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L.2 · INTERMEDIATE · 2 MIN

Understanding Yield Curves

The yield curve plots Treasury yields across different maturities. Its shape tells a story about what the market expects for economic growth, inflation, and Fed policy.

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
Curve ShapeWhat It SignalsHistorical Implication
Normal (upward)Long rates above short ratesHealthy economy, growth expected
FlatShort and long rates similarUncertainty, possible transition
InvertedShort rates above long ratesRecession warning (has preceded every recession since 1970)
SteepWide gap between short and longEarly recovery, accommodative policy
§ 02

An inverted yield curve has predicted every US recession since 1970 with only one false signal. When the 2-year yield exceeds the 10-year, pay attention.

§ 03
Check the **yield curve chart** in the Markets view. Is the current curve normal, flat, or inverted? What does that imply?
§ 04

The yield curve is the bond market's collective forecast for the economy. Equity investors who ignore it do so at their peril.

§ 05
The yield curve shows: 2Y at 5.2%, 10Y at 4.3%, 30Y at 4.1%. What's the market signaling?
Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

The 1-year Treasury yields 5.0% and the 2-year Treasury yields 4.5%. What does the implied 1-year forward rate (the rate the market expects one year from now) tell you?

Why:
See it on a real ticker →