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WILL THE RISE IN TREASURY YIELDS BE THE NEXT UNEXPECTED EVENT?

I think most would agree the last 45 days the unexpected has occurred.  The most unloved stocks are outperforming the most loved stocks (aka mega capitalized momentum growth issues) in the greatest equity reversal since 1933, the dollar falling to a 17 month against the yen, oil surging 50%, and a large recovery in non-investment grade rated bonds.

What will occur the next 45 days?  JP Morgan’s Dimon stated one of his greatest concerns is a spike in interest rates and Treasury yields.

Most are ignoring any suggestion of higher interest rates for the simple fact all have been wrong time and time again when such calls are made.  In my view, the complacency or the sanguineness of the market is frightening especially given the illiquidity of many fixed income markets the result of regulatory over reach.

I can write volumes about what happens when liquidity evaporates using the 20 month rout and then the 1 month surge in the high yield market as an example.

What will cause an unexpected surge in interest rates or Treasury yields?  To write the obvious, stronger growth, rising wage pressures, increasing home and oil prices.  In my view, all of the above is now occurring.

I have written extensively about how the equity market is closely correlated to oil.   The correlation between oil and the bond market is now rising according to JP Morgan research.  What happens if oil rises to $50 in the intermediate future, which incidentally is the forecast of many reputable firms?

Regarding housing and wages, OER has moved considerably off its multi-year lows and wages are accelerating at either end of the spectrum.  I think the bond market has not digested the significance of either, especially the rise in OER which is about 30%-31% of inflation indices.

What happens if global growth accelerates as March data is suggesting?

I am not suggesting there will be a spike in yields, rather stating my opinion the markets are ignoring the possibility of such.  Based upon yields and complacency as well as money flows into treasury/bond ETFs, few if any expect yields to rise.

Commenting about yesterday’s market action, equities posted their greatest losses in two months on growth and earning concerns.  The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to the lowest level since February 11.  Oil was essentially unchanged.

Last night the foreign markets were up.  London was up 0.81%, Paris up 1.19% and Frankfurt up 1.19%.  China was down 0.83%, Japan up 0.46% and Hang Sang up 0.51%.

The Dow should open moderately higher as oil is up about 4%.  The 10-year is off 10/32 to yiled 1.73%.

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Ken Engelke

Chief Economic Strategist Managing Director

The views expressed herein are those of Kent Engelke and do not necessarily reflect those of Capitol Securities Management. Any opinions expressed are statements of judgment on this date and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated or projected. Any future dividends, interest, yields and event dates listed may be subject to change. An investor cannot invest in an index, and its returns are not indicative of the performance of any specific investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is being provided for informational purposes only. Any information should not be deemed a recommendation to buy, hold or sell any security. Certain information has been obtained from third-party sources we consider reliable, but we do not guarantee that such information is accurate or complete. This report is not a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material and does not include all available data necessary for making an investment decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. If you would like to unsubscribe from this e-mail distribution, please reply to this e-mail and indicate that you wish to unsubscribe in your response.