The Real Rate of Return on the 10-Year Treasury Note is Negative

Bob Carey
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The Real Rate of Return on the 10-Year Treasury Note is Negative

Posted Under: Bond Market

View from the Observation Deck

The real rate of return on a bond is calculated by subtracting the most recent inflation rate, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), from the bond's current yield. The higher the real rate the better.
As of the close of 9/30/20, the yield on the benchmark 10-year T-note was 0.69% (0.7% rounded), essentially half the 1.4% trailing 12-month rate on the CPI in September 2020 (most recent rate available). That equates to a real rate of -0.7%, which is not attractive, in our opinion.
At a base level, in order to maintain one's purchasing power, bond investors have sought to generate a yield that at least outpaces the rate of inflation.
For comparative purposes, from 9/30/90 through 9/30/20 (30 years), the average yield on the 10-year T-note was 4.3% (rounded), while the average rate on the CPI stood at 2.4%, according to Bloomberg. Those figures translate into an average real rate of return of 1.9%, far more attractive than currently available.
In September, the Federal Reserve ("Fed") stated that it expects to hold short-term interest rates near zero until two things happen: (1) the U.S. unemployment rate is back to normal (around a 4.0% unemployment rate), and (2) inflation is running at or above 2.0%.
Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P., notes that the Fed does not expect to achieve both goals until 2024.
We believe that one of the Fed's motivations in promoting a multi-year commitment to a near zero interest rate monetary policy is to incentivize risk-taking, and that extends to the bond market.

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment.

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Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020 @ 2:43 PM • Post Link

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These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.

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