Now, that was a blockbuster jobs report. The U.S. economy added 336k jobs in September, based on the nonfarm payroll report, which was much stronger than expected. Plus, the last two months were revised higher by 119k. This was a strong labour report (or labor as they like to spell it in America). There were almost 100k jobs in leisure/hospitality and education/health, with +70k, was also a big contributor. As was government at +73k, bringing total government employees above pre-pandemic levels—we will touch on deficits below. Canada, too, enjoyed strong labour gains at +64k. Jobs for everyone, it seems, are still on.
In response, bond yields have jumped higher yet again. At the time of writing, the U.S. 10-year Treasury is now yielding 4.8%, up a full percentage point since mid-July on what appears to be a relentless climb to who knows where. It is not just America; yields have been climbing in Canada, Europe, and the list goes on. The yield gains are larger in North America, but in the past few weeks, the other major markets are hopping on the trend.
So, you are telling me I can lock in a 10-year annualized return of 4.8% by owning a U.S. Treasury or 4.2% for a Canada Govie? That certainly makes for a more constructive financial plan if my portfolio target is somewhere in the 6-7% range. Of course, it wouldn’t be a straight line, but if more end-point-focused, it certainly has an appeal. As does 5% yields on money market or shorter-term vehicles. Clearly appealing yields, looking at investor behaviour this year as money has piled into money market vehicles. Based on ICI data from the U.S., money market assets have increased from $4.7 to $5.7 trillion so far this year, following a similar trend in Canada, albeit of a smaller magnitude.
Here lies the problem. The U.S. government is expected to run a $1.5 trillion deficit in 2023, which is forecast to rise to $2.8 trillion over the next decade. During the pandemic, when the deficit was an astonishing $3.1 trillion, it was largely funded by the central bank buying bonds and expanding its balance sheet. One hand helping the other. But that is no longer the case as QE has become QT, meaning the balance sheet is shrinking. International Treasury buying is also declining as other central banks, such as China and Japan, are simply less enthusiastic buyers compared to years past.
And then there are the banks. U.S. banks have been buyers of Treasuries in years past. But with short rates so high and unrealized losses on their existing bond holdings (expect to hear more about that in the upcoming earnings season), let’s just say they, too, are not enthusiastic about buying more Treasuries, especially with such a low carry. So, it's up to the private sector, which so far has been a willing buyer given money flows lured by the higher yields. But if you and I are the new buyers of government debt to fund deficits, that means our capital is not going into corporate investments as much. This is what crowding out of private investment looks like. And while it is no surprise to anyone, a dollar given to the government does not have the same economic benefit as a dollar given to a corporation.
Taken all together, the money supply has been shrinking, yields have moved higher, and now credit spreads are rising. That means financial conditions are tightening at an increasing pace. Monetary policy is a blunt instrument that works on a delay; it is starting to bite more and more. It is worth pointing out that a sudden move like this in financial conditions is unsettling.
Final Thoughts
The cost of capital is real again, and it is a lot higher than it has been in years. Plus, it is not as plentiful, exacerbated by more private capital going to government spending. This isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, it is probably healthier. Unfortunately, after so many years of low-cost capital and tons of excess liquidity sloshing about the world, the adjustment is likely a long process. Which will continue to see big market moves, like down in 2022 and up in the 1H of 2023. We remained cautious on the 2H of 2023.
— Craig Basinger is the Chief Market Strategist at Purpose Investments
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Sources: Charts are sourced to Bloomberg L. P.
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