When money rates are rising, even well-priced bond issues often meet a cool reception because buyers are waiting for still higher rates. Last week the U.S. found buyers scarce for its latest issue. To holders of $1.8 billion in maturing issues, the Treasury offered to exchange a short-term (one year), attractively priced (4.05%) issue. Instead of taking the new issue, 30% of the noteholders asked for $547 million in cash, highest attrition rate since the record 32% of May 1955.
Though attrition was high, the Treasury had expected it, had enough cash...
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