As we reported well over a year ago [5]coupled with some subsequent thoughts [6]on what the inevitable launch of floating rate notes (FRNs) by the US Treasury means for the US bond market, we now learn [7]that the launch of FRN Treasurys is imminent and the first US FRN note may come to the public as soon as a few months from now. As the Treasury's refunding statement issued moments ago announced, "we plan to issue a final rule on floating rate notes in the coming months, with the first FRN auction estimated to occur in either Q4 2013 or Q1 2014. This timeframe reflects Treasury's best estimate for implementing required auction regulations and IT systems modifications. Treasury will provide additional information regarding the timing of the first auction at the August refunding."
Treasury adds: "Treasury has reviewed the comment letters that were received in response to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) published on December 5, 2012. We have decided to use the weekly High Rate of 13-week Treasury bill auctions, which was described in the ANPR, as the index for Treasury FRNs."
So much for Libor.
Below is the full sample term sheet provided by the Treasury on what to expect quite shortly out of Jack Lew's department: