“Elevated Inflation Era” Underway as Treasury Secretary Bessent Rejects Long-Term Bonds, Says Macro Guru Jim Bianco

Why This Matters (Bianco’s View):

Jim Bianco argues that with benchmark Treasury yields now more than one standard deviation above normal, issuing long-term bonds at current rates doesn’t make fiscal sense. Instead of seeing this as a bond market failure, he believes the move reflects a new normal of permanently higher inflation.

The 3–4% Inflation Reality:

Bianco calls himself an "inflationista at heart." He anticipates core inflation settling around 3% to 4%, compared to the Federal Reserve's 2% target. He clarifies: “not Zimbabwe-level hyperinflation, but persistent elevated prices,” with current core inflation near 2.8%.

Implications for Investors & Markets:

• Higher Bond Yields: Expect benchmark rates around 5% to match sustained inflation levels.
• Portfolio Adjustments: Investors may need to rethink allocations, favoring inflation-resistant assets like real estate, commodities, and TIPS.
• Fed Policy Shift: The Federal Reserve may tolerate higher inflation for longer, potentially delaying rate cuts.

Final Take:

Bessent’s decision to pause long-term debt issuance underscores a new policy direction. According to Bianco, it reflects a shift toward accepting a "higher inflation equilibrium" rather than expecting a quick return to pre-pandemic norms. With inflation entrenched at around 3–4%, markets and portfolios must adapt to this evolving landscape.