US30Y Breaks 5%! Stock is Jeopardized Again?

The US stock market, bond market, and dollar index were all hit hard on Wednesday, marking the worst day since April. By the close, the three major US stock indices recorded their largest single-day declines in a month: $Dow Jones(.DJI)$ dropped 1.91%, $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ fell 1.41%, and $S&P 500(.SPX)$ slid 1.61%.

The first US Treasury auction since losing its last AAA rating turns out to be the worst results on record!

The 20-year Treasury bond auction was dismal, with the winning yield breaking above 5%—the worst result since this maturity was introduced five years ago. The auction ended with numbers that no one wanted to see: the high yield reached 5.047%, only the second time in history it has exceeded 5%. The weak auction result intensified market concerns over the US fiscal situation.

Following Tuesday's lukewarm demand in Japan's 20-year government bond auction, Wednesday's poor showing for the US 20-year bond cast a further shadow over global markets.

The key issue: when sovereign bonds—traditionally viewed as safe havens—become the source of market anxiety, the selloff carries a deeper, more troubling implication. And when that "safe haven" is US Treasuries, the concern is even greater.

According to pricing in credit markets, some analysts even anticipate that the US sovereign credit rating could ultimately be downgraded by as many as six notches, to BBB+, just above the threshold of investment grade (BBB-).

Has US Treasuries Lost Their Safe-Haven Status?

US Treasuries have long been considered a safe haven, with the 10-year Treasury yield often seen as the market’s "risk-free rate." But that perception seems to be shifting.

  • In 2011, when S&P first downgraded the US sovereign rating, $iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF(TLT)$ actually surged nearly 20% within two months. At the time, amid the uncertainty of the European debt crisis, investors still flocked to Treasuries as the “last-resort” safe haven.

  • In contrast, in 2023, when Fitch downgraded the US, TLT fell nearly 10% within a month. This time, concerns over Fed rate hikes and macro uncertainty dominated investor sentiment.

Currently, TLT has declined for four consecutive weeks. Analysts at Tiger Brokers believe that long-term bonds now offer a better risk-reward trade-off than chasing US stocks, especially given that the S&P 500’s NTM P/E ratio remains elevated.

Key Questions:

  • With pressure on US Treasuries rising, is a major US equity crash more likely?

  • Meanwhile, Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high. Are Bitcoin and gold now better safe-haven alternatives?

  • Would you go long US Treasuries at this point—or stay in cash and wait for a correction?

Join our topic and post directly: US Treasury Auction Worst Ever: Market Crash Coming? or leave your comments to win tiger coins~

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    ·2025-05-25
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    $iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF(TLT)$ $S&P 500(.SPX)$ $Dow Jones(.DJI)$ 

    🚨📉💸 US Treasuries at a Crossroads: My Deep Dive into Their Fading Safe-Haven Role 💸📉🚨

    A Market at a Tipping Point ⚖️

    As I reflected on Wednesday’s market upheaval, a single figure seized my attention: the 20-year US Treasury bond auction’s yield of 5.047%. This wasn’t just a number, it was a signal, a crack in the foundation of what has long been considered the world’s safest asset. The Dow Jones fell 1.91%, the NASDAQ 1.41%, and the S&P 500 1.61%, marking the steepest single-day declines since April. Following Japan’s lacklustre 20-year bond auction, this dismal US result felt like a global warning. It’s prompted me to ask: are US Treasuries, once the unassailable refuge of global capital, losing their safe-haven status, and could this herald a broader market unravelling?

    📉 Technical Signals: A Bearish Tide in TLT

    My analysis of the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT), trading near $94.50, reveals a troubling trajectory. TLT has declined for four consecutive weeks, and its technical indicators offer little reassurance. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 35 suggests TLT is nearing oversold territory, which might tempt some to anticipate a bounce. However, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a bearish crossover, with the MACD line dipping below the signal line, signalling sustained downward momentum. Most concerning is the recent death cross, where the 50-day moving average fell below the 200-day moving average, a pattern that, in my experience, often heralds extended declines. If TLT breaches the $90 support level, I expect intensified selling pressure, potentially dragging equities down with it. This technical setup underscores my caution and shapes my broader market outlook.

    🪙 Visualising the Shift: TLT vs. Bitcoin and Gold

    I’ve charted the six-month performance of TLT against Bitcoin and gold to contextualise this trend. The stark contrast between TLT’s decline and the ascent of these alternative havens reflects a broader reallocation of capital, a trend I find both intriguing and indicative of deeper market anxieties. Chart attached.

    📚 Historical Context: A Paradigm Under Strain

    Reflecting on history sharpens my perspective. In 2011, when S&P downgraded the US sovereign credit rating, TLT surged nearly 20% in two months as investors, rattled by the European debt crisis, flocked to Treasuries. Contrast that with 2023, when Fitch’s downgrade triggered a 10% drop in TLT within a month, driven by fears of persistent Federal Reserve rate hikes and fiscal deterioration. This divergence fascinates me, it signals a fundamental shift in how markets perceive Treasuries. Once a reflex destination for capital in turbulent times, they now seem vulnerable to the very uncertainties they once mitigated.

