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
Relative to Current Levels, by the End of this Year… S&P 500, 10-Year UST Yields, 10Y-2Y Yield Curve, Credit Spreads Will the S&P 500 and U.S. 10-year Treasury yields be higher by the end of this year? Image: Deutsche Bank
Credit Spreads and U.S. Labor Market Despite the Fed’s support, credit spreads remain above their pre-COVID-19 levels and may be taking a cue from the U.S. labor market. Image: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
VIX vs. IG Credit Spread and S&P 500 This chart shows that the VIX has realigned with the IG credit spread, but not with the S&P 500. Image: Deutsche Bank
U.S. IG Credit Spread and S&P 500 vs. Citi U.S. Economic Surprise Index Chart suggesting that since mid-May, the rally has been driven by positive macroeconomic factors. Image: BofA Global Research
Credit Spreads on High-Quality U.S. Corporates Credit spreads on high-quality U.S. corporates are widening and are flashing a warning sign for markets. Image: Gavekal, Macrobond
A Widening of High Yield Credit Spreads Is Very Useful to Predict a Recession Like a yield curve inversion and real interest rates above real GDP, a widening of high yield credit spreads is very useful to predict a recession. At the present time, the bond market is not concerned about credit risk.
High Yield Credit Spread and Move Index Does higher rate credit volatility imply a widening of high-yield spreads? Image: Quill Intelligence, LLC