US Treasury yields rose for a fifth straight session as global demand for long-term government bonds weakened, driven by a wave of supply and investor uncertainty. The 30-year yield edged closer to 5% — its highest since mid-June — while the 10-year yield rose about two basis points Tuesday in New York.
A soft auction of 3-year notes marked the start of $119 billion in Treasury sales this week, with 10- and 30-year offerings to follow. Rising yields reflect fading bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts after strong U.S. labor market data last week. Traders now expect one or two quarter-point cuts by year-end.
“The long end is under pressure globally,” said Gregory Faranello of AmeriVet Securities. For the first time in nearly four years, the 30-year yield rose above the 20-year yield, signaling market stress.
Similar sell-offs in Japanese and UK bonds have intensified concerns. Japan’s upcoming elections and potential new spending have pushed its 30-year yield near record highs.
At the same time, President Trump’s tariff threats and fiscal plans — including a tax-and-spend proposal expected to widen the deficit — are also weighing on sentiment. On Tuesday, Trump reaffirmed that 50% copper tariffs will go ahead in August, contributing to policy-driven uncertainty.
Despite worries, UBS’s Mark Haefele noted that hiring has remained resilient so far, softening recession fears.