(08/08/11): Off the charts. That's where the 2yr treasury has ventured, a new historic low post S&P's downgrade of US government debt. It maybe counter intuitive to witness a price rally on a downgrade, but panic selling in equities has driven many investors to the "safe haven" of US treasuries, driving rates down. There is no technical support to work from at this level, other than I assume the two year treasury rate stays above zero (unlike the three month bill, which has gone negative yield multiple times recently).

(06/01/11): While a double top was indeed confirmed around the mid-80's level, the 2yr rate slipped right through the fingers of expected 55-60bps support. Next stop is the low 40's, which should hold, barring a major equity market sell-off.

(04/19/11): The two year treasury near-term resistance appears to have formed around the 85bps level, mirroring the same price action as in the equity markets (not pictured). Double top? Possibly. But, I think the real test is the mid-March lows caused by the Japan earthquake and middle east unrest, around 55bps. Hard to believe a break below this level would lead to a test of the 0ct/Nov lows, but that's what the technicals would suggest. My guess is without a meaningful equity market correction, say about 20%, the more likely support continues in the 55-60bps area.        

(02/28/11): Not exactly what the Federal Reserve intended, rates are higher since the announcement of the second installment of quantitative easing (QE2). Two year treasury rates more than double to the low 80bps before retracing toward intermediate support around 60bps.

(11/04/10): Rates fall to new historic lows on expectations the Federal Reserve's recent announcement of the purchase of $600 billon in market securities over the next six months. Clearly, Mr. Bernanke is doing whatever is necessary to inflate asset prices in order to counter the incessant de-leveraging from the private sector. The long-term costs of running the government monetary printing presses in this hyper-drive state can be severe. The dollar continues to set new lows. Commodities and gold prices surge. Bond prices reach bubble levels. What happens when all this government intervention comes to an end and the massive accumulated tax-payer debt needs to refinanced or paid down? Will there be enough willing buyers for US Treasury and government securities at present rates? Or will the market (includes many over-seas buyers) demand higher rates to be compensated for potential inflation and /or perceived credit risk? 

(8/17/10): As expected in the last observation three months ago, we came within points of reaching 10,700 Dow on August 9th. But did surging equity prices send rates higher? Surprisingly, no. It appears there's a winner-take-all death battle going on between the equity market's optimism for economic recover and the bond market's fear of a slow down or worse, double dip recession. Which scenario wins? We'll find out soon enough. Personally, I'd trust the bond markets prediction as seen. It's always been the best economic indicator, particularly the shape of the yield curve. As it's flatted over the last few weeks, it too is a sign for tougher times ahead.

(5/24/10): Deflation, de-leveraging (excluding sovereign debt) and fear of a global double dip recession/depression send safe heaven treasuries rates to lows seen only a couple times since the financial crisis began. While major support exists at the 70bps level for 2yr treasuries, all bets are off  if world equity markets continue to tumble. This author's forecast is the Dow will trade into the 8k's later this year, bringing rates down further. But, I doubt that happens now. I'd expect at least another run to test 11,300 Dow (at least 10,700) before a dive later autumn or late summer.

(3/18/10): Looking like a EKG graph of an irregular heartbeat, the 2yr has pretty much steadied around 90-100bps for the last 12 months with momentary spikes up and down, but mostly up. A precursor to higher rates ahead? One thing is certain, if the Feds' "free money" defibrillator jolt finally takes hold, the 2yr rate resting pulse will be closer to the highs of the last 12 months (1.20-1.40).

(12/31/09): Finally, the breakout to higher rates we have been expecting was confirmed in the waning days of 2009. The two treasury aggressively pierced a long 12 month resistance of 1.00, and also confirmed a double bottom set on 12/08 and 12/09 at 65bps.  If we take technical analysis a step further, we could make a case that an inverted head and shoulders has also formed over the same period, resulting in total reversal of the pervious pattern. Meaning, higher rates ahead!

