Treasuries Climb on Slow Growth as Bullish Bets Reach 2013 High

Treasury 10-year notes gained for a second day after retail sales in the U.S. unexpectedly fell in March and as large speculators raised their net-long positions on the securities’ futures to the highest level this year.

Benchmark 10-year yields declined the most on a closing basis in six weeks as separate reports showed measures of wholesale prices and consumer sentiment fell more than forecast, adding to speculation the Federal Reserve won’t end its monetary stimulus anytime soon. Speculative long positions, or bets prices will rise, outnumbered short positions by 120,779 contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade in the week ending April 9, rising 9 percent from the previous week to the highest level since Dec. 17, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showed.