AS the Federal Reserve moves closer to initiating a rate-cutting cycle, bond investors are reassessing their strategies.

The Fed’s decision to hold rates steady in July was widely expected, but what caught the market’s attention was the growing possibility of rate cuts in the coming months. The July employment report, which showed a surprising rise in unemployment and weak jobs growth, has amplified concerns that the Fed may be falling behind in addressing emerging economic weakness. This has triggered a marked increase in equity market volatility and a notable decline in longer-term bond yields, creating both opportunities and risks for investors.

The US labour market, once robust, is showing signs of strain. The July jobs report revealed that only 114,000 jobs were added, falling short of the 175,000 expected. Moreover, the unemployment rate jumped to 4.3 per cent, the highest level in nearly two years. This increase, while still historically low, marks the fastest six-month rise since the pandemic began. This has led to the activation of the Sahm Rule, an economic indicator that signals the onset of a recession when the three-month moving average of the unemployment rate exceeds its lowest level in the prior 12 months by 0.5 per cent. A year ago, the unemployment rate was at 3.5 per cent. While this has caused alarm among some investors, it’s important to note that other recession indicators, such as an inverted yield curve, have been flashing red for some time without a recession materialising.

Nevertheless, after one of the most aggressive tightening cycles in decades, the Fed appears ready to pivot. With inflation moving closer to the Fed’s 2 per cent target, policymakers are now increasingly concerned about the labor market’s downside risks. Chair Powell’s remarks following the July meeting suggest that while the fight against inflation isn’t over, the Fed may soon start easing its restrictive policy stance. Markets are already pricing in multiple rate cuts by year-end, with some even speculating about an emergency reduction before the next FOMC meeting in September.

The bond market has reacted swiftly to these developments. The yield on the benchmark US 10-year Treasury note fell 37 basis points in July, reaching a six-month low of 4.03 per cent. Similarly, the policy-sensitive 2-year yield dropped below 4.0 per cent for the first time since May 2023. The yield curve, which has been inverted for over two years, may finally begin to normalise as short-term rates fall more rapidly than long-term rates.

For bond investors, this shift presents a unique set of opportunities. The recent rally in bond prices underscores the value of bond duration as a hedge against equity risk. As yields fall, the prices of long-duration bonds rise, providing a cushion in a portfolio during periods of market turbulence. Investors who have been underweight in core bonds may want to reconsider their allocations, as bonds are likely to continue offering protection in a slowing economic environment.

One of the key considerations for investors in this environment is reinvestment risk. As the Fed embarks on a rate-cutting cycle, yields on cash-like and ultra short-term investments are likely to decline. Investors with an overweight allocation to these instruments should be mindful of the diminishing returns they may face as rates fall. Now may be an opportune time to shift towards intermediate and long-term bonds, which are better positioned to benefit from a declining rate environment.

As the Fed nears the start of an easing cycle, bond investors should be proactive in adjusting their portfolios. With yields likely to fall further, increasing exposure to duration and considering a more diversified allocation can help mitigate risks and capitalise on the opportunities presented by a changing rate environment. While short-term volatility may continue, a well-positioned bond portfolio can provide both income and stability in the months ahead.

Eugene Stanley is Vice President, Fixed Income & Foreign Exchange at Sterling Asset Management. Sterling provides financial advice and instruments in U.S. dollars and other hard currencies to the corporate, individual, and institutional investor. Visit our website at www.sterling.com.jm

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