--- title: Debt Ceiling Optimism and Hawkish Fed Speeches Fuel Surge in Interest Rates! description: The past week proved challenging for U.S. Treasury bonds, which experienced a decline of -1.4% due to progress made in debt ceiling talks. The 2-year U.S. Treasury yield saw a significant increase of nearly 30bps, marking its largest weekly rise since June 2022. image: https://blog.syzgroup.com/hubfs/iStock-1285878864.jpg --- [![Syz Private banking](https://blog.syzgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=140&name=Logo.png "Syz Private banking")](https://www.syzgroup.com/fr) ## **Thinking** out loud [Subscribe](https://25733253.hs-sites-eu1.com/newsletter-signup?hsLang=en) [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25733253/3d762f49-4e71-4f99-97b1-bf6781ef3da2.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/25733253/3d762f49-4e71-4f99-97b1-bf6781ef3da2) - [OUR SERVICES](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/private-banking) - [ABOUT SYZ](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/about/welcome-to-syz) - [CAREERS](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/careers) - [PRESS](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/news) - [Blog Homepage](https://blog.syzgroup.com) - [Slow Food for Thought](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thought) - [Focus](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/focus) - [Asset allocations Insights](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/asset-allocation-insights) - [Market Outlook](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/market-outlook) - [Swiss Perspectives](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/swiss-perspectives) - [Syz the moment](https://blog.syzgroup.com/syz-the-moment) - [Crypto corner](https://blog.syzgroup.com/crypto-corner) - [Syz AI Insights](https://blog.syzgroup.com/syz-ai-insights) - [Fast Food for Thought](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought) - [The week in seven charts](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thoughts/tag/the-week-in-seven-charts) - [Flash](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thoughts/tag/flash) - [Fixed Income Weekly](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-fixed-income) - [Equity Weekly](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-equities) - [Global markets outlook](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thoughts/tag/global-markets-outlook) - [CONTACT](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/contact-us/form) - [ENGLISH](https://www.syzgroup.com/) - [FRANÇAIS](https://www.syzgroup.com/fr) - [Slow Food for Thought](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thought) - [Focus](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/focus) - [Asset allocations Insights](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/asset-allocation-insights) - [Market Outlook](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/market-outlook) - [Swiss Perspectives](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/swiss-perspectives) - [Fast Food for Thought](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought) - [Flash](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thoughts/tag/flash) - [Weekly Fixed Income](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-fixed-income) - [The week in seven charts](https://blog.syzgroup.com/slow-food-for-thoughts/tag/the-week-in-seven-charts) - [Global markets outlook](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thoughts/tag/global-markets-outlook) - [Weekly Equities](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-equities) - [Syz the moment](https://blog.syzgroup.com/syz-the-moment) - [Crypto corner](https://blog.syzgroup.com/crypto-corner) - [Syz AI Insights](https://blog.syzgroup.com/syz-ai-insights) - [Our Services](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/private-banking) - [About Syz](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/about/welcome-to-syz) - [Careers](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/careers) - [Press](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/news) - [Contact](https://www.syzgroup.com/en/contact-us/form) - [English](https://www.syzgroup.com/) - [Français](https://www.syzgroup.com/fr) ## **Sign-up** for our newsletter This website uses cookies to enhance user navigation and to collect statistical data. 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If you made a mistake, please change here USA Country Switzerland Canada: Other than Ontario, Quebec, Alberta Canada: Ontario, Quebec or Alberta USA Other country Language Language English French German Italian I confirm Legal information This marketing document has been issued by Bank Syz Ltd. It is not intended for distribution to, publication, provision or use by individuals or legal entities that are citizens of or reside in a state, country or jurisdiction in which applicable laws and regulations prohibit its distribution, publication, provision or use. It is not directed to any person or entity to whom it would be illegal to send such marketing material. This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation for the subscription, purchase, sale or safekeeping of any security or financial instrument or for the engagement in any other transaction, as the provision of any investment advice or service, or as a contractual document. Nothing in this document constitutes an investment, legal, tax or accounting advice or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate for an investor's particular and individual circumstances, nor does it constitute a personalized investment advice for any investor. This document reflects the information, opinions and comments of Bank Syz Ltd. as of the date of its publication, which are subject to change without notice. The opinions and comments