Economic Overview - The U.S. economy shows strength with tame consumer inflation and stronger-than-expected job growth, leading traders to adjust their expectations for rate cuts, resulting in lower two-year yields [1][3][4] - The labor market's strength is questioned, with suggestions that job growth numbers may be overstated by approximately 60,000 per month, indicating caution regarding future rate cuts [3][12] Inflation and Federal Reserve Policy - Recent inflation data is viewed as encouraging, with both headline and core inflation moderating, although core services continue to exert upward pressure on inflation [8][9] - Federal Reserve officials, including Governor Stephen Myron, advocate for lower interest rates, citing supply-driven changes in the economy that could support growth [5][6] - The market is pricing in a 50% chance of a third rate cut by December, but some analysts believe this is an overreaction to recent data [11][12] Bond Market Dynamics - The two-year yield has reached its lowest level since September 2022, reflecting the market's sensitivity to Federal Reserve policy [4][8] - A significant rally in the two-year note has been observed, although it remains within a tight range [4][8] - The dollar has been declining, with investors diversifying into other markets, particularly emerging markets, as the Fed eases and global economic growth continues [17][18] Corporate Debt Issuance - A surge in reverse Yankee bond sales has been noted, with U.S. companies like Alphabet and Goldman Sachs raising funds in non-dollar markets, indicating a trend towards diversifying funding sources [72][76] - The scale of recent bond sales includes Alphabet's £5.5 billion deal and Goldman Sachs' €7 billion financial bond, both experiencing strong demand [73][74] - Companies are seeking to diversify their funding to avoid pushing up borrowing costs in their home markets [76] Market Sentiment and Future Outlook - The current market environment is characterized by a mix of strong issuance and cautious investor sentiment, with credit spreads beginning to widen slightly [91][92] - Analysts suggest that while issuance may continue, there is a growing dispersion in performance among different sectors, particularly in tech and financials [93][94] - The structural increase in supply from tech companies is expected to impact spreads, with a potential regime change in how tech bonds are perceived by investors [96][115]

Treasury Yields Fall as Investors Look Beyond Strong Labor DataCONCLUDED[Stock Market News From Feb. 12, 2026: Dow Drops 660 Points]Last Updated:---14 hours ago# Treasury Yields Fall as Investors Look Beyond Strong Labor DataByEmese Bartha, Dow Jones NewswiresU.S. Treasury yields fell in European trade Thursday as investors preferred to err on the side of caution on U.S. economic outlook, despite solid labor data on Wednesday.Market attention now turns to the upcoming inflation release on Friday, where "an ...

Market Overview - The market has been broadening since the end of October, which is seen as a healthy development for the economy [2][3] - The nominal GDP for the last quarter was over 8%, a level not seen in the U.S. since 2006, indicating strong economic performance [2][3] Investment Opportunities - There are many companies in the U.S. and globally that are growing as fast or faster than the "Magnificent Seven" tech companies, often at lower valuations [5][6] - Non-U.S. investments are recommended, as U.S. investors typically have less than 10% exposure to non-U.S. markets, despite these markets representing 35-40% of the global equity market [9] Economic Indicators - U.S. earnings growth is leveling off, while profit cycles in non-U.S. markets are on the rise, suggesting opportunities outside the U.S. [8] - The potential for the dollar to weaken is acknowledged, but it is not expected to significantly impact investment returns, especially if the Fed continues a rate-cutting course [12][14] Macro Narratives - Concerns about dollar debasement are considered somewhat exaggerated, with various strategies available to mitigate risks, including investing in non-U.S. stocks [14][15] - The liquidity-driven speculation in markets, particularly around the "Magnificent Seven," may be affected if the Fed adopts a more hawkish stance [16]

Group 1 - The dollar index rose by +0.19% following the end of the partial US government shutdown and a deal signed by President Trump to fund the government [1] - Weakness in stocks increased liquidity demand for the dollar, while yen weakness supported the dollar as it fell to a 1.5-week low [1] - The dollar's gains were limited by the January ADP report, which showed fewer jobs added than expected, indicating a dovish factor for Fed policy [2][3] Group 2 - The January ISM services index remained unchanged at 53.8, which was stronger than the expected decline to 53.5, with the prices paid sub-index rising to 66.6 [4] - The dollar faced pressure as foreign investors withdrew capital from the US due to a growing budget deficit and political polarization [5] - The markets are currently pricing in a 10% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18 [5]

Core Insights - The dollar index reached a 6-week high, increasing by +0.26% due to positive US economic data and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials [1][4] Economic Indicators - Weekly jobless claims fell by -9,000 to a 6-week low of 198,000, contrary to expectations of an increase to 215,000, indicating a stronger labor market [3] - The January Empire manufacturing survey rose by +11.4 to 7.7, surpassing expectations of 1.0 [3] - The January Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey increased by +21.4 to a four-month high of 12.6, exceeding expectations of -1.4 [3] Federal Reserve Commentary - Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic emphasized the need for a restrictive monetary policy due to anticipated inflation pressures continuing through 2026 [4] - Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid expressed a preference for maintaining a modestly restrictive monetary policy given ongoing inflation pressures [4] - The market currently estimates a 5% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on January 27-28 [4] Future Expectations - The dollar is expected to face underlying weakness as the FOMC is projected to cut interest rates by approximately -50 basis points in 2026, while the Bank of Japan is anticipated to raise rates by +25 basis points [5] - Concerns regarding President Trump's potential appointment of a dovish Fed Chair could further pressure the dollar, with speculation that National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett is the leading candidate [6]