(10/07/09): While we reached 1.40 within days of the last observation, the two year could not hold these levels and preceded to plunge back through support to sub-one percent.  At this point, until the hoarding of short-term treasuries becomes less attractive than the potential loss of holding these positions when the Fed moves away from a "free money" policy, 1.00 looks to be strong resistance.

(6/05/09): A better than expected jobs report sends the two year treasury rate screaming through 1.00 resistance. Next stop, 1.50.

(3/18/09): So far, the two year treasury rate bottom of mid-Dec is holding and a slight upward channel has developed. This suggests the worst of negligible rates is behind us.

(2/03/09): Is it possible treasury rates have bottomed? Certainly a question I have been searching for these last few months may now look answered. The 12/16/08 low of 0.65 followed by weeks of base building suggests higher rates ahead.

(12/01/08): Treasury rates have plummeted to historic lows with buyers clearly concerned more with the return of principal than any reasonable yield on principal. The good news, with just 88 basis points north of zero, it is easy to assume any bit of encouraging economic news or first signs of inflation (lots of dollars being printed), will quickly put a digit back on the left of the decimal point.

(10/08/08): Financial market Armageddon continues with the flight to treasuries sending two years rates back to March lows. Bounce from here? Technically yes, but with zero confidence in world credit markets....who knows.

(9/15/08): Major credit woes in the financial sector continue to dominate treasury rates. From last week's federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to this weekend's announcement Bank of America will gobble up Merrill Lynch, to this morning's Lehman bankruptcy and AIG's questionable solvency -  its no mystery treasuries are in high demand sending rates through recent support levels.

(8/12/08): Multiple attempts have been made to break down below the 2.40 level, confirming support has developed in this area. While it is possible that further weakness in the US economy could move rates lower, any good news on top of this technical pattern is more likely to send the 2yr treasury rate back on it's way to 3.00+.

(6/13/08): We met our 3.00 target yesterday as the market has moved to fully pricing in a 50+bps hike in Fed Funds. To much, too soon? Probably. I'd expect a pull back to 2.50-2.75 before another test to 3.00+.

(6/04/08): After hitting a recent intraday high of 2.75 on 5/29 , the two year treasury pulls back to test support. While it's possible we could see 2.00 again in this cycle, the more probable support area is around 2.25.

(4/30/08): As stated in the previous observation, an upside breakout occurred over the last several weeks, sending the 2yr treasury rate on it's way to 3.00.

(4/08/08): Looks like a bottom has formed in the 1.50 area (75 basis pints below current Fed. Funds target). While 2.00 offers some resistance as rates point higher, I believe 3.00 will be here sooner than most folks think.

(3/03/08): "Das Boot"? Like the 1982 Academy Award nominee submarine movie..........rates dive, dive, dive.

(1/03/08): First, please let me admit I've been persistently and consistently wrong about the direction of treasury rates in this recent downward trending cycle this last few months. Now with that confession over, I still believe fundamentals will win the day as necessary family spending continues to drive the economy foreword (despite the subprime mess). Add in the likelihood bond performance won't continue into 2008 at another +9.9% clip (Bloomberg 3-5 year Govt. index total return) as it did in 2007 and we should have better rates ahead.

(10/24/07): After a brief increase in rates into mid-October, yields across the curve plunge to new 12 month lows. Where to from here? Unless you believe we are entering into a recession (I certainly don't) and think rates will continue to drop, I wouldn't be a big buyer here.

(8/31/07): Sub-prime loans, hedge fund redemptions, and stock market correction woes have plunged treasuries rates way below what I thought could be possible this cycle. A minor triangle pattern has developed from 4.02 low on August 20th. So if the overall economic fundamentals remain positive, we should see rates move higher.

(7/27/07): Following an amazing decline in rates from the recent 5.09 top on June 12th, the two year treasury yield is getting very close to a substantial bottom. This is an easy suggestion to make - don't buy bullets at these levels, callables are okay, since the probability of a rebound in rates is very high.

