Here's what happens to the economy when Treasury yields soar like they are now
Soaring Treasury yields aren't just bad for the government and its $40 trillion debt. They also threaten to raise borrowing costs, hitting everyone from homeowners to credit card users, while providing limited relief to savers and potential benefits to banks. Government debt costs leaped higher Wednesday , the product of multiple factors including a fresh report showing higher inflation pressures, surging expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike in October, and an auction for 5-year notes showing that Treasury demand was weak. Competition from hyperscaler debt issuance also is seen as an aggravating factor. Yields responded by jumping more than they have in nearly a year and a half, dating back to April 2025 when President Donald Trump first announced so-called reciprocal tariffs against U.S. trading partners. Recent market liquidity efforts pushed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have had no impact so far, with rates surging higher despite intensified buyback efforts on lo...