Tune Out The Noise (Part 2)

Last week, when Treasury announced higher per-operation limits for the buyback program, we advised tuning out the noise. Specifically, this meant that the announcement was not ever destined to be a material market mover or provide lasting relief for rates despite ample media coverage and the appearance of significance. It's more of the same to start the new week. Treasury sources threw out big numbers in reference to buyback operations by citing the Treasury General Account balance (basically, the government's checking account). Markets didn't care and neither should you. A big ramp in buybacks implies an equally big ramp in Treasury issuance. Buybacks can only influence the yield curve and not overall rate levels. Moreover, MBS run with the middle of the curve which might not see any benefit at all from excess buybacks in the 10-30yr space. Bonds rallied today due to lower fuel prices.  The end.