The majority of those who were previously lined up to purchase US government debt.
The Federal Reserve, however, has increased the rate at which it intends to sell Treasuries off its balance sheet, doing so at a rate of $60 billion per month.
Even though the impact would be felt if one or two of these typically reliable sources of demand left, there would probably be little cause for concern.
Market observers conclude that even though Treasuries have fallen this year to their lowest level since at least the early 1970s.
More pain may be in store until fresh, reliable sources of demand appear.
Furthermore, it's terrible news for US taxpayers, who will eventually be responsible for paying for increased borrowing rates.