US Auctions $16 Billion in 20-Year Treasury Bonds, Sold at Over 5% Yield

The U.S. Treasury sold $16 billion in 20-year bonds on Wednesday, but demand was weak as investors were concerned about a tax and spending bill being debated in Congress, which is expected to worsen the fiscal outlook and increase the U.S. debt burden. The yield on the auctioned bonds reached as high as 5.047%, about one basis point higher than pre-auction trading levels. Indirect bidders, including governments, fund managers, and insurance companies, purchased 69% of the bonds, above average, indicating strong foreign demand. Overall demand was slightly below average, at just 2.46 times the debt on offer, the lowest level since February 2023. The 20-year bond yield rose to 5.127% after the auction, the highest level since November 2023. The lukewarm auction response led to a sell-off in stocks and the dollar, while U.S. Treasury yields rose, indicating heightened investor concerns about the country's swelling debt, which could spur bond market vigilantes seeking more fiscal restraint from Washington.