Australian bonds jump on short-covering on last trading day ahead of long weekend

Australian government bonds jumped on the last trading day of the week Friday as investors covered previous short positions ahead of the long weekend in the country, with markets being closed on Monday on account of Queen’s Birthday.

The yield on Australia’s benchmark 10-year Note, which moves inversely to its price, jumped nearly 3-1/2 basis points to 2.80 percent, the yield on the long-term 30-year Note also surged 3-1/2 basis points to 3.33 percent and the yield on short-term 2-year traded 2 basis points lower at 2.08 percent by 03:45 GMT.

U.S. Treasury yields fell during overnight session Thursday in a volatile session, reversing the prior day's sell-off, as safe-haven demand rose on tensions between the United States and its major trade partners ahead of the Group of Seven summit.

U.S. President Donald Trump stuck to his tough stance against top allies ahead of the summit on Friday and Saturday in Charlevoix, Quebec, after imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union last week.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 index traded 0.04 percent higher at 6,004.50 by 03:50 GMT, while at 03:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly AUD Strength Index remained highly bullish at -107.39 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex

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