U.S. government debt prices were flat on Tuesday as investors remained cautious ahead of a planned Sunday tariff hike on Chinese imports.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves inversely to price, was slightly higher at around 1.838%, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was little changed at around 2.2742%.
Treasurys
The Wall Street Journal reported the U.S. and China are laying the groundwork for a delay of a fresh round of tariffs set to kick in on Sunday, which cited officials on both sides. The two countries have been in talks to finalize a phase one trade deal since early October.
However, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said the Dec. 15 tariffs are still "on the table."
A separate report from the South China Morning Post earlier Tuesday said China and the U.S. are unlikely to reach a trade deal this week. The report said chances of a deal are falling as the U.S. focuses on finalizing a trade deal with Mexico and Canada.
Sources told CNBC on Monday that House Democrats and the Trump administration are close to a tentative deal that would replace North American Free Trade Agreement.
The Fed is starting a two-day meeting Tuesday with the central bank expected to keep interest rates unchanged.
The U.S. Treasury auctioned $24 billion in 10-year notes.