Trump's New Focus: Taming Long-Term Borrowing Costs

U.S. President Donald Trump shifts his focus from the Federal Reserve's short-term policy rates to long-term borrowing costs, crucial for mortgage rates. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent desires a stable 10-year yield, Fed control is limited. Nominee Kevin Warsh aims to reduce rates through AI-driven productivity, impacting housing and the economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump has redirected his attention towards managing long-term borrowing costs, a critical factor impacting millions of borrowers and the upcoming midterm elections. Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh faces a challenging task as he attempts to influence these rates, despite inherent limitations in Federal Reserve control.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's goal of maintaining a 3% yield reveals a complex dynamic where the Fed's influence wanes beyond short-term rates. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield, which largely determines mortgage and business loan rates, remains elusive, despite recent reductions in the policy rate.

While Trump's administration seeks to address rising inflation and long-term yield concerns, the solution may lie in an AI-driven productivity boom. Such a development could potentially lower mortgage rates and reinvigorate the housing market, yet numerous economic factors continue to exert upward pressure on yields.

(With inputs from agencies.)