BOND REPORT: Treasurys Rise Ahead Of Fed News

Treasury prices inched higher Wednesday ahead of news from the Federal Reserve that could help investors adjust interest-rate views.  The 10-year note (10_YEAR) yield, which falls as prices rise, was down 1.5 basis points at 2.640%. Benchmark interest rates were poised to fall for just the fourth time in 15 sessions after bouncing off 11-month lows at the end of May.

The central bank is set to release its latest policy statement and summary of economic projections at 2 p.m. Eastern, followed by a press conference 30 minutes later. With inflation rising and the labor market showing steady gains, investors are bracing for sentiment that may sound less committed to the low-rate policies that have been in place for the last half decade.

Read more: Fed could jolt markets with rate-hike views

Nonetheless, Treasury prices rose in morning trade on Wednesday amid reports from the Bank of England and continued turmoil in Iraq.

The U.K.’s central bank released minutes from its last meeting, which showed officials coming around to the idea of raising key lending rates before the end of the year. However, the bank continued to voice concerns about the economy, so the minutes were interpreted as less hawkish than expected following a particularly hawkish speech by BOE Gov. Mark Carney last week.

Treasurys were also bolstered by a flight to safety as the situation in Iraq continued to deteriorate. On Wednesday, government forces struck back against the militant insurgents, while the country’s main oil refinery was partially in flames.

The 30-year bond (30_YEAR) yield fell half a basis points to 3.440%. The 5-year note (5_YEAR) yield fell 2.5 basis points to 1.728%.

By Ben Eisen