Group 1: Dollar Index and Federal Reserve - The dollar index (DXY00) is down by -0.18% amid expectations of a -25 basis point cut in the federal funds target range at the conclusion of the FOMC meeting [1] - The US Q3 employment cost index rose by +0.8% quarter-over-quarter, slightly below expectations of +0.9% [3] - Markets are pricing in a 93% chance of a 25 basis point cut by the FOMC [3] Group 2: Political Influence on Dollar - Concerns regarding President Trump's intention to appoint a dovish Fed Chair are negatively impacting the dollar [2] - Kevin Hassett is reported as the most likely candidate for the next Fed Chair, perceived as the most dovish option by the markets [2] Group 3: Euro and ECB Outlook - The euro (EUR/USD) is up by +0.14% due to a weaker dollar and supportive comments from ECB officials [4] - ECB President Lagarde indicated that the ECB is likely to raise its economic growth forecasts at the upcoming policy meeting [4] - ECB Governing Council member Simkus stated that the inflation rate is close to the 2% target, suggesting no need for interest rate changes in the near term [5] Group 4: Yen and BOJ Policy - The yen (USD/JPY) is down by -0.28% as it strengthens against a weaker dollar [6] - Japan's producer prices remained above 2% last month, which is a hawkish indicator for BOJ policy [6]

Economic Indicators - The dollar index (DXY00) decreased by -0.35% due to weaker-than-expected US economic data, including September retail sales and core PPI, which increased the likelihood of a Fed rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting [1] - US September retail sales rose by +0.2% month-over-month, below the expected +0.4% [2] - The final demand PPI for September increased by +2.7% year-over-year, slightly above the expected +2.6%, while PPI excluding food and energy rose by +2.6%, below the expected +2.7% [3] - The S&P Case-Shiller composite-20 home price index for September rose by +1.36% year-over-year, below the expected +1.40%, marking the smallest increase in over two years [3] - The Conference Board's US November consumer confidence index fell by -6.8 to a 7-month low of 88.7, weaker than the expected 93.3 [3] Market Reactions - The markets are pricing in an 80% chance of a 25 basis point cut in the fed funds target range at the next FOMC meeting on December 9-10 [4] - The euro (EUR/USD) increased by +0.50% as the weaker dollar supported it, alongside positive economic news from the Eurozone [5] - Eurozone new car registrations for October rose by +5.8% year-over-year to 917,000 units, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase [6] - Swaps indicate a 2% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut by the ECB at the December 18 policy meeting [6] Currency Movements - The USD/JPY decreased by -0.57% as the yen strengthened against the dollar, driven by concerns over potential Japanese government intervention in the forex market [7] - The decline in T-note yields also contributed to the yen's strength [7]

Core Viewpoint - Global stocks are on track for their third consecutive week of gains and seventh straight month of advances, driven by strong earnings from major companies like Amazon and Apple, which alleviated concerns regarding high valuations [1] Group 1: Market Performance - Global stocks are expected to achieve their third straight week of gains [1] - The market is also set for a seventh consecutive monthly advance [1] Group 2: Company Earnings - Earnings reports from megacap companies Amazon and Apple have eased concerns about lofty valuations [1] Group 3: Currency Movements - The dollar has strengthened following comments from some Federal Reserve officials [1]

Currency Market Dynamics - The U.S. dollar is experiencing a third consecutive daily loss against the euro while slightly increasing against the yen, influenced by U.S.-China tensions and dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials [1] - U.S. Treasury yields are near multi-week lows, with the benchmark 10-year yield just above 4%, contributing to pressure on the dollar amid concerns over a prolonged U.S. government shutdown [2][3] - The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six other currencies, decreased by 0.05% to 98.63, indicating a potential weekly decline of around 0.3% [3] Rare Earths and Trade Relations - Investors are closely monitoring China's recent expansion of rare earth export controls, which has drawn criticism from U.S. officials and raised concerns about potential disruptions to global supply chains [4] - The situation is viewed as possibly a bargaining tactic by China to gain concessions from the U.S., according to market analysts [4] Australian Dollar and Economic Indicators - The Australian dollar remained stable at $0.6511 following data that showed unemployment reached a near four-year high in September, reinforcing the case for interest rate cuts [6] - The Australian dollar has been volatile due to trade tensions, while traditional safe-haven assets have gained [6] - China's yuan strengthened to a two-week high against the U.S. dollar after the central bank set its strongest daily midpoint in a year [6]

Group 1 - The dollar is rising due to stronger U.S. economic data, alleviating concerns about a weak economic outlook, especially in the labor market [1][2] - Initial jobless claims decreased by 33,000 to 231,000, which is below the expected 240,000, indicating a more robust labor market [2] - The Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing activity index increased to 23.2 in September, significantly surpassing the forecast of 2.0, contributing to a positive sentiment regarding the U.S. economic outlook [2]