Euro zone yields plunge, traders cut chances of ECB rate hike in April

BY Reuters | ECONOMIC | 04/08/26 02:29 AM EDT

By Stefano Rebaudo

April 8 (Reuters) - Euro zone government bond yields dropped sharply on Wednesday, after a deal for a two-week ceasefire in Iran triggered a steep fall in energy prices and prompted traders to dramatically scale back their bets on future rate hikes from the European Central Bank.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, said in a statement Tehran would cease counter-attacks and provide safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, if attacks stop.

In March, concerns for a protracted conflict stoked inflation fears, which prompted markets to price in a quick response from the European Central Bank.

Germany's 10-year government bond yield dropped 18 basis points (bps) to 3.03% to 2.91%.

Money markets priced in a 20% chance of an ECB rate hike in April from 60% on Tuesday and indicated a deposit facility rate at 2.50% by year-end from 2.75%. The depo rate is currently at 2%. (Reporting by Stefano Rebaudo; editing by Amanda Cooper)

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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