NO MORE MONEY?Rates on short-dated bills have soared ahead of the so-called ‘X-date’ early next month, after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned last week that the government could run out of cash as soon as June 1.
It's worth noting that the debt ceiling issue has arisen multiple times over the years, and each time it has ultimately been resolved. While it's impossible to predict the outcome of the current situation, historical precedent suggests that it is likely to be resolved eventually. For investors with a high risk tolerance, buying short-term T-bills now could be a smart move that provides a higher rate of return than longer-term Treasury bonds.
One notable example of a similar situation occurred in 2011, when the US government faced a potential default due to a political standoff over raising the debt ceiling. The prospect of a default caused investors to fear that the government would not be able to meet its financial obligations, leading to a rise in short-term interest rates.
In the weeks leading up to the deadline, yields on one-month T-bills increased from around 0.02% to over 0.25%, while yields on three-month and six-month T-bills also rose significantly. However, once the debt ceiling was eventually raised, the yields on these short-term Treasuries returned to more typical levels.
Investors who had bought short-term Treasuries during this period would have seen a significant increase in yield, providing a lucrative opportunity. Similarly, the current debt ceiling issue could present a similar opportunity for investors who are willing to take on the associated risk.