(6/15/07): In an incredible (virtually non-stop) 6 week move up in rates, the 2yr treasury blows through 4.98 resistance. This sets the new range between 4.98 support and 5.28 (6/28/06 high).

(5/16/07):  As stated in the previous observation, a upside breakout occurred in early April, sending the 2yr treasury rate immediately to 4.74 resistance. Following a test back to the 4.60 lunch point, we've now advanced in a pattern of higher highs and high lows, again, to 4.74 resistance. This is also a 50% retracement level of the 4.98 high (1/29/07) to the support low of 4.50 (12/5/06 and 3/13/07).

(4/4/07): A "symmetrical triangle" (characterized as areas of indecision) has formed over the last four weeks. Research has shown that these patterns overwhelmingly resolve themselves in big moves typical in size equal to the widest part of the triangle. With major support holding at 4.50, we may possibly see 4.70+ sooner than later.

(3/2/07): An overdue correction in the equity markets finally materializes, sending the two year treasury rate plummeting to towards the 4.50 major support low, as investors flee to the safety of government debt instruments. Unless you believe the U.S. is headed for a recession in the next few months, this is not the time to be an aggressive buyer of treasury debt.

(1/23/07): Since the recent December 5th low of 4.50, rates have rebound through 4.80 resistance. This sets up a new range of 4.80 to 5.00.

(12/29/06): A sharp decline to the 4.50 level occurred in just a few days after the 11/27/06 observation. But just as quickly, rates rebound to 4.70, taking with it the possibility of testing January 2006 lows. Currently, the short-term resistance area is around 4.80.

(11/27/06): Narrowing volatility or the range of movement in the 2yr treasury rate over the last several weeks suggest a large breakout is near. Which way? Could be down. A break below 4.63 would confirm and suggest further weakness to 4.25, January 2006 lows.

(10/27/06): Support continues to holds at 4.63.

(9/29/06): The two year treasury rate tests a possible double bottom and new support at 4.63, piercing previous support.

(9/7/06): Fifty basis points below current 5.25 Fed Funds target rate, the 2yr treasury may have put in a temporary low at 4.74 on Sept 1. Overhead resistance remains in the 5.10-5.20 area. 

(8/7/06): With lower highs and lower rate lows over the last two weeks, the predictable upward channel chart created over the prior12 months, may have ended. The best guess now is support pulls back to 4.90, and resistance moves to the 5.10-5.20 area. 

(7/20/06): As inflation worries ebb, the 2yr rate pulls back to 5.10, right on the support line of this upward channel.  

(6/20/06): It's been a week since we broke long-term 4.90-5.00 resistance levels. Where to from here? With inflation worries in excess of reality, I find it hard to believe the 2yr can sustain levels above the next target resistance of 5.50. 

(5/30/06): Major multi-year resistance holds at the 4.90-5.00 area.

(4/28/06): Major multi-year resistance continues to hold at the 4.90-5.00 area.

(4/4/06): The 2 year treasury rate continues it's march to major resistance at 4.90-5.00.

(3/2/06): We are closing in on a major multi-year resistance level in the 4.90-5.00 area. What can break us through to higher rates? Higher than expected inflation.......don't bet on it.  

(2/6/06): The large and quick move predicted in the previous posts has occurred.  The two-year treasury should now move in a consolidated pattern with resistance in the 4.90-5.00 area. Support moves up to 4.40-4.50.

(1/13/06): The triangle pattern observed several weeks ago has now developed into a "bull flag" pattern. Flag patterns represent brief pauses in a dynamic market.  They are typically seen right after a big, quick move.  The market then usually takes off again in the same direction.  Research has shown that these patterns are some of the most reliable continuation patterns.

(12/20/05): A triangle pattern continues to form in text book fashion. The next big move is usually a breakout in the direction of the long-term trend. In this case, up.  

(12/2/05): After testing the 4.30 level twice and the possible double top at 4.48, the 2yr year yield now looks like we have entered into a narrow trading range between 4.50 and 4.30.

(11/17/05): Possible double top at 4.48.  We could come down to 4.30, even 4.20.

