US government borrowing cost hits 5%, highest since 2007

The benchmark U.S. Treasury yield — the interest rate the government pays to borrow — topped 5% on September 15, 2026, Reuters reported, its highest since 2007, as surging oil prices raised inflation fears. That means pricier mortgages and loans, but higher payouts for new bond savers. The S&P 500 fell 0.45%, per Reuters.