The Lowdown on High Real Yields

Real yields in many countries have surged to their highest levels in a decade. In the U.S., real yields fell significantly in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, but began increasing in the fourth quarter of 2021. As of Oct. 13, real yields exceeded 2% for all maturities across the yield curve. Other countries exhibited similar patterns, but there were significant differences in the levels of real yields (see plot below). As of Oct. 13, the level of the 10-year real yield was 2.3% in the U.S., 1.5% in the U.K., 0.4% in the eurozone and -0.5% in Japan.

Shorter-maturity real yields increased the most. Between Dec. 31, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2023, one-year real yields in the U.S., U.K. and eurozone surged by more than 500 basis points (bps), while the 10-year real yields rose by more than 250 bps.

Chasing yield carries risk

While high real yields might offer potential opportunities for investors, it is important to recognize the risks.

Recent increases in real yields coincided with large increases in inflation, which then triggered aggressive rate hikes by central banks. Looking forward, unexpectedly high inflation could result in central banks’ continuing to pursue aggressive monetary policies that could put upward pressure on real yields.

Deterioration in governmental finances is another consideration. During this year’s debt-ceiling drama, some investors contemplated that the U.S. government might be willing to miss some debt payments. Crossing this threshold could fuel thinking that even more extreme scenarios could occur — including payment shortfalls on all U.S. debt. We are far from this sort of dire scenario, but it is a potential long-run tail event that could also put upward pressure on yields.

Although the deterioration in the U.S. budget deficit may be capturing the headlines, other major countries are facing budgetary woes in coming years.