The market is pricing in a forced recession
Source: www.tradingview.com
The US 02-yr Treasury note jumped today, trading at levels last seen in November 2007. It's trading near 3.85%, reflecting market expectations of at least a 75bps hike next week. Some participants have discussed a 100bps increase, reflecting as a 26% probability presently.
However, this has caused the 02-10s yield curve to invert further. The spread is currently -0.4%; this is the 53rd day of inversion. The longer this persists and the deeper the inversion, the greater the likelihood of a recession. In other words, the less chance of a soft landing.
This likelihood is because higher rates contribute to demand destruction at the aggregate level. Moreover, the required rate of return will remain high, exerting pressure on discount factors. As such, income-generating havens will likely remain supported in the near to medium term, keeping longer-term yields dampened.
Image by Mediamodifier from Pixabay
Russell Shor
Senior Market Strategist
Russell Shor is a Senior Market Strategist at FXCM, having been promoted to the role in 2025 in recognition of his depth of insight and consistent delivery of high-impact market analysis. He originally joined FXCM in October 2017 as a Senior Market Specialist.
Russell holds an Honours Degree in Economics from the University of South Africa, is a certified FMVA®, and a full member of the Society of Technical Analysts (UK). With over 20 years of experience in financial markets, his work is renowned for its clarity, precision, and strategic value across asset classes.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed here.