U.S. High Yield Credit Spreads and Recessions U.S. high-yield credit spreads in May 2025 show little evidence of recession fears, remaining well below the levels seen during previous downturns. Image: Deutsche Bank
Junk and Investment Grade Credit Spreads Corporate bond yield spreads are often used as a gauge of financial market stress. They can provide insights into the likelihood of an economic downturn, but they are not foolproof predictors. Image: Real Investment Advice
U.S. High Yield Credit Spreads vs. VIX High-yield credit spreads have widened by over 150bps from their 17-year lows, signaling growing financial stress. While rising credit spreads have often been a precursor to recessions, they can sometimes lead to false signals. Image: Topdown Charts
U.S. IG Credit Spread U.S. investment-grade credit spreads have reached their lowest point since 2005, reflecting growing investor sentiment and confidence in future economic conditions. Image: Deutsche Bank
U.S. Credit Card Debt Balances in Serious Delinquencies Despite the rise in U.S. credit card delinquencies, the economy remains strong. Currently, there are no strong indicators that point to an impending recession. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Survey – Credit Investors: What Are Your Biggest Concerns? The 2024 U.S. election outcome could significantly impact fiscal policy, debt, interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, which are key concerns for U.S. credit investors. Image: BofA Credit Investor Survey
FMS Investors – What Is the Most Likely Source for a Systemic Credit Event? FMS investors view the China real estate as the biggest source of a systematic credit event due to excessive borrowing, with significant implications for the Chinese economy and global consequences. Image: BofA Global Fund Manager Survey
U.S. Average Credit Card Rate Record-high credit card interest charges indicate significant financial burdens for cardholders, which can have important implications for both individual cardholders and the broader U.S. economy. Image: The Daily Shot
One-Year U.S. Treasury Credit Default Swap Spread The one-year U.S. Treasury credit default swap spread is currently twice what it was during the 2011 and 2013 debates over the debt ceiling, indicating that there is greater concern in the market about the risk of default. Image: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Earnings – S&P 500 12-Month Fwd EPS vs. EPS Implied by Credit and Manufacturing Surveys Could an earnings recession be a significant risk for U.S. stocks? Image: BofA Research Investment Committee
S&P 500 Average Median and Positive Hit Rate of Monthly Returns Based on Credit/Fed Cycles Fed easing and credit tightening regime does not bode well for U.S. equities. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy