US yields edge higher on trade optimism

• Yields on 30-year bonds were up at 2.268pc, from 2.265pc on Monday.
• US two-year yields advanced as well to 1.645pc, from Monday's 1.627pc.
• The US central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady after cutting them three times this year.

NEW YORK: US Treasury yields rose on Tuesday after trading lower for most of the overnight session, as risk appetite improved amid optimism that the Trump administration could delay imposing tariffs on Chinese goods set to take effect on Sunday.

This is viewed as a positive development for ongoing US-China trade negotiations, as both sides try to forge a preliminary agreement.

The US government's tariffs on about $160 billion in Chinese goods are set to be applied on Dec 15.

A Wall Street Journal report earlier on Tuesday said US and Chinese trade negotiations are planning for a delay of the imposition of tariffs.

The report sent US stocks and Treasury yields higher.

"The headline on the possible delay of tariffs caused a bounce in yields," said Michael Chang, interest rates strategist at Societe Generale in New York. "Basically 10-year yields are in the 1.8pc range and they're hinged on trade talks."

Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney also added to positive trade expectations on Tuesday, saying the prospects for the first part of a US trade deal with China look good.

In morning trading, US 10-year note yields rose to 1.839pc, from 1.831pc late on Monday.

Yields on 30-year bonds were up at 2.268pc, from 2.265pc on Monday.

On the short-end of the curve, US two-year yields advanced as well to 1.645pc, from Monday's 1.627pc.

The decline in US Treasury prices also helped traders prepare for the auction of $24 billion in 10-year notes later on Tuesday.

Ahead of an auction, traders typically sell Treasuries to push the yield higher so they can buy them at a lower price.

Also on Tuesday, the Federal Reserve started its two-day meeting, but market participants do not expect fireworks from the statement.

The US central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady after cutting them three times this year.