0
$\begingroup$

The treasury forward traded for those on-the-run or off-the-run makes sense. You simply trying to hedge the treasury bond already issued by calculating the forward price of the bond.

I was wondering if there is any trade on then-current on-the-run treasury? For example, a forward contract initiated today having underlying as the 5 year on-the-run treasury that is issued 2 years later. If we make the assumption that auction does not alter coupons too much, the forward price would simply be at the Par. In the sense the forward price is already known. Why would anyone make the trade then?

I understand that the then current on-the-run is popular on treasury lock market since the Par Yield is not known. I was wondering if it is traded in the forward market.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

You are right, the forward yield of a then-on-the-run Treasury can be traded, but not the forward price. As you point out, the coupon on a new issue is set on the eventual auction date so the price will be close to par on that date, so it makes no economic sense to trade the forward price. The forward yield can be traded - usually the payout is of the form $$(ending yield - forward rate)*annuity value$$where $annuity value$ is calculated using the ending yield. This mimics a bond style payout.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks dm63. It makes sense. $\endgroup$
    – HoldBreath
    Feb 1, 2022 at 18:06

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.