Bond markets were clearly interested in today's Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. It generated a larger single minute of volume than the minute following last Friday's NFP report (the one that caused bonds to tank due to the wage growth component). Given the much weaker reading, it was no surprise to see bonds rally fairly well for the next hour. The surprises showed up from there on out, however.
Rising European bond yields and advancing equities caused a quick correction for Treasuries and MBS--both of which briefly returned to negative territory. We managed to shake off the weakness as the European session wound down, but without making it back to the better levels of the day. No matter! Perhaps investors were waiting to digest the 30yr bond auction.
But the auction was no help. Even though the demand metrics for the 30yr bond auction were on the strong side, there was no visible market reaction. Starting at 3pm, Treasuries began selling off again on a combination of Fed-speak and corporate bond issuance (particularly one multi-billion dollar deal from AbbVie--a name that's hurt bonds before with a big corporate deal). By the end of the session, Treasuries were back into negative territory (just barely) and Fannie 4.0 MBS were holding on to microscopic gains.