Blog

Refinancing ZIRP

02/24/2025

By: Lawrence Gillum, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, LPL Financial

The U.S. Treasury market is entering a significant transition period in 2025, facing both structural adjustments and all-too-familiar policy discussions. As the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) shift from a zero interest-rate policy (ZIRP) coincides with a substantial $7.5 trillion refinancing cycle, markets are also preparing for another round of debt ceiling negotiations. For investors, this environment presents compelling opportunities in Treasury securities: Yields above 4% across much of the Treasury curve offer attractive risk-free returns (although market volatility is expected to remain elevated), with potential for capital appreciation if yields fall. However, careful security selection is warranted — investors might consider avoiding Treasury Bills (T-bills) maturing around potential debt ceiling deadlines while taking advantage of higher yields in longer-dated securities that extend beyond these near-term political discussions (we think the sweet spot is in the 1–5-year parts of the Treasury curve). While each of these challenges is manageable, their combination requires thoughtful navigation from policymakers and careful consideration from market participants.

Read the full commentary here: Weekly Market Commentary 02.24.2025

Previous

Tariffs Ignite a Metals Melt-Up

Next

Earnings Season Recap: Strong Growth, Big Upside, Now What?