Incidental Weakness But No Big Picture Change

There were no economic reports on tap today and no obvious market moving headlines during the domestic session. The lighter volume and liquidity made the bond market more susceptible to random sources of inspiration in the overnight session. Political developments in Japan were thus able to have a larger impact than normal and, in this case, that impact was unfavorable for bonds. That said, the selling was ultimately moderate. Larger scale momentum requires an end to the shutdown (thus allowing things like the jobs report to be published).