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The flattening of the yield curve in the United States

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  • Juan Carlos Berganza
  • Alberto Fuertes

Abstract

The yield curve for US government debt securities has flattened significantly since late 2016 and its slope, while positive, has fallen to levels not observed since before the global financial crisis. The inversion of the yield curve slope is considered, on occasions, as a leading indicator of future recessions. And this, given moreover that the current expansionary phase is proving more durable than previous upturns, has prompted debate on the implications of the recent flattening of the curve. However, as illustrated in this article, unlike previous episodes, in which the flattening of the curve was explained by the behaviour of the interest rates expected at different terms, at this current juncture it is warranted substantially by the compression of term premia. Against this background, the historical relationship between the yield curve and predicted recessions in the US economy might have altered.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Carlos Berganza & Alberto Fuertes, 2018. "The flattening of the yield curve in the United States," Economic Bulletin, Banco de España, issue MAR.
    • Handle: RePEc:bde:journl:y:2018:i:3:d:aa:n:6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Estrella, Arturo & Mishkin, Frederic S., 1997. "The predictive power of the term structure of interest rates in Europe and the United States: Implications for the European Central Bank," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(7), pages 1375-1401, July.
    2. Alessandro Galesi & Galo Nuño & Carlos Thomas, 2017. "The natural interest rate: concept, determinants and implications for monetary policy," Economic Bulletin, Banco de España, issue MAR.
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