Alright, traders, let’s cut the fluff. CNBC posted this article, which is great for information, but it doesn’t help traders, so I am going to write it my way, so you know what the hell is going on. The 10-year Treasury yield is ticking up, now at 4.35%. This is a warning shot for volatility across all asset classes.

Why the Move? Monday’s bump followed stronger-than-expected ISM services data. Translation: the economy is working, and the Fed, with its rate decision this Wednesday, isn’t likely to cut rates. Market’s pricing in a >98% chance the Fed doesn’t move rates, so the big action is in the statement, not the rate.

Volatility Hot Zones This Week

  1. Bonds/Treasuries

    • The 10-year and 30-year yields: Watch these like a hawk. Any "surprise" from Jerome and crew will light up the bond markets.

    • Inverse ETFs or TLT puts could be in play for a whippy session.

  2. USD

    • When yields climb, the dollar usually goes with it. Watch DXY, EUR/USD, USD/JPY. If Powell even sniffs at higher-for-longer, dollar longs could be the lay-up trade.

  3. Equities

    • Higher yields keep pressure on tech and growth. Watch QQQ for sharp swings off the Fed headlines. If the market thinks rate cuts aren’t coming this year, expect a red day for the high-flyers.

    • Banks ( $XLF ( ▲ 0.15% ) ) can get crazy, higher yields are their fuel.

  4. Gold & Crypto

    • Gold hates high yields (I hate gold). If Powell surprises hawkish, gold could dump below support levels, might be tasty for short-term puts or breakdown trades.

    • Bitcoin also gets shaky on macro headlines. Get ready for whipsaw moves, especially if the Fed surprises.

What to Watch for in the Fed Presser

  • Any talk about future economic weakness: Dovish = risk-on rally (watch for squeezes).

  • “Higher for longer” language: Hawkish = yields up, tech down, watch for sharp moves in rates-sensitive stocks.

  • Ignore Trump. That’s noise for the evening news, not timeframes shorter than a week.

Bottom Line This Fed meeting won’t give you a rate change, but the statement and Powell’s Q&A can spark fast, violent moves across bonds, USD, stocks, gold, and crypto. Don’t sleep on your stop-losses. Stay nimble, trade fast, and don’t worry about the macro “story” just follow the volatility.

Volatility is your paycheck. Make it count.