of the authors in this document reflect their current views and may not coincide with those of other Syz Group entities or third parties, which may have reached different conclusions. The market valuations, terms and calculations contained herein are estimates only. The information provided comes from sources deemed reliable, but Bank Syz Ltd. does not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, reliability and actuality. Past performance gives no indication of nor guarantees current or future results. Bank Syz Ltd. accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this document. [Weekly Fixed Income](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-fixed-income) ### Debt Ceiling Optimism and Hawkish Fed Speeches Fuel Surge in Interest Rates! The past week proved challenging for U.S. Treasury bonds, which experienced a decline of -1.4% due to progress made in debt ceiling talks. The 2-year U.S. Treasury yield saw a significant increase of nearly 30bps, marking its largest weekly rise since June 2022. [![Gaël Fichan](https://blog.syzgroup.com/hubfs/gael.jpg)](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/author/gaël-fichan) [**Gaël Fichan**](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/author/gaël-fichan) Head Fixed Income & Senior Portfolio Manager **Monday, 05/22/2023** | - ![Pdf](https://blog.syzgroup.com/hubfs/pdf%20(1).png) - - - - ## **What happened last week?** **Central banks** Fed Chairman Powell concluded the week in attend to calm the market following a series of speeches by several Fed members throughout the week. The market has heightened its expectations for a rate hike in June, aligning with the diverse range of views expressed in the speeches. Some members, such as Jefferson, Williams, Bostic, and Goolsbee, advocated for a pause, while others like Logan, Barkin, and Mester left the door open for a potential further hike. At the end of the week, the market assesses a one in three chance of a rate hike in June. Meanwhile, in Europe, European Central Bank President Lagarde has significantly influenced the European fixed income market by emphasizing the need for sustainably higher interest rates to control inflation. Consequently, the likelihood of a rate hike in September, following two hikes in June and July, has surged to nearly 50%. **Rates** The past week proved challenging for U.S. Treasury bonds, which experienced a decline of -1.4% due to progress made in debt ceiling talks. The 2-year U.S. Treasury yield saw a significant increase of nearly 30bps, marking its largest weekly rise since June 2022. The 10-year Treasury yield reached 3.72%, reaching a level unseen since the beginning of March, before settling at 3.68% by the week's end, representing a rise of +20bps. Consequently, the yield curve inversion deepened, with the difference between the 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury yields narrowing by 6bps to -60bps. In Europe, government bonds also faced challenges, as German bonds dropped by 1.2%. However, peripheral government bonds outperformed, with Italian bonds experiencing a more modest drop of 0.6%. Moody's confirmed Italy's BBB- sovereign debt rating on Friday evening following a comprehensive review of its credit profile. This decision solidifies Italy's investment grade status, providing stability and reassurance to the market. At the end of the week, the spread between Italian and German 10-year yields closed at 184bps. **Credit** U.S. Corporate bonds faced headwinds as U.S. interest rates climbed, resulting in a 1.5% loss for U.S. Investment grade bonds, while U.S. High yield bonds experienced a slight decline of -0.5% for the week. Despite stable IG credit spreads at 144bps, HY credit spreads widened by 7bps to 478bps. In Europe, corporate bonds displayed more resilience with a 0.8% loss for IG and a 0.4% gain for HY. The market's complacency towards this segment, which has performed exceptionally well year-to-date (up over 4%), is notable. Moreover, the recent sharp decrease in European High Yield volatility indicates a lack of concern within the market. Examining the 30-day price volatility over the past decade, the European High Yield index has returned to 2021 levels, currently standing one standard deviation below the historical average. Finally, AT1/CoCo bonds emerged as the top performer of the week. The AT1 market received a boost from a report suggesting that the EBA (European Banking Authority) is considering a ban on banks paying dividends before potentially skipping an AT1 coupon to preserve capital during stressful periods. As a result, the iBoxx Europe AT1 index surged by almost +2% over the week. **Emerging market** Emerging market (EM) corporate bonds experienced a 0.9% decline last week, mirroring the performance of U.S. Treasuries. With the exception of Chinese real estate bonds, which continued their significant drop and recorded their worst monthly performance (-20%) since October 2022, Turkish bonds were the worst performers. The outcome of the first round of the Turkish presidential election, leading to a run-off in two weeks' time, exerted pressure on Turkish bonds, with the 5-year CDS reaching its highest spread levels (close to 700bps) since October 2022. In terms of local currency, EM bonds have turned negative month-to-date (-0.5%) following another week of decline (-0.8%), primarily driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar for the third consecutive week. In Latin America, most central banks have now adopted a hold stance after the recent decision of the Mexican central bank to pause last Thursday. Market expectations point towards rate cuts within the next 6 months for Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Interestingly, despite having the highest real policy rate, Brazil is expected to be the slowest among these countries to cut interest rates within the next 2 years. --- ## **Our view on fixed income (May)** ##### **Rates** > ##### **CAUTIOUS** We favor the front end and intermediate part of the yield curve, as they offer favorable carry and benefit from improving rate fundamentals. However, caution is advised when considering the long end, given the historical level of yield curve inversion. we are upgrading our preference from unattractive to cautious on EUR core, CHF, and GBP yield curves, considering that the tightening of monetary policies is nearing its end.   ##### **Investment Grade** > ##### **POSITIVE** We favor from 0 to 10 years segments due to the steepness of the credit spread curve which fully offset the inverted U.S. Treasury yield curve. Absolute yields are still offering attractive long term entry point. Focus on high quality corporate bonds that have proven their robustness even if money market funds compete the entire credit spectrum. ##### **High Yield** > **UNATTRACTIVE** High yield bonds could come under pressure in this very uncertain environment. Recession fears, expectations of higher default rates and one of the most aggressive monetary policies are expected to weigh on this segment. The current valuation of U.S. high yield spreads implies modest default rates and the absence of inflation slippage, or a near-term recession.   ##### **EM** > ##### **CAUTIOUS** Emerging market bonds have rallied impressively, outperforming investment grade US corporate bonds by more than 5% over the past six months. But rising idiosyncratic risks and the tight premium to investment grade bonds make us tactically cautious. --- ## **The Chart of the week** ##### **Turkish 5-year CDS hits 7-month high!** **![Picture1-May-22-2023-03-42-31-6534-PM](https://blog.syzgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture1-May-22-2023-03-42-31-6534-PM.png?width=891&height=700&name=Picture1-May-22-2023-03-42-31-6534-PM.png)** Source: Bloomberg The credit default swap (CDS), acting as an insurance contract safeguarding investors from debt default risks, for Turkey's sovereign bond surged by nearly 200bps within a week. The market's reaction to the first round of the Turkish presidential election, resulting in a run-off in two weeks, was less favorable. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has outperformed expectations in the polls, raising concerns about potential uncertainties in monetary and fiscal policies going forward. #### Disclaimer This marketing document has been issued by Bank Syz Ltd. It is not intended for distribution to, publication, provision or use by individuals or legal entities that are citizens of or reside in a state, country or jurisdiction in which applicable laws and regulations prohibit its distribution, publication, provision or use. It is not directed to any person or entity to whom it would be illegal to send such marketing material. This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation for the subscription, purchase, sale or safekeeping of any security or financial instrument or for the engagement in any other transaction, as the provision of any investment advice or service, or as a contractual document. Nothing in this document constitutes an investment, legal, tax or accounting advice or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate for an investor's particular and individual circumstances, nor does it constitute a personalized investment advice for any investor. This document reflects the information, opinions and comments of Bank Syz Ltd. as of the date of its publication, which are subject to change without notice. The opinions and comments of the authors in this document reflect their current views and may not coincide with those of other Syz Group entities or third parties, which may have reached different conclusions. The market valuations, terms and calculations contained herein are estimates only. The information provided comes from sources deemed reliable, but Bank Syz Ltd. does not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, reliability and actuality. Past performance gives no indication of nor guarantees current or future results. Bank Syz Ltd. accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this document. Read More ## Related Articles [Fixed Income|](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/fixed-income) [Weekly Fixed Income](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-fixed-income) #### [The Short End of the Curve Offers Value](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/the-short-end-of-the-curve-offers-value?hsLang=en) The significant policy tightening priced in offers high carry and a favorable balance of probabilities. **[Christophe Pella, CFA](https://blog.syzgroup.com/author/christophe-pella?hsLang=en)** | 17/09/2026 [Fixed Income|](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/fixed-income) [Weekly Fixed Income](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-fixed-income) #### [Debt Magic and Debt Management](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/debt-magic-and-debt-management?hsLang=en) Market support mechanisms and accounting creativity are no substitute for improved fundamentals. **[Christophe Pella, CFA](https://blog.syzgroup.com/author/christophe-pella?hsLang=en)** | 09/09/2026 [Weekly Fixed Income](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/tag/weekly-fixed-income) #### [A hawkish Jackson Hole speech flattens yield curves](https://blog.syzgroup.com/fast-food-for-thought/a-hawkish-jackson-hole-speech-flattens-yield-curves?hsLang=en) With rising chances of rate hikes, short-term rates rise while long-term rates stabilize **[Maggie Cheng, CFA, CAIA](https://blog.syzgroup.com/author/maggie-cheng?hsLang=en)** | 01/09/2026 ## Straight from the Desk # Syz the moment Live feeds, charts, breaking stories, all day long. 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