    The recent 20-year bond auction reinforces my concerns. A yield of 5.047%, the highest since this maturity’s inception, reflects not just weak demand but growing scepticism about the US fiscal outlook. Credit market pricing, as I’ve observed, suggests a potential downgrade to BBB+, just one notch above non-investment grade. Such a move would elevate borrowing costs, strain federal budgets, and likely amplify volatility across asset classes. With the S&P 500’s next-twelve-month P/E ratio hovering near 22x, I’m increasingly wary of equities’ resilience in this environment.

    🌐 Alternative Havens: The Rise of Bitcoin and Gold

    As Treasuries falter, my attention turns to alternatives. Bitcoin, having recently hit a new all-time high, is decoupling from traditional markets, a dynamic I find compelling. Its volatility, while a concern, is offset by its potential as a hedge against systemic risks. Gold, with its historical role as a store of value, is also drawing my interest. Its steady climb amid rising US deficits and inflation fears suggests it’s regaining favour. Both assets, in my view, are benefitting from the uncertainty surrounding Treasuries, and their trajectories warrant close monitoring.

    💼 My Investment Approach: Patience as a Strategy

    Given these dynamics, I’m reluctant to go long on US Treasuries via TLT. The 5%+ yields are attractive, but the risk of further yield spikes, driven by weak auctions or a looming downgrade, outweighs the potential upside. Equities, too, feel precarious, the S&P 500’s elevated valuations leave little room for error. Instead, I’m opting for cash, preserving capital to act if TLT nears $90 or if equities face a sharper correction. This approach reflects my conviction that timing and flexibility are critical in navigating this uncertain landscape.

    📊 Key Indicators I’m Monitoring

    To guide my decisions, I’m focusing on:

    1. US Treasury Auctions: Weak demand could signal deepening fiscal concerns.

    2. Credit Market Signals: Shifts in implied US sovereign ratings are critical.

    3. Bitcoin and Gold Prices: Their movements may reflect evolving investor sentiment.

    4. TLT Price Action: A breach of $90 would confirm a deeper bearish trend.

    🧠 A Moment of Reckoning

    As I reflect on these developments, I’m struck by the fragility of long-held market assumptions. US Treasuries, once an unassailable refuge, are now under scrutiny as fiscal realities collide with market expectations. Bitcoin and gold, despite their risks, are emerging as viable alternatives. For now, I’ll remain on the sidelines, cash in hand, poised to act as the market reveals its next move. I can’t shake the question: can Treasuries reclaim their role, or are we approaching a broader market reckoning? What’s your take, join the discussion and share your thoughts! @icycrystal @Shyon @koolgal @Shernice軒嬣 2000 

    📚 Sources: Bloomberg (auction data), CNBC (market analysis), Reuters (credit ratings), TradingView (technical indicators), Financial Times (macro trends).

    📢 Don’t miss out! Like, Repost and Follow me for exclusive setups, cutting-edge trends, and insights that move markets 🚀📈 I’m obsessed with hunting down the next big movers and sharing strategies that crush it. Let’s outsmart the market and stack those gains together! 🍀

    Trade like a boss! Happy trading ahead, Cheers, BC 📈🚀🍀🍀🍀

    @Tiger_comments @TigerStars @TigerPicks @TigerWire @Daily_Discussion 

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    • koolgal
      I will avoid TLT too for now.
      2025-05-25
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    • koolgal
      Thanks for sharing your valuable insights BC🥰🥰🥰
      2025-05-25
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    • Cool Cat Winston
      Brilliant deep dive BC 🤿
      2025-05-25
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  • icycrystal
    ·2025-05-26
    TOP
    @LMSunshine @SPACE ROCKET @HelenJanet @GoodLife99 @koolgal @Shyon @Aqa @Barcode @nomadic_m @rL @Universe宇宙

    oh my goodness, what is happening to tiger app [OMG] [OMG] [OMG] why keeps booting me out of tiger... and freezing... every time whenever there's update there's glitches [Facepalm] [Facepalm] [Facepalm] [Spurting] [Spurting] [Spurting]

    The 20-year Treasury bond auction was dismal, with the winning yield breaking above 5%—the worst result since this maturity was introduced five years ago. The auction ended with numbers that no one wanted to see: the high yield reached 5.047%, only the second time in history it has exceeded 5%.

    With pressure on US Treasuries rising, is a major US equity crash more likely?


    Meanwhile, Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high. Are Bitcoin and gold now better safe-haven alternatives?


