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Explaining the US bond yield conundrum

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  • Bandholz, Harm
  • Clostermann, Jörg
  • Seitz, Franz

Abstract

We analyze if and to what extent fundamental macroeconomic factors, temporary influences or more structural factors have contributed to the low levels of US bond yields over the last few years. For that purpose, we start with a general model of interest rate determination. The empirical part consists of a cointegration analysis with an error correction mechanism. We are able to establish a stable long-run relationship and find that the behavior of bond yields, even during the last two years, can well be explained. Alongside the more traditional macroeconomic determinants like core inflation, monetary policy and the business cycle, we also include foreign holdings of US Treasuries. The latter should capture the frequently mentioned structural effects on long-term interest rates. Finally, our bond yield equation outperforms a random walk model in different forecasting exercises.

Suggested Citation

  • Bandholz, Harm & Clostermann, Jörg & Seitz, Franz, 2007. "Explaining the US bond yield conundrum," Weidener Diskussionspapiere 2, University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden (OTH).
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:hawdps:2
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    11. Kurita, Takamitsu, 2016. "Markov-switching variance models and structural changes underlying Japanese bond yields: An inquiry into non-linear dynamics," The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, Elsevier, vol. 13(C), pages 74-80.
    12. Bekiros, Stelios & Avdoulas, Christos & Hassapis, Christis, 2018. "Nonlinear equilibrium adjustment dynamics and predictability of the term structure of interest rates," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 140-155.
    13. Enrique Martínez García & Yixiang Zhang, 2024. "The Contribution of Foreign Holdings of U.S. Treasury Securities to the U.S. Long-Term Interest Rate: An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of the Zero Lower Bound," Globalization Institute Working Papers 430, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
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    15. Schalast, Christoph & Tiemann, Marcel & Tuppi, Pascal, 2009. "Staatsfonds - neue Akteure an den Finanzmärkten?," Frankfurt School - Working Paper Series 114, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
    16. Bandholz, Harm & Clostermann, Jörg & Seitz, Franz, 2016. "Die Entwicklung der Langfristzinsen in den USA und das "Quantitative Easing" der FED," Arbeitsberichte – Working Papers 40, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bond yields; interest rates; cointegration; inflation; forecasting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • E47 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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