DM Rates: Stresses in pockets / tactical flattening in UST curve
Some debt stress.
Group Research - Econs, Eugene Leow27 Aug 2025
Article image
Photo credit: Unsplash/Adobe Stock Photo
Read More

Stresses are hitting DM government bonds. In the US, the calm was shattered when it was reported that Trump has removed Fed Governor Cook (although this decision is being challenged), raising further questions about Fed independence. On its own, this speeds up the dovish tilt in the Fed while long-end end rates rise to factor in greater uncertainty and inflation premium. In Europe, the French government is set to hold a confidence vote on 8 September. Risks of a Cabinet collapse has driven 10Y OAT-Bund spread back towards 80bps. Meanwhile, long-end Gilts continued to be under pressure as uncertainties loom over how Finance Minister intends to plug the GBP 20bn funding gap in the budget. Accordingly, idiosyncratic factors (beyond monetary policy) are driving yields. Within the DM space, haven demand is seen in German, Spanish and Italian govvies.

In the USD space, longer-term US yields may be hitting resistance. 30Y UST yields are above 4.90% and offer a decent pickup over 10Y yields at around 4.27%. Moreover, we also note that the 2Y/10Y segment is close to the top of its recent trading range (60bps). Even as there are lingering worries about the US’s fiscal situation, tariffs may be able to bring in around USD 400bn a year. Assuming that the revenue is not diverted into extra spending, this could perhaps assuage concerns on the fiscal front for a while, potentially leading to a flattening in the 10Y/30Y segment of the UST curve. The upshot is that the 2Y/10Y and 10Y/30Y segments of the UST curve are already steep and perhaps sufficiently account for Fed easing and fiscal strains. Some tactically flattening may be in order.

Eugene Leow

Senior Rates Strategist - G3 & Asia
[email protected]
 



Subscribe here to receive our economics & macro strategy materials.
To unsubscribe, please click here.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates)

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates & Digital Asset)

The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation.  Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies.  The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.  The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.

[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability.  11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

Virtual currencies are highly speculative digital "virtual commodities", and are not currencies. It is not a financial product approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, and the safeguards of the existing investor protection regime does not apply.  The prices of virtual currencies may fluctuate greatly, and the investment risk is high. Before engaging in such transactions, the investor should carefully assess the risks, and seek its own independent advice.