**: In May 2025, the 10Y Treasury bond yield was 1.67%, up about 5bp from the end of April. The long - end of the yield curve rose due to investors' concerns about the liquidity. But the probability of the monetary authorities actively tightening the liquidity is low. The spread between the 10Y Treasury bond and 7D OMO has recovered, and the uncertainty of the external environment has increased, so the monetary authorities are more concerned about the liquidity. For example, the average and volatility of DR007 in Q1 were 2.11% and 0.44% respectively, and have dropped to 1.71% and 0.10% since Q2 (as of the end of May) [1][2]. - **CD Maturity and Interest Rate Relationship**: CD maturity and net issuance demand are different concepts, and CD interest rates are not sensitive to maturities. From early 2020 to May 2025, the Pearson correlation coefficient between CD maturities and the monthly average of CD interest rates was - 0.30, and - 0.34 between maturities and the end - of - month values. In months with significantly rising CD maturities in recent years, the 1Y AAA - rated CD interest rate did not necessarily increase [3]. - **Deposit Rate Cuts and CD Interest Rates**: Deposit rate cuts do not necessarily lead to a decline in CD interest rates. For example, when state - owned large - bank deposit rates were cut in October 2024, the 1Y AAA - rated CD interest rate decreased over the following months [3]. - **Expected Difference in Liquidity and Yield Curve**: The short - end of the yield curve is mainly affected by monetary policy. The monetary authorities' urgency to tighten the liquidity to guide up long - bond yields has decreased, and they will not allow CD interest rates to rise significantly. There is a high probability of an expected difference in the liquidity situation. The short - end, mid - end, and long - end of the yield curve all have downward space until the end of the year, but the downward space is limited compared to last year. For example, the average of DR007 may gradually fall from 1.63% in May to about 1.5% in the next two months, and trading days with rates below 1.4% are not common [4].

Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - The notes primarily discuss the bond market and monetary policy in the context of recent adjustments in deposit rates and liquidity measures by the central bank [1][2][4][5]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Bond Market Trends** - The bond market is currently experiencing fluctuations, with yields declining due to expectations of deposit rate cuts. However, the overall market remains in a state of adjustment [2][4]. - Credit bonds have shown a positive performance, particularly in the medium to short-term segments, while long-term credit bonds have underperformed compared to their government counterparts [3][15]. 2. **Liquidity and Monetary Policy** - The central bank is expected to maintain a stable and loose liquidity stance following recent rate cuts, with potential for structural monetary policy measures to enhance liquidity [5][9]. - There was a temporary tightening observed after the rate cut, attributed to banks needing to replenish excess reserves based on a 10-day or bi-weekly average assessment method [6][10]. 3. **Impact of Deposit Rate Changes** - Changes in the deposit base directly affect the amount of excess reserves banks need to hold. An increase in the deposit base during the maintenance period leads to higher requirements for excess reserves [7][8]. - The anticipated cut in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) is expected to release approximately 1 trillion in liquidity, although actual releases may be lower due to recalibrations [8]. 4. **Market Sentiment and Future Outlook** - The sentiment in the credit bond market remains optimistic, with expectations of further easing that could push rates below 1.4%. Short-term credit bonds are particularly volatile [16][17]. - The current yield levels in the credit bond market are at historically low levels, indicating limited protection from interest rate fluctuations [18]. 5. **Investment Strategies** - Institutions with stable liabilities are advised to extend durations to 2-4 years and consider lower-rated city investment bonds, which are expected to improve in liquidity [23]. - High-rated, liquid investments such as 4-5 year secondary capital bonds are recommended, but caution is advised due to limited protection [23]. Additional Important Insights - The bond market's performance is influenced by various factors, including tax periods and government bond payments, which can absorb liquidity [12]. - The historical trend shows that liquidity prices tend to stabilize or decline marginally within two weeks following a rate cut, although specific circumstances can vary [10]. - The secondary capital bond market has seen a significant decline in yields, indicating reduced investment opportunities [19]. - The current market environment favors certain types of bonds, such as real estate bonds and medium-duration city investment bonds, which exhibit better liquidity [22]. This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call, focusing on the bond market dynamics, monetary policy implications, and strategic investment recommendations.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP loss per share of $0.29 and core earnings per share of $0.23, with a significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $17.6 million or $0.51 per share impacting GAAP results [6][32] - GAAP and core net interest margins (NIM) expanded to 2.51% and 2.49% respectively, marking increases of 12 and 24 basis points quarter over quarter [9][32] - Average deposits increased by 7% year over year and about 1% quarter over quarter, with the loan to deposit ratio improving to 87% from 94% a year ago [11][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on improving profitability through net interest margin expansion, particularly from real estate loans that are contractually set to reprice higher [8][10] - Approximately $511 million of loans are due to reprice 171 basis points higher in 2025, with expectations of generating $9 million in interest income for 2025 and $13 million for 2026 from these repricings [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Asian markets account for about one-third of the company's branches, with $1.3 billion in deposits and $738 million in loans, indicating a 3% market share in a $40 billion