Group 1 - Citigroup's strategists have exited a bet that long-term U.S. Treasuries would underperform short-term Treasuries amid increasing attacks on the Federal Reserve, indicating a reduction in concerns over the central bank's independence [1][3] - The initial recommendation was based on expectations that President Trump's tax and spending policies would inflate government debt, putting pressure on longer-term debt [1][3] - The strategists noted that supply concerns for long-term Treasuries have eased since the trade was initiated in May, and the recent FOMC meeting has marginally reduced worries about the Fed's independence [3] Group 2 - The recent FOMC meeting resulted in a 25 basis point rate cut, with a near-unanimous consensus that surprised some market participants [3] - The only dissenting vote came from a Trump-appointed governor who favored a larger cut, while other previously dovish members aligned with the majority this time [3] - The strategists observed that past easing cycles during soft landing scenarios have been relatively shallow, limiting the potential for a steepening of the yield curve [3]

Group 1 - Citigroup strategists recommend increasing bets against the performance of long-term U.S. Treasury bonds and a decline in the dollar, primarily due to President Trump's potential to undermine the political independence of the Federal Reserve [1] - The strategists suggest adding small positions to existing bets, specifically betting that 30-year interest rate futures will underperform compared to 5-year contracts, leading to a steeper yield curve [1] - Concerns about the weakening of the Federal Reserve's independence are expected to manifest through a weaker dollar and a steepening yield curve [1] Group 2 - Following Trump's announcement to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the spread between 30-year and 5-year U.S. Treasury yields reached its highest level since 2001 [2] - Trump's unprecedented dismissal has heightened market fears that the Federal Reserve may be forced to cut rates due to political pressure, which could increase future inflation risks [2] - Despite the restructuring risks within the Federal Reserve's decision-making body, the dollar has not shown significant weakness, potentially due to renewed fiscal concerns in France [2]