Conclusion to the questions at the top of this article:
Yes, the yield curve is inverted. Even though it is flattening now, we are still quite a distance from crossing back above 0.00%, aka steepening. Assuming that the Fed does start rate cuts in June, it will still take quite a series of cuts (my guess is more than 3) to take us back above 0.00%. Following the squence of events laid out in the 4 points above, and projecting the time and space required in the markets, we may not even see a severe market crash (like the past 2) this year. Corrections? Yes. Market crash? No.
SpyderCall : Good read.
You are totally right. Past recessions did not occur until the yield curve uninverted and then began to steepen.
This makes more sense when you think about the available liquidity in the markets. When yields are higher at the short end of the curve, especially the very short end like T-Bills, then investors are gaining more liquidity at maturity to move into other assets like equities. As soon as short-term yields start dropping, then that short-term liquidity dries up accordingly, and less capital is available to rotate into other assets.
Once investors realize that there is no more liquidity to push up asset prices, then they might assume a top has been formed, and begin to sell.
Isaac J Lim OP SpyderCall : Sorry for the late reply. Just saw this!I think this view is still very valid going forward into H2 2024..Will share my thoughts soon!