Insight - Catalysts to push Treasury rates above 2018 highs

Inflation easing: Customers browse racks of clothing inside a discount department store in Las Vegas, Nevada. The April inflation number is slated to be released on Wednesday. It is forecast to be lower compared with March. — AFP

THE relentless bear market in US Treasury debt is on the cusp of a new phase, with yields across much of the maturity spectrum on course to crack above their 2018 highs and several major potential catalysts to help such a move.

Centre stage will be April consumer price inflation on Wednesday, forecast to ebb from March rates that were the highest since 1982.