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Yield Curve Poised to Invert – Where Will Fed Go From Here? Looks like the yield curve the Fed swept under the rug back in June continues to prove itself a reliable potential signal for market correction. On Tuesday, the Dow Jones continued to trend downward since October 3, dropping 800 points. After a tumultuous ride on Thursday, the index ended the week on Friday by dropping another 550 points. An article over at MarketWatch highlighted the yield curve between 2-year and 10-year treasury notes as one potential signal of Tuesday’s drastic drop:
You can see the downward trend and increased volatility in the chart below (source): As of December 4, the Treasury finally had the curve flattening to 11 basis points (see the chart below): Once again, this is the flattest the yield curve has been since 2008, demolishing the earlier record of 25.2 basis points only a month ago. The MarketWatch article also highlighted the reliability of yield curve inversion as a signal for each recession since 1975:
So with a tightening yield curve poised to invert, and set to prove itself a reliable market signal once again, where might the Fed be going from here? The Fed Seems Stuck Between a Rock and Hard Place Until the yield curve inverts, its historically strong signal for recessions isn’t quite definitive. But the last 30 days have been like a noose that’s quickly tightening. Time is already running out on the Fed’s idea that slowly rising rates is “neutral.” It seems like Chairman Powell and the Fed are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand is a tightening job market, and on the other is the yield curve relentlessly flattening. Not to mention, the Dow is dropping more violently than ever. The International Business Times hinted at the possible consequences back in September:
One more rate hike is certainly on its way in December, according to the Fed’s own statement. It looks like they are rolling the dice on job market risk. Here’s to hoping their roll doesn’t come up “snake eyes.” Fed’s “Blind Eye” Toward Stable Market Signals Drives Uncertainty The MarketWatch article concluded by highlighting the general uncertainty in the markets going into 2019:
The Fed’s recent “blind eye” to the yield curve seems like it wants to “buffer” what is really happening. But reality will prevail, even if the Fed is obscuring it. It’s difficult to trust Chairman Powell’s recent statements. As a precaution, hedge your bets while you still can, and don’t let them hinder your ability to create a secure retirement.
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