(11/03/05): Rates continue to move higher following the 12th strait Fed tightening  The target resistance level remains 4.66.

(10/13/05): Rates continue to move higher with the 2yr moving toward 4.66 resistance.

(9/20/05): Despite the effects of Hurricane Katrina, the Federal Reserve voted to raise the Fed Funds target rate for the 11th straight time.  The 2yr moves back to the 50% retracement level of the huge move from 6.90 (May 18, 2000) to 1.07 (June 13, 2003).

(9/1/05): The great unwinding of the markets expectation of further Federal Reserve tightenings is upon us.  The 2yr has dropped 37bps since Hurricane Katrina hit our shores. Possible support is around 3.68.

(8/25/05): 4.00 appears to be the new support level. This is reinforced by the 50% retracement level from the May 2000 highs (see 7/29/05 comment).

(8/10/05): After 10 Fed Funds increases in just over 13 months, the 2yr breaks through 4.00. Next big test is 4.65. Maybe this would "price in" the ultimate Fed Funds target of 4.00-4.25. 

(7/29/05): The 2yr treasury rate moves past months of near term resistance and now faces the 4.00 level which is the 50% retracement level of the huge move from 6.90 (May 18, 2000) down to 1.07 (June 13, 2003).

(7/18/05): Testing 3.87 resistance.

(7/06/05): We are now entering our 3rd month of a 40bps channel (3.48-3.87).  

(6/20/05): Since the 3.87 March 28th high, we have been in a very choppy market mainly between 3.75 to 3.48.  

(6/8/05): With a sharp break through major support of 3.58 to 3.48, we're back to a very narrow trading range of 3.58-3.64. 

(5/26/05): No break in major support on a recent pull back to 3.58. With the fed funds target expected to rise to 3.25 on June 30, the 2yr rate should trade closer to 3.75.

(5/17/05): Higher lows continue to support this text book example of an upward channel chart.

(5/04/05): The recent rise in the fed funds target to 3.00 should provide major support at 3.48.  Near term resistance is 3.87 with an ultimate test to 4.00 sometime this year.

(4/21/05): After breaking minor near term support, and a brief dance at 3.48, we are roughly 50bps above the May 3rd expected fed funds rate target of 3.00.  Historically there is a 50bps spread to the 2yr above fed funds when the federal reserve is "neutral" in it's bias. Unless we believe this "neutral" level has been reached and announced as such on May 3rd, we should expect the 3.48 level to become our major near term support.

(4/13/05): Finally the long awaited pull back has begun. The 2yr has dropped from a 3.87 high on 3/28 to 3.67 today. Minor near term support is 3.60.

(3/23/05): This is very interesting. We're now trading around both the spike low in rates in 1998 and also the spike high in 2002. 

(3/10/05): The 2yr rates have been in a non-stop rise in the last 4 months. As you can see in this Fibonacci overlay chart, 4.00 is major resistance at the 50% retracement level of the huge move from 6.90 down to 1.07.  The near intermediate range is now 3.29-4.00. 

(2/23/05): With inflation coming in a little bit higher on the wholesale level (PPI +4.4 vs 3.9 expected), but partial offset by lower than expected CPI (3.0 vs 3.2),  rates stabilize around 3.40. The above chart shows we challenged and went through 3.25, a Fibonacci retracement number from the May 2000 high of 6.90.   You can also see 4.00 would retract 50% of this large move, which will be substantial resistance. 

(2/11/05): As expected, consolidation has begun around the 3.25 level. In order to break out of this, to higher rates, we will need to see inflation at levels higher than already expected.  

(1/28/05): We have tentatively crested the 3.25 resistance level. Certainly the over all trend line calls for higher and higher rates, as seen in this pattern. But, with fed funds at 2.25 and fully expected to rise to 2.75 by the March 22nd meeting, the 2yr has already priced in a considerable amount of the expected tightening.  

(1/10/05): We're now hitting 3.22, just a few basis points from resistance. 

