Category Archives for "Analysis and Data"

“Understanding the Complexities of MBS Market Dynamics: A Recap of Current Trends”

The beginning of the week saw bond markets open sluggishly, even though this week has fewer business days. In Asia, yields initially started a little higher but managed to return back to ‘neutral’ just as U.S. trading began, eventually shifting to slightly stronger levels at the time of European trading closure. The later half of trading in the U.S was dominated by a stronger selling sentiment, but this wasn’t significant enough to place bonds in a weaker position by the 3pm CME closure. Notably, this all transpired within a tight enough bandwidth to discount any deep analysis.

Snapshot of Market Fluctuations

At 09:59 AM, a gradual rise had been observed overnight and during U.S. trading hours. The 10-year yield was down by 2.5 basis points at 4.256. MBS showed an increase by 3 ticks (.09).

By 11:43 AM, the market continued to display modest improvements with MBS improving an additional 6 ticks (.19) and the 10 year yield dropping slightly to 4.252.

By 02:55 PM, the weakest levels of the day were recorded, but overall, it remained slightly in the positive territory. MBS were again up by 3 ticks (.09) and the 10-year yield decreased by half a basis point at 4.275.

By 03:42 PM, there was no significant movement either way and MBS continued to be up by 3 ticks (.09). The 10-year yield finally settled down 1 basis point at 4.271.

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“Deciphering Today’s Mortgage Backed Securities Market: An Analysis of Events and Trends – February 20, 2024”

Towards the end of 2023, bonds were clearly on a defined path, but experienced a minor, sensible adjustment at the start of 2024. With respect to 10-year yields, the adjustment apparently concluded after stopping at a peak of 4.19%. However, data from the previous week extended this range by over 10 basis points. Presently, the market seems to be guided by “data dependence”. So, in a situation void of new data, the only option is to patiently await new developments.

Significant data is notably missing in this shortened festive week. The only attention-grabbing event on the calendar is the release of the Federal Reserve’s minutes on Wednesday. However, it’s unclear what new information could be revealed that hasn’t been previously covered in recent addresses. In light of this, unless new unexpected factors emerge, the only option is to keep an eye on the range limits overhead while patiently awaiting new developments.

On a technical note, one could consider whether the 10-year yield’s ceiling of 4.32% will be breached before the two week upward trend (represented by the yellow line in the graph) as a way to pass the time. While the predictions are far from precise, they could provide some insight into the possible direction of a breakout. Ideally, you would want the yield to break below the yellow line if you prefer not to see a rise in rates.

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