S&P 500 Earnings Yield Minus U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield The recent rally has made U.S. equities expensive compared to bonds. Historically, when the risk premium has been at current levels, the S&P 500 has delivered an average 12-month return of just 2.5% over the past three decades. Image: Bloomberg
Probability of U.S. Recession Calculated from the Yield Curve The probability of a U.S. recession in 12 months, calculated from the yield curve, stands at 25.0% in May. Image: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Nominal 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield and Indexed Return of Cyclicals vs. Defensives Higher growth expectations raise bond yields because investors demand greater compensation for potential inflation and uncertainty about future interest rates. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Median Annual S&P 500 Total Return Based on Nominal 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield There is no consistently clear or stable relationship between bond yields and equity returns. Their correlation is dynamic and shaped by various economic factors, including inflation, interest rates, and credit risk. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield and U.S. Federal Debt Held by the Public Even with U.S. federal debt at historic highs and projected to rise further, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield remains low compared to the high-inflation periods of the past half-century. Image: Deutsche Bank
Average 1-Month S&P 500 Return vs. Change in 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yields A rapid rise in U.S. Treasury yields typically leads to lower equity valuations, with the impact most acute for high-priced, growth-oriented companies. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
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
S&P 500 and Treasury Bond to Corporate BB High Yield Spread Widening credit spreads often signal upcoming declines in the S&P 500, serving as a valuable leading indicator of equity market stress because they typically react early to shifts in market sentiment and risk. Image: Real Investment Advice
Citi Economic Surprise Index vs. 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield Economic momentum-reflected in growth data and surprises relative to forecasts-continues to be the main force driving U.S. Treasury yields. Image: Paulsen Perspectives
U.S. 10Y-2Y Yield Curve While a steepening inverted yield curve has historically warned of recession, persistent economic strength could mean a more positive outlook for U.S. equities in 2025—though this would mark a notable break from the past. Image: Deutsche Bank
1987 Market Crash – DXY Dollar Index and 10-Year UST Yield Bond yields rarely rise while the dollar falls, as higher yields usually boost currency appeal. This unusual trend signals waning confidence, similar to the pattern seen before the 1987 Black Monday crash. Image: Bloomberg