The national debt's rapid growth presents clear fiscal challenges, and its implications for investors are complex. But despite rising risks, with bond vigilantes likely gathering, the market’s confidence in the full faith and credit of the U.S. government remains paramount, as the U.S. dollar remains the “cleanest dirty shirt” globally.

Federal interest payments
USD billions and as % of GDP, actual values and Congressional Budget Office projections

Federal interest payments USD billions and as % of GDP, actual values and Congressional Budget Office projections
Source: Associated Press, Principal Asset Management. Data as of November 13, 2024.

Heading into a new presidential administration, the mounting U.S. national debt, nearing $36 trillion and quadruple its pre-2008 level, is raising questions about fiscal sustainability. This debt is accompanied by substantial mandatory spending obligations, such as Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, ACA, and Social Security, which together consume nearly half of the FY 2023 budget. Defense, veterans' benefits, and welfare programs add further pressure, leaving just 16% of the budget as discretionary.

Notably, interest payments are projected to rise to $1.71 trillion by 2034, equating to 4.1% of GDP, further limiting fiscal flexibility. These mounting obligations could amplify concerns over fiscal health, making today's challenges potentially more painful to address.

However, despite this, the market’s confidence in the full faith and credit of the U.S. government remains paramount, strengthened by its deep and liquid capital markets and stable institutions. Moreover, the dollar remains the “cleanest dirty shirt” as global alternatives are arguably not better off, whether due to worse fiscal sustainability concerns (euro) or capital control issues (Chinese renminbi).

Nevertheless, risks are rising, and both investors and fiscal policymakers need to tread cautiously. Bond vigilantes are likely gathering, and further expansion of government spending—particularly if an economy needs no further stimulus—risks the ire of markets.

Macro views
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