Treasury Bond Yields Don't Lie: Wars Don't Drive Them

Veteran investor offers contrarian view on what really moves bond yields

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:49pm

A veteran finance expert with over 25 years of experience in private banking, investment management, and venture capital argues that the common narrative around how geopolitical conflicts impact Treasury bond yields is flawed. He contends that the flight to safety during times of war does not actually drive down yields as is widely believed.

Why it matters

Understanding the true drivers of Treasury bond yields is crucial for investors to make informed decisions, as yields are a key indicator of economic and market conditions. The author's contrarian perspective challenges the conventional wisdom and could provide valuable insights.

The details

The author, a partner at RIA Advisors in Houston, Texas, has extensive experience in the investing world. He argues that the common belief that conflicts trigger a flight to safety, leading to increased demand for U.S. government bonds and falling yields, is not accurate. He suggests that other factors, such as investor psychology and macroeconomic conditions, play a more significant role in determining Treasury bond yields.

  • The author has been in the investing world for more than 25 years.

The players

Lance Roberts

A partner at RIA Advisors in Houston, Texas, with over 25 years of experience in private banking, investment management, and venture capital.

RIA Advisors

A financial advisory firm in Houston, Texas, where the author is a partner.

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What they’re saying

“After having been in the investing world for more than 25 years from private banking and investment management to private and venture capital; I have pretty much "been there and done that" at one point or another.”

— Lance Roberts, Partner, RIA Advisors

The takeaway

The author's contrarian perspective on the drivers of Treasury bond yields challenges the conventional wisdom and could provide valuable insights for investors seeking a deeper understanding of the factors that influence this key economic indicator.