market, suggesting significant growth potential [25][26] - The spread between the five-year FHLB advance and the three-month SOFR rate turned negative during the quarter, which may impact future net interest margins [26][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance profitability, maintain credit discipline, and preserve strong liquidity and capital, with a focus on contractual loan repricing to drive net interest margin expansion [6][32] - The company plans to expand its branch network in Asian markets, leveraging its multilingual staff and community engagement to capture growth opportunities [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the economic outlook has become uncertain, the company remains focused on controllable factors and investing in business initiatives to drive future profitability [29][32] - The company expects stable assets for the year, with loan growth being market-dependent and a continued emphasis on improving the mix of interest-earning assets and liabilities [30][32] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses is stable at 59 basis points of loans, with criticized loans to total loans at a low 133 basis points, reflecting a conservative underwriting approach [19][32] - Non-interest income is expected to benefit from the closing of back-to-back swap loans and a BOLI exchange, while non-interest expenses are projected to increase by 5% to 8% in 2025 [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight on the adjustments that offset seasonal expenses? - Management indicated that adjustments were made based on year-end accruals that needed to be trued up as the new year began [38] Question: What is the status of the multifamily uptick in non-performing loans (NPLs)? - Management explained that the multifamily loan issue involves a relationship with three loans at an LTV of about 43%, and they are working to resolve it [40][44] Question: How is the Asian community managing through the tariff situation? - Management stated that there is no direct exposure to trade financing and that the community is expected to remain stable despite potential price increases [60][61] Question: What is the outlook for the SBA pipeline and gain on sale income? - Management noted that they do not provide guidance on gain on sale income but mentioned activity in real estate-based lending with premiums on sale around 7% [67]

债券"策略荒"- 每周债市超话 20250428 摘要 • 当前债市呈现策略荒，收益率曲线总体走平，长端波动小，交易空间狭窄， 机构操作谨慎，多以票据策略为主，拉长久期意愿不强。短端受资金价格 限制，下行空间有限；长端交易难度大，波段操作风险高。 • 政治局会议后，市场对货币宽松预期有所压缩，降准降息时间点未明确， 广义财政政策发力未超预期。MLF 与买断式回购进入平衡状态，增量难度 增加，降准的宽松信号意义不可替代，市场对二季度降准仍抱有期待。 • 短期内，不需要过分担心流动性问题，短端国债估值水平合理，与资金价 格挂钩仍有调整空间。即使没有降准落地，资金也不会再次明显收紧，银 行负债已经修复，降准落地将使流动性更加平稳。 • 当前策略荒是短期应对，中长期宏观趋势对债市有利，但需时间验证。若 短端保持稳定且收益率曲线偏平，则是较好情景；若仅降准而无明确宽松 政策，长端可能出现阶段性止盈压力，需保持谨慎。 • 近期若无降息落地，交易节奏不利，易出现熊陡走势或长端止盈。关注短 端积累票息，为后续博弈做准备，淡化长端交易。降准在短端更安全平稳， 长端行情需短端率先下行，或资金超预期宽松。 Q&A 近期债市行情的主 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book value at December 31 was $14.47 per common share, down from $14.93 on September 30, resulting in a flat quarterly economic return [6][17] - The company incurred a comprehensive loss of $1.6 million or $0.03 per weighted average common share in Q4 [18] - Net interest expense decreased by $7.4 million in Q4 due to lower RMBS borrowing balances [18] - The economic return for the full year of 2024 was 7.0 percent [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net servicing income was $168 million, slightly down from Q3 due to lower float income [19] - The servicing assets showed a gain of $82.5 million in Q4 after a loss of $133.4 million in Q3 [20] - The weighted average note rate in the MSR portfolio was 3.46%, with mortgage rates around 7% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 10-year treasury yield increased by 79 basis points to finish at 4.57% [7] - The 2-year treasury yield increased by 60 basis points to 4.24% [7] - The overall prepayment rates for 30-year agency RMBS rose to 6.9% CPR, reflecting a lagged effect from lower rates in Q3 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a hedged MSR-centric strategy to generate stable cash flows [14] - A direct-to-consumer origination platform was launched to maintain the servicing portfolio through recapture of underlying mortgage loans [11] - The company aims to expand its second lien loan offerings to borrowers [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects mortgage rates to remain above 6% in the intermediate term, which may keep housing activity muted [9] - The company believes that its MSR portfolio will benefit from the success of servicing and originations [11] - Management expressed optimism about the stability of returns and the potential for attractive levered returns in 2025 and beyond [35] Other Important Information - The company serviced $212 billion UPB of MSR across 861,000 loans, with $58 billion UPB serviced for third-party clients [10] - The economic debt to equity ratio decreased slightly to 6.5 times [26] - The MSR portfolio was valued at $202 billion UPB at December 31, reflecting a slight increase in price multiple to 5.9 times [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the book performed so far in the quarter? - Management indicated that total return is estimated to be up between 1.5% to 2% as of the previous night [38] Question: How does the lower leverage level impact earnings power? - Management stated that overall debt to economic ratio is just one measure and that the mix of assets supports stable returns [39][40] Question: What is the outlook for Agency MBS spreads this year? - Management expressed a positive outlook for mortgage spreads, noting a more controlled response since November [46][49] Question: Any thoughts on potential GSE reform? - Management indicated they do not have more information than the market regarding GSE reform and its implications [54] Question: Can you discuss the differences between EAD and static return range? - Management explained that the static return is a mark-to-market basis, while EAD reflects the purchase price and can create timing distortions [60][62] Question: Are there new financing counterparties for the MSR portfolio? - Management noted that the depth of the market for MSR financing continues to grow with new entrants [70][71] Question: How have costs changed in response to rate cuts? - Management stated that financing costs have decreased as the Fed has cut rates, impacting both MSR and RMBS sides [73]