Cheapest to Deliver CTD Treasury Futures Delivery Option 2026

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Cheapest to Deliver CTD Treasury Futures Delivery Option 2026

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Cheapest to Deliver CTD Treasury Futures Delivery Option 2026

In recent years, the global treasury futures market has undergone significant changes, driven by fluctuating interest rates and evolving investor preferences. The U.S. Treasury market remains the largest, accounting for over $23 trillion in outstanding debt as of 2023. Additionally, the trading volume for Treasury futures has surged, with daily volumes exceeding 2 million contracts. This report explores the cheapest to deliver (CTD) options for Treasury futures set for delivery in 2026, offering insights into market dynamics, key players, and their performance.

1. United States Treasury Bonds

The U.S. Treasury market is the benchmark for fixed-income securities, with more than $16 trillion in marketable securities. The CTD for Treasury futures is typically derived from 10-year notes, which are the most actively traded. In 2022, the 10-year note had an average yield of 1.76%.

2. Japan Government Bonds (JGBs)

Japan’s government bonds are among the safest investments globally, with a market size of approximately $9 trillion. While not directly part of the CTD for U.S. Treasury futures, their performance influences global bond yields. In 2022, JGB yields remained low at around 0.25%.

3. German Bunds

German Bunds, the benchmark for Eurozone government bonds, have a market value of about €2 trillion. Their yields impact U.S. Treasury futures; in 2022, the 10-year Bund yield was approximately 0.1%, reflecting European economic conditions.

4. United Kingdom Gilts

UK Gilts total around £2 trillion in issuance. The performance of Gilts can affect U.S. Treasury futures pricing, with the 10-year Gilt yield averaging around 1.5% in 2022.

5. French OATs

French government bonds, known as OATs, represent approximately €1 trillion. The relationship between OAT yields and U.S. Treasuries can influence CTD calculations, with 10-year OAT yields around 0.5% as of 2022.

6. Canadian Government Bonds

Canada’s government bonds have a market size exceeding CAD 1 trillion. The 10-year bond yield was approximately 1.5% in 2022, making it a relevant player in the North American bond market.

7. Australian Government Bonds

With a market size of AUD 1 trillion, Australian bonds are significant in the Asia-Pacific region. The 10-year yield was roughly 2.2% in 2022, impacting global investor sentiment.

8. Italian BTPs

Italian government bonds, known as BTPs, have a market value of about €1.5 trillion. The yields on BTPs often reflect economic stability in the Eurozone, with 10-year BTP yields around 1.3% in 2022.

9. Spanish Government Bonds

Spain’s government bonds, or SPGBs, represent a market size of approximately €1 trillion. The 10-year yield was about 1.2% in 2022, which can influence U.S. Treasury futures indirectly.

10. South Korean Government Bonds

South Korea’s government bonds have a market size of around KRW 1,000 trillion. The 10-year yield stood at approximately 2.0% in 2022, impacting Asian bond market dynamics and U.S. Treasury future calculations.

11. Chinese Government Bonds

China’s government bonds total around CNY 23 trillion. The 10-year yield was approximately 2.9% in 2022, showcasing the influence of the Chinese economy on global markets.

12. Swiss Government Bonds

Swiss government bonds have a market size of about CHF 300 billion. With a 10-year yield close to -0.5% in 2022, these bonds are considered safe havens during market volatility.

13. Indian Government Bonds

India’s government bonds total approximately INR 50 trillion. The 10-year yield averaged around 6.2% in 2022, reflecting the growing Indian economy’s impact on global markets.

14. Brazilian Government Bonds

Brazilian government bonds have a market size of about BRL 1 trillion. The 10-year yield was around 12% in 2022, influencing investor decisions in emerging markets.

15. Mexican Government Bonds

Mexico’s government bonds have a market size of approximately MXN 1 trillion. The 10-year yield was about 7.5% in 2022, impacting North American market dynamics.

16. Russian Government Bonds

Russian government bonds, or OFZs, have a market value of roughly RUB 15 trillion. The 10-year yield was around 9% in 2022, influenced by geopolitical factors impacting investor confidence.

17. South African Government Bonds

South Africa’s government bonds represent a market size of about ZAR 1 trillion. The 10-year yield was approximately 10% in 2022, influenced by the nation’s economic conditions and currency volatility.

18. Singapore Government Securities

Singapore’s government securities market is valued at approximately SGD 500 billion. The 10-year yield was around 2.5% in 2022, reflecting the stability of the Singaporean economy.

19. New Zealand Government Bonds

New Zealand’s government bonds have a market size of around NZD 60 billion. The 10-year yield was approximately 2.8% in 2022, showcasing the impact of the country’s economic policies.

20. Hong Kong Government Bonds

Hong Kong’s government bonds have a market value of about HKD 300 billion. The 10-year yield stood at around 2% in 2022, reflecting the region’s financial stability.

Insights

The market for CTD Treasury futures is expected to evolve significantly by 2026, with rising interest rates and inflation impacting government bond yields worldwide. According to the IMF, global debt is projected to exceed $300 trillion by 2026, which may lead to increased volatility in fixed-income markets. Investors are likely to focus on the cheapest delivery options, particularly U.S. Treasuries, which remain highly liquid and are seen as a safe haven amid market uncertainty. As global economic conditions change, the relative yields of government bonds will play a crucial role in determining the attractiveness of CTD options, influencing trading strategies and market dynamics.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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