The strongest demand at Australian bond auctions in a decade reflects yields in a sweet spot: more stable than those in the U.S. and higher than those in Europe.
A sale of A$500 million ($470 million) in three-year debt this month drew bids for seven times that amount, the most since 2004, government data show. A A$200 million auction of four-year inflation-linked notes was similarly oversubscribed and today’s A$500 million offering of five-month bills went to just two buyers. Australian bonds are the world’s best performers during the past three months, including currency gains.
Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens has said he plans to keep interest rates on hold as he protects two decades of uninterrupted economic growth. In Europe, which is facing the threat of deflation, bond yields have plunged to records, curbing demand for the securities. Federal Reserve policy makers are considering raising interest rates, fueling speculation Treasury prices will fall.
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