Bill Ackman Shorting 30-Year Treasuries for Big Yields

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Bill Ackman, a well-known hedge fund manager, is taking a bold bet by shorting 30-year treasuries in search of big yields.

He believes that the current yield on 30-year treasuries is too high to ignore, and that the market will eventually correct itself, allowing him to profit from the short position.

Bill Ackman's US Treasury Bet

Bill Ackman's US Treasury Bet was a bold move that paid off. He shorted 30-year Treasury bonds in August, a move that netted his fund a profit of about $200 million.

Ackman used options to make the bet, which cost him $100 million in premiums to maintain. He predicted that the Treasury yield, which moves in the opposite direction of prices, could rise to 5.5%.

His tweets triggered a recovery in Treasury prices, after an earlier sell-off had pushed yields to 16-year highs. The yield on the 30-year Treasuries was around 4.16% when he announced his bet against them.

Ackman has become known for making hedges to protect the portfolio that end up becoming lucrative, as seen in his $2.6 billion windfall in 2020.

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Bill Ackman Shorting 30-Year Treasuries, Yields to Hit 5.5% Soon

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Bill Ackman shorted 30-year Treasury bonds in August, a move that netted his fund a profit of about $200 million.

The yield on the 30-year Treasuries was around 4.16% when he announced his bet against them, but he predicted it could rise to 5.5%.

Ackman made the bet using options, which cost him some $100 million in premiums to maintain his position.

He made about $300 million from his moves in the market, meaning Pershing Square's $13 billion flagship fund is in for a $200 million windfall.

The Federal Reserve would need to keep interest rates higher for longer to keep long-term Treasury yields higher for longer periods of time, which is unlikely if the US economy heads closer to a recession.

Ackman's tweets triggered a recovery in Treasury prices after an earlier sell-off had pushed yields to 16-year highs.

The US economy has avoided a downturn, and even the Fed has said it's no longer predicting the economy will slip into a recession by the end of the year.

For another approach, see: Treasury Index Funds

Bill Ackman Covers US Treasuries Bet

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Bill Ackman said he covered his short bet on US Treasuries.

The billionaire investor noted there is too much risk in the world to remain short bonds at current long-term rates.

Yields on 30-year Treasuries fell about 5 basis points to 5.03% Monday, after earlier surging as much as 10 basis points to about 5.18%, the highest since 2007.

Ackman was bearish 30-year Treasuries via options in early August, both as a hedge for his equity investments and as a standalone wager.

The economy is slowing faster than recent data suggests, according to Ackman.

He wouldn't be shocked to see 30-year rates well through the 5% level, as he said in late September.

Ackman's view is that you're not being paid enough to enter into a 30-year contract with the U.S. government at a fixed price.

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Ackman's Investment Strategy

Bill Ackman, a well-known hedge fund manager, has a clear investment strategy that he follows when taking a short position. He focuses on companies with high short interest and a history of poor performance.

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Ackman's strategy involves identifying companies with strong fundamentals but a flawed business model. He uses this approach to determine which companies are most likely to experience a decline in stock price.

Ackman's investment strategy is not just about picking stocks, but also about understanding the underlying business and its potential for growth. He has a deep understanding of the companies he invests in, which helps him make informed decisions.

Ackman's approach to short selling is to identify companies with a high short interest ratio, which indicates that many investors are betting against the stock.

Ackman's Investment Decisions

Bill Ackman's investment decisions have been a subject of interest for many. He has a reputation for taking bold bets, as seen in his $1 billion short bet against Herbalife.

Ackman's investment strategy is centered around activist investing, where he takes a significant stake in a company and pushes for changes from the inside. He has been successful in this approach, as evident in his 2010 investment in Canadian Pacific Railway, where he made a 62% return.

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Credit: youtube.com, Bill Ackman's Stock Portfolio Deep Dive in 2025

Ackman has also made headlines for his short positions, including his 2012 short bet against J.C. Penney, which lost him $440 million. His investment decisions are often guided by a deep understanding of the companies he invests in, as he has a team of analysts and researchers who help him identify potential opportunities.

Ackman's investment decisions are not without controversy, however. His short bet against Herbalife, which he believed was a pyramid scheme, led to a heated battle with the company's CEO. Despite the controversy, Ackman remains committed to his investment strategy, which has yielded significant returns for his fund.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Bill Ackman short?

Bill Ackman shorted Herbalife Ltd. His six-year-old bet against the company finally paid off in a big way.

How much of Chipotle does Bill Ackman own?

Bill Ackman owns 2.1% of Chipotle through his hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management. This significant stake makes him a major investor in the company.

Sheldon Kuphal

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Sheldon Kuphal is a seasoned writer with a keen insight into the world of high net worth individuals and their financial endeavors. With a strong background in researching and analyzing complex financial topics, Sheldon has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His areas of expertise include Family Offices, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management, where he has written extensively on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices.

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