(12/28/04): Again, without a stock market correction, 3.25 will be here sooner than later. 

(12/17/04): Bearing a stock market correction, rates are up, up and away (at least to 3.25 near term resistance). 

(12/7/04): There is no technical observation that would conclude anything other than rates are headed higher. Intermediate range remains 2.80-3.25.

(11/24/04): Up, up and away to levels not seen since June 2002. The new range is now 2.80-3.25. 

(11/18/04): It may be too early to move the observed support up to 2.80, but it's clear we'll eventually be there. Resistance remains at the June high 2.93. 

(11/08/04): A surprisingly good employment report sends rates rocketing to 2.80 resistance. New support moves up to 2.60. 

(10/25/04): The 4% stock market correction, accurately predicted by the VIX index, so far, has not been enough to change the over all direction in rates....up. Major support remains at 2.37.

(10/15/04): The break-out to higher rates stays intact. If there is anything that could bring us back to 2.37 support, it would be a greater than expected stock market correction. On Oct 1, the VIX index hit a another low, which we've seen many times, has accurately forecasted a minimum 3-5%  decline in stocks. 

(10/08/04): As observed in the last post, the monthly non-farm payroll estimate was at risk. Expecting 150k new jobs in September, rates drop on an increase of only 96k (August also revised down). It's too early to tell if this is a complete reversal of the recent upward trend in the 2yr. The market remains fully priced for a Fed tightening in Nov to 2.00 Fed Funds.

(10/05/04): Are the fundamentals running against the technicals?  Rates will not be going up, if this Fridays job report brings less than the expected 150k increase. According to the employment survey conducted by Challenger, Gray and Christmas, job cut announcements reached a 8 month high in September.  This report is highly correlated with the Labor Bureau's monthly report (non-farm payroll). 

(9/29/04): Is this the start of the big rate break out?  If it is, looks like we're headed higher. A close above 2.60 should confirm this. We just need to be aware of a possible stock market correction that would force a flight to quality rally in the treasuries (rates down). The S&P 500 volatility index (VIX) continues to predict a sell-off.

(9/21/04):  The Fed funds target rate, as expected, is raised 25bps to 1.75.  The 2yr continues to traded in a narrowing range. As mentioned in the previous post, this is the set-up for up for a very explosive move. 

(9/10/04): Lower rate highs since mid-May show firm downward trending resistance currently in the 2.60-2.55 area.  With 2.37 forming the short term support, the finally battle to break out of this narrowing range is near. Which way? If you follow the progressive downward channel seen in the 5yr chart, you would assume, down. Hard to believe. Isn't it?

(9/3/04): A more encouraging employment report helps break the 2.50 intermediate resistance. Next test is at 2.65.  

(8/20/04): Lower rate lows and lower rate highs since mid-June, plus the recent failed attempts to break through 2.50 resistance, runs contrary to most opinions. This is where technical analysis can shine a very bright light.  

(8/12/04): The 2.50 area becomes intermediate resistance.

(8/6/04): July's much lower that expected jobs data, plummet rates through intermediate support. 2.00-2.09 comes back in focus as the next support level.

(7/28/04): Intermediate support continues at 2.50. 

(7/21/04): Intermediate support is confirmed at 2.50.

(7/6/04): The fed funds/2yr yield spread narrows to 130bps. Support at 2.50.

(6/18/04): At 200bps over fed funds, the 3.00 level remains solid resistance.........that is, until the FOMC meeting on June 30. 

(6/9/04): With the 2yr sitting at 2.75, we've knocked and broken through near-term resistance. The next challenge is around the 3.00 level.

(6/7/04): It's back. We're knocking on the 2.70 resistance door. Could be another short-term buy point.

(5/27/04): A short-term buying opportunity at the 2.70 resistance has come and gone. While it's possible we could pull back to the low 2's, there is a very high probability we test 2.20 intermediate support (38% retracement of the +120bps move from 3/24-5/13).

(5/18/04): As indicated below, temporary resistance proves to be 2.70. 

