Chasing Yields
Our latest musings about actions and events affecting the investment landscape

Why are my bond values down when stocks are up and Treasuries are holding steady?
Investors may be puzzled about why bond values are declining while stocks soar and Treasuries hold steady. However, this situation presents a compelling opportunity for savvy investors.

Bond Market Still Concerned About Inflation
The bond market sold off today, with fresh concerns about the outlook for inflation after the June CPI showed prices rose the most since the beginning of the year, and continued threats from President Trump to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

30-year T approaches 5%
As Wall Street resumes operations post the July 4th holiday, the market is grappling with the implications of the President’s tariff commentary. The 30-year Treasury is edging towards 5% today, with the 10-year just below 4.5% as I write.
Read our latest Market Insights.

Where have all the long bonds gone?
Since the start of the year, both large U.S. corporations and small businesses have faced a highly uncertain financial landscape. With rising interest rates, imposing tariffs, and a volatile political environment, the level of uncertainty is unprecedented.

What are the chances my 5% bonds will be called?
The likelihood of a 5%-5.25% bond being called in the current and future rate environment largely depends on several factors, including interest rate trends and the issuer’s financial strategy.

How long will 5% last on long Muni Bond Offerings?
A 5% yield on a 30-year municipal bond is an attractive buying-point for high-quality, tax-free investors.

Have you forgotten the 10-year .52% return? Opportunity exists today!
According to Bloomberg, J.P. Morgan Chase raised its forecast for 2025 municipal bond issuance from $490 billion to $560 billion.

Private Sector Hiring Lowest Since 2023
The May ADP Employment Report, released today, brought unexpected news-the private sector added only 37,000 jobs, a stark contrast to the anticipated 110,000. These ADP numbers, which reflect the monthly changes in private business hiring, mark the lowest point since...

Are there cracks in the strength of the US Dollar, a potential signal of global economic shifts?
The US Dollar, a symbol of strength and security, is not just a currency but a global’ shelter in the storm.’

With All This Talk Is Anyone Really Listening?
As a bond trader for over 40 years, I’ve seen many brokerages and banks consolidate. One of the well-known stock brokerage houses in the 70’s and 80’s was E.F. Hutton, who later became part of a Citigroup/Morgan Stanley joint venture.

Your debt is up 10%+ from last year (3); ready to pay it down?
The national public debt is essentially a collective responsibility that falls on all tax-paying individuals in our country. This debt represents the fees the government pays to fund its operations, including borrowing costs and interest on loans.

To Cut, Or Not To Cut, That Is The Question?
This week, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee Meeting kicks off its May policy meeting. Expectations are that the Fed will maintain its position and wait for more hard facts to support the decision to lower interest rates, possibly making its first move to reducing rates in June or July.