An inverted yield curve is one of the few indicators that before have always correctly signalled an upcoming recession. An inverted yield curve happens when the yield on 10 year treasuries is below the yield on 2 year treasuries (sometimes called the “2s10s”). The 2-10 year yield curve is the most common people view. Currently the 2-10 year yield curve is positive after it turned negative for the first time since 2007 at the end of August.

In the past a negative yield curve has always signalled that a recession could happen in the next 1 to 2 years. Note from the chart below that the curve can be at or below zero for a long period before a recession happens. Furthermore from the chart it looks like a rapidly steeping yield curve signals a recession is close.

The question arises will an inverted yield curve signal a recession this time? A big difference in my opinion with other times is that this time the yield curve is watched by a lot of participants in the market and so a lot of stories are published about it.

From the mainstream media such as Drudge Report.

To the president of The United States who even talks about a “crazy” inverted yield curve.

And even members of the Federal Reserve such as Atlanta Federal Reserve President Bostic (picture below) and Neel Kashkari (in a post on Medium here) the President of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve are openly talking about the inversion of the yield curve and what it means for the economy.

It remains to be seen whether the signal works this time.