(5/7/04): Our monthly market mover strikes again. The first Friday of each month brings the new jobs growth data. Today's report again surprises the market with much better than expected growth. The 2yr has clearly priced in a 50 basis point hike in Fed Funds by August. Support now moves up to 2.09, and slight resistance at 2.70.

(4/29/04): So much for reason. We're now 135bps above Fed Funds and through the 2.29 spike low set on Nov. 7, 2001. Where to from here? Support at 2.00 with new resistance yet to be created. Bear in mind, back in the last aggressive Fed tightening cycle of 1994, the spread between Fed Funds and the 2yr hit over 200bps.  

(4/28/04): After a 60bps+ move up in just 4weeks, and a spread of 120bps+ over Fed Funds, it's reasonable to assume the 2.23 high on April 23 will stand for awhile. 

(4/21/04): The last ingredient needed for sustained higher rates has been added. Chairman Greenspan warns that Fed Funds will rise (someday) to keep pace with inflation. 2.09 should now become support.

(4/19/04): The 2.09 level holds and confirms strong resistance. Until there is a imminent Fed. tightening priced into the market, it will be very difficult for the 2yr to expand over the +109 basis points high to current Funds target.

(4/12/04): If we hold 1.80 on any near future pull-back, I would expect 2.00+ be hit soon after. 

(4/5/04): Massive break-out. Not only did we remove 1.60 as resistance, but all in one day blew through the next challenge of 1.80. It's now very clear to see the new 1.80-2.09 range. 

(3/29/04): 1.60 intermediate resistance is being challenged. If you wanted an excuse to do some buying, here it is. 

(3/24/04): Not too much to add to the two previous observations, except that buying would be best at closer to 1.60, while holding off purchases towards the 1.40 area. 

(3/17/04): No test yet of the 1.40-1.60 support/resistance levels. Be prepared. The longer we stay in this narrow range, the bigger the break-out move can be.

(3/10/04): Firm resistance at 1.60. Expected a test of 1.40-43 intermediate support.

(3/5/04): Another below forecast employment report sends the 2yr through 1.60. As anticipated by previous observations, a big move was coming. Is this it? Can the 2yr really head towards 1.20.  Yep.

(3/4/04): Still within range. But, it's very clear a break out is near. Do we take out 1.60 and head to the 1.20's or go through 1.75 back up to 2.00+?  We'll know soon.

(2/26/04): No break-outs....yet.

(2/20/04): 1.60 continues to hold offering good support. But, a possible "descending triangle" has developed. Does this mean rates are headed lower? Check out the link in the previous sentence.

(2/12/04): 1.60 continues to hold offering good support with 1.82 the confirmed resistance.

(2/04/04): So far, 1.60 support is holding with 1.80 as minor resistance.

(1/29/04): Greenspan drops "considerable period" phrase signaling to the market they may raise rates sooner than later. 

(1/27/04): We continue to build support above 1.60. 

(1/20/04): Consolidating around the 1.64 level. The longer we stay here and build a base similar to mid-Sept and early Oct, the more likely we can set up a move back to 2.00+.

(1/13/04): The mess just got worse. No bounce at 1.60. Can you believe it? The next major support is the Oct. 1, 2003 low of 1.44.

(1/9/04): This chart is a mess. About the only thing to conclude is, the range remains 1.60-2.09.

(1/7/04): Back to quite again. 1.80 looks like support.

(1/5/04): Can we drive to new highs? 2.09 is the rate to beat.

(12/29/03): The last 3 weeks have been very quite with a range of 1.78-1.85. It's anyone guess from here. We're right smack in the middle of the greater 1.60-2.03 range. 

(12/17/03): Since breaking the ascending triangle pattern, we've been setting lower highs and lower lows. This is now indicating market (rate) weakness.  Support 1.60?

(12/12/03): Has the proverbial rug been pulled out from under the months of building a pattern of  much higher rates? Or is this just a continuation of a long term drop in rates.

