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Earlier this week, Market Insights highlighted the improving story for the U.S. economy. The trend continued today as initial jobless claims fell more than expected to their lowest level since the end of November.
That triggered an interesting milestone: The 30-year Treasury yield index ($TYX.X) hit 19.51. That was slightly above the March 18 peak, and the highest reading since February 20, 2020 — a few days before the Covid selloff slammed markets. (Divide this index by 10 to get the 30-year yield.)
Other catalysts for today’s optimism include:
Financials stand to benefit the most from the higher rates because it steepens the yield curve. Additionally, banks can profit from re-absorbing reserves set aside for bad loans. Don’t forget non-farm payrolls are due tomorrow morning.
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