MBS Live Recap: Bonds Still Sideways, But MBS Underperform

Bond yields and stock prices bottomed at the same time in the overnight session as markets responded to the news item of the day.  In this case, it is best characterized as "buzz" surrounding a new strain of covid in the UK.  The rest of the day saw a bounce back in the other direction as investors traded with their minds instead of their hearts (main reason: vaccines don't care about the new strain).  MBS underperformed--modestly at first, then significantly in the afternoon.  

Econ Data / Events
Market Movement Recap
08:56 AM

Bonds improved and stocks slid overnight on news of a new covid strain (not really "new," but the buzz kept growing).  The flight-to-safety phase is over for now with 10yr yields down 3.5bps at .91 and UMBS up 3 ticks (0.09).

09:23 AM

EU Medicines Agency: no evidence that vaccine won't work against new covid variant.  Bonds selling a bit more.  10yr down only 2bps now and UMBS up only 2 ticks (0.06).

02:26 PM

Treasuries turned negative just now and MBS-specific weakness continues.  1.5 UMBS are down more than a quarter point from the highs and negative reprices are starting to roll in.

04:09 PM

Treasuries back in the green with most of the bounce happening after the 3pm CME close.  Stocks and bond yields peaked at the same time just as they hit their weakest levels at the same time in the overnight session (speaks to "risk-on/off" trading).  MBS continue to underperform, but are off their weakest levels.

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