10Y-2Y Treasury Spread

A leading indicator for economic cycles derived from bond yields.

Overview

The spread between 10-year and 2-year Treasury yields acts as a barometer for economic expectations. It compares the return on long-term capital versus short-term capital.

How It Works

Calculated as the 10-Year Treasury Yield minus the 2-Year Treasury Yield. Positive values indicate a normal growth environment; negative values (inversion) suggest short-term monetary tightness relative to long-term growth expectations.

How to Interpret

Bullish Signal

A steep positive curve (>100bps) suggests strong economic growth expectations.

Neutral Signal

A flat curve (0-50bps) often signals a transition between economic phases.

Bearish Signal

An inverted curve (<0bps) has reliably preceded economic contractions since 1955.

Historical Context

Yield curve inversions have been a reliable precursor to economic resets in 2001, 2008, and 2020, usually leading by 6-24 months.

Data Information

Data Source
U.S. Treasury Department via FRED
Update Frequency
Daily

Limitations

  • Lead times between signal and economic impact vary significantly
  • Central bank interventions can distort natural yield signals

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