Straightforward Data-Driven Rally

Straightforward Data-Driven Rally

It proved to be an incredibly straightforward day for the bond market.  Trading levels were roughly unchanged in early trading. Friendly Fed comments provided a modest boost, but it was the JOLTS data that clearly set the tone. With job openings hitting the lowest levels since late 2020, traders were quick to hit the buy button. Keep in mind, this is July data whereas Friday’s jobs report will be August data. Nonetheless, it was an extra measure of labor market weakness that helped confirm last month’s lackluster jobs report. If Thursday’s data is similarly downbeat, we could see more of a pre-NFP lead-off with yields challenging the recent range floor.