U.S. High Yield Credit Spreads vs. VIX Investors are pricing high-yield credit as if the good times will roll on. Spreads are tight, fundamentals look firm, but that very optimism risks shading into complacency. Active monitoring helps detect early signs of stress. Image: Topdown Charts
Rolling 90-Day Correlation Between the S&P 500 and U.S. IG Credit Spreads Credit and equities are back in sync: the 90‑day correlation between U.S. IG credit spreads and the S&P 500 has spiked, a sign that macro forces and market mood now bind the two tighter than before. Image: Deutsche Bank
U.S. High Yield Credit Spreads Tight high-yield spreads signal strong market confidence, but they also raise red flags by potentially masking underlying vulnerabilities and feeding investor complacency by making risks seem less significant than they are. Image: Topdown Charts
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
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.