(12/10/03): The ascending triangle pattern continues to form in text book fashion. It's getting harder to deny that the next big move will be higher rates. 

(12/5/03): Disappointing job data causes the floor to drop out at the 2.03 primary support level.  The next test, if we are to continue in this ascending triangle pattern, is 1.80+.

(12/1/03): Here we go. A solid break above the 2.03 resistance (which now becomes support) results in a new12 month yield high. As stated over the last several updates, look for 2.40-2.60.

(11/26/03): The ascending triangle pattern continues to develop. A break above 2.02-2.03, rates we could easily see 2.40-2.60 by Q1 2004.

(11/19/03): The previously observed symmetrical triangle pattern has now morphed into an ascending triangle. This is a variation offering the same results. With a break out above 2.02-2.03, rates could easily track to 2.40-2.60 within months.

(11/14/03): We should hold here at 1.80 if we are to maintain the current pattern. 2.02-2.03 is now resistance.

(11/7/03): As stated in the previous observation, a break out of a "symmetrical triangle" pattern usually concludes with a large move in the direction of the previous medium and/or long term trend. Believe it or not, if the this rule holds, we could see the 2yr trade to 2.40-2.60 in the next several months.

(11/4/03): Forming a "symmetrical triangle" (characterized as areas of indecision). Research has shown that symmetrical triangles overwhelmingly resolve themselves in the direction of the trend. If you believe the downward trend is still in place, then you would assume the break out will be lower rates. The opposite would be true if you measured a new trend from June 2003.

(10/28/03): Flip a coin. Could go either way. The range remains 1.60-2.00.

(10/20/03): If we bounce at 1.80, expected a retest of 2.00+.

(10/14/03): No doubt, the 1.60 level has become an important level. 

(10/3/03): Very interesting. We are back to late April's (1.60) symmetrical triangle completion point. 

(9/30/03): On our way to 1.44-1.40.

(9/15/03): Back to the apex of the "symmetrical triangle" (1.60 completed 4/29). If we don't hold here, next level is 1.44 (62% correction in move from 6/24-9/2).

(9/8/03): Initial support at 1.67 (38% correction in move from 6/24-9/2). 

(8/22/03): Breaking out to new highs?

(8/15/03): Consolidating around resistance. Forming a top or base building for higher rates? 

(8/11/03): Testing 1.78 resistance.

(8/8/03): Market hits 1.65. Do we stay in this upward channel? My guess is we have seen the high rates for the summer. 

(8/5/03): If 1.78 holds as major resistance, we could easily trade back to 1.62.

(7/24/03): Upward channel becomes very clear. 

(7/21/03): Break above 1.50 resistance. Confirmation of higher and higher rates? 

Possible downward channel begins with June 26th high. Notice lower highs and lower lowers with 1.33 becoming a critical reflection point. 

Since the beginning of May, a very clear downward channel has been forming. While this pattern does not offer a clear target (no bottom in sight), it does suggest a rise in rates should we trade above the top line (resistance).

A perfect "symmetrical triangle" formed between March 10th-April 24th.  If general technical rules were applied, we would ultimately test 1.00-1.10 yields on the 2yr treasury. On June 12th we closed at 1.10.

"Symmetrical triangles can be characterized as areas of indecision.  A market pauses and future direction is questioned.  Typically, the forces of supply and demand at that moment are considered nearly equal.  Attempts to push higher are quickly met by selling, while dips are seen as bargains. Each new lower top and higher bottom becomes more shallow than the last, taking on the shape of a sideways triangle.  (It's interesting to note that there is a tendency for volume to diminish during this period.)  Eventually, this indecision is met with resolve and usually explodes out of this formation (often on heavy volume.)  Research has shown that symmetrical triangles overwhelmingly resolve themselves in the direction of the trend.  With this in mind, symmetrical triangles in my opinion, are great patterns to use and should be traded as continuation patterns.  (Chart examples of symmetrical triangle patterns using commodity charts.)  (Stock charts.)"

 The following technical observation is provided by http://www.chartpatterns.com