Treasury Options and Yield Curve Cycle Since 2007

Treasury Options and Yield Curve Cycle Since 2007 This great chart shows that we are in a late business cycle. The spread between the 30-year and the 3-month treasury yields is one of the most interesting spreads to watch. In recent history, a recession occurs about 12 to 18 months after the yield curve inverts.…

Global High Yield Bond Spreads Since 2017

Global High Yield Bond Spreads Since 2017 High yield bond spreads have widened recently (difference in yields between high yield bonds and comparative government bonds). Image: BlackRock

Do Central Banks’ Negative Rates Work in Europe?

Do Central Banks’ Negative Rates Work in Europe? Not really. Actually, negative rates distort economies and leave little room to maneuver in the next recession. Secondly, extremely low interest rates are also bad for European banks, like Deutsche Bank, which in turn is bad for economic growth. It’s a feedback loop which could lead to…

QE to Infinity and Beyond?

QE to Infinity and Beyond? Analysts say the Fed will resume and buy “just” U.S. Treasuries next year. The Fed’s balance sheet should rise past its historic peak. Image: Bloomberg – Cartoon: Hedgeye Risk Management LLC

The Amount of Outstanding Negative-Yielding Debt since 2009

The Amount of Outstanding Negative-Yielding Debt since 2009 Investors are paying governments for the privilege of holding their bonds and are losing so much money in real terms. Raising interest rates in the future could be painful for bond investors. Image: Jeroen Blokland, Bloomberg

50 Percent of US Stock Fund Assets Are Invested in Index Funds

50 Percent of US Stock Fund Assets Are Invested in Index Funds Until active equity funds drop fees, the flow into passive equity funds will certainly continue. But could markets become inefficient if everyone buys index funds? Image: Morningstar

The Trade-Weighted Broad US Dollar Index Hits the Highest Level since 2002

The Trade-Weighted Broad US Dollar Index Hits the Highest Level since 2002 A strong dollar leads to wider trade deficits, and this is a headwind for US exporters. A strong dollar can also hurt emerging markets. The trade-weighted broad US Dollar index is a weighted average of the foreign exchange value of the US dollar against…

What’s The Risk Of An Earnings Recession in 2019? Maybe Less Than You May Think

What’s The Risk Of An Earnings Recession in 2019? Maybe Less Than You May Think US-China trade uncertainty is the enemy of growth, and the impact of tariffs will weigh on corporate profits. But it looks like we’ll avert an earnings recession in 2019 if a trade deal with China is reached this summer. Image:…

Is Tesla Stock a Good Investment?

Is Tesla Stock a Good Investment? Ouch, Tesla stock is down from $377 to $196 in just 23 weeks. Tesla is not a tech company, but a car company. It isn’t making as much money as expected. The future of Tesla is far from certain, with billions in debt coming due soon. Image: Hedgeye Risk…