- Moody’s downgrade leads to 5.02% Treasury yield spike.
- Yields impact crypto assets amid volatility.
- Market shifts prompt investor reassessment of risk-reward profiles.

US 30-year Treasury yield reached 5.02% on May 19, 2025, its highest since November 2023, following Moody’s downgrade of US credit rating.
The Treasury yield increase signals shifts in risk assets including cryptocurrencies, prompting market adjustments as investors seek stability in fixed-income securities.
Market Influences of Treasury Yield Increase
Moody’s downgrade of the US’s sovereign credit rating influenced the yield surge, highlighting fiscal concerns. Concerns over “large annual fiscal deficits” were cited, leading to a downgrade from Aaa to Aa1.
Nicolas Trindade from Axa Asset Management emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, noting, “The Moody’s downgrade was a stark reminder that the US should not take for granted its ‘exorbitant privilege’ that enabled it to issue debt at a relatively lower cost despite a very high fiscal deficit.” Crypto Rover also noted the yield’s significant rise, the highest since November 2023.
Higher Treasury yields sparked shifts in markets, leading to declines in US equity futures, while the US dollar weakened against major currencies. Cryptocurrencies faced potential volatility due to reduced risk appetite.
Impact on Cryptocurrencies and Future Projections
The rise in yields typically results in a rotation away from growth and speculative assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Historical data of the 30-Year Treasury Yield Rate shows similar trends influencing market behavior in the past. As yields continue to rise, financial dynamics may shift, drawing investors toward bond markets.
With US national debt reaching US$36 trillion, analysts foresee adjustments and speculate that the current Treasury yield spike may be temporary, expecting a possible decrease in future quarters.
Data chart of daily Treasury yield rates shows real-time yield movements, which could offer insights into future market trends. Crypto markets are likely to see increased volatility as institutional capital may pivot to fixed-income options. This change underscores the evolving fiscal landscape and its broader market implications.