    Would you go long US Treasuries at this point—or stay in cash and wait for a correction?


    leave your comments to win tiger coins~

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    • Shyon
      [Cool] [Cool]
      2025-05-27
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  • Shyon
    ·2025-05-27
    The weak US Treasury auction is definitely concerning, especially when what’s considered the safest asset starts rattling markets. With yields breaking above 5%, it highlights growing doubts over US fiscal health. While I’m not calling for an immediate equity crash, the bond market stress could easily spill into stocks.

    It’s also telling that Bitcoin is hitting new all-time highs while Treasuries falter. Investors may be shifting their definition of safe havens. Personally, I see Bitcoin and gold gaining traction as alternatives, especially in a world of high debt and tightening liquidity. These assets offer a different kind of protection when traditional safe havens come under pressure.

    As for Treasuries, I’m staying cautious. Yields might still rise further, so I prefer holding cash for now. If markets correct more broadly, I’d look to re-enter both bonds and stocks at better levels. It’s all about timing & flexibility in this environment.

    @Tiger_comments @TigerStars

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  • Aqa
    ·2025-05-26
    As proven by history, any crash that the market has expected normally did not happen. As the market correction is in place, Bitcoin and gold have hit new highs as they are the better safe-haven alternatives as compared to equities. Go gently on the U.S. Treasuries at this point of time and monitor the market closely for corrections. Trade with diligence. Thanks @Tiger_comments
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  • Tiger_comments
    ·2025-05-26
    @BenSir的投資人生
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    @MHh
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    @icycrystal
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    @Lanceljx
    @Tiger V

    Thanks for your comments or posts in hot topics! [Heart]
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  • highhand
    ·2025-05-23
    for short term crypto is going up. long term bonds really useless. I thought interest rates go down, long term bonds value go up. I was wrong. market is more complicated than that and Powell is not reducing rates fast enough
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  • DragonJzee
    ·2025-05-23
    A barbell strategy (some cash, some gold/Bitcoin, and selective equities or Treasuries) could make sense right now.

    Timing is key—don't chase Bitcoin or bonds blindly; monitor macro triggers.

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  • MHh
    ·2025-05-22
    I don’t think a US equity crash is likely. The labour market is still robust and retail investors have been well trained to buy the dip. Also, trump is fully capable of injecting good news into the stock market by reducing tariffs. The fed also has room to cut rates. Not too long ago, bitcoin and stocks moved in the same direction. It’s only this year that they diverge more consistently. I think bitcoin has started to establish itself as a different asset class from stocks and is worthy to look into. Gold has historically been the safe haven and makes for good trade rather than a long term investment. I have never liked treasuries as returns are lower than stocks. I prefer to be invested. I prefer the liquidity of cash more than treasuries that will allow me to deploy quickly in the stock markets. It seems that the covid crash and rapid rebound has trained investors well to buy the dip and macro events seems to swing very quickly too. The latest dip and rebound took less than 1 month.
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  • Cadi Poon
    ·2025-05-22
    美國國債長期以來一直被視爲避風港,10年期國債收益率通常被視爲市場“無風險利率。”但這種看法似乎正在發生變化。

    在2011,標普首次下調美國主權評級時,$iShares 20+年期國債ETF(TLT)$實際上暴漲近20%兩個月內。當時,在歐債危機的不確定性下,投資者仍然涌向美國國債,作爲“最後手段”的避風港。

    相比之下,在2023,惠譽下調美國評級時,TLT跌近10%一個月之內。這一次,對美聯儲加息的擔憂宏觀不確定性主導了投資者情緒。

    目前,TLT已連續四周下降.老虎證券分析師認爲,長期債券現在比追逐美國股票提供了更好的風險回報權衡,特別是考慮到標普500的NTM市盈率仍然很高

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  • TimothyX
    ·2025-05-22
    20年期國債拍賣慘淡,中標收益率突破5%——這是自5年前推出這一期限以來的最差結果。拍賣以誰也不願看到的數字收官:高收益率達到5.047%,歷史上僅第二次超過5%。疲軟的拍賣結果加劇了市場對美國財政狀況的擔憂。
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  • AliceSam
    ·2025-05-22
    目前,TLT已连续四周下降.老虎证券分析师认为,长期债券现在比追逐美国股票提供了更好的风险回报权衡,特别是考虑到标普500的NTM市盈率仍然很高。
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  • WanEH
    ·2025-05-23
    我觉得崩盘的可能性不大,不过可能会有一些比较大的跌幅。且看市场如何看待。
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  • 1PC
    ·2025-05-27
    I will avoid Bond. More opportunities in crypto, gold 🪙 or stock. [Happy]
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  • SPOT_ON
    ·2025-05-23
    so will the us govt be bankrupt soon ?

    @Success88
    @MHh
    @rL
    @Fenger1188
    @Aqa

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  • Success88
    ·2025-05-23
    Wow no body buy US Bond that why interest increase. Good Buy
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  • TheStrategist
    ·2025-05-22
    yeah this is a bummer for stocks
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