Twists & Turns of the Yield Curve

Check out the accompanying pdf and chart collection. Executive Summary: Two different yield-curve spreads are sending contradictory signals, and one of them is giving some investors the recession heebie-jeebies. But the other, more “official” yield-curve spread suggests no recession in sight, and ditto most other leading indicators. We see a stagflationary environment this year, with real GDP growing an average of 2.0% per quarter and inflation remaining persistent. … Also: A couple of short-maturity spreads relative to the federal funds rate likewise signal no recession. And we look to the Fed for insights on its chances of executing a soft landing and on the significance of various spreads.