Since the 1980s, there have been arguments about the effectiveness of yield curve analysis in predicting future economic development. It has been slightly neglected as a forecasting tool, even with its many recorded accuracies in predictions in several past recessions.
There are several reasons why the slope of the yield curve can be considered a good indicator of a probable future recession. Existing monetary patterns have a far-reaching effect on the propagation of the yield curve, as well as the actual movement in the next numerous quarters. An increase in the short rate tends to compress the yield curve, as well as decrease real development in the short term. This relationship is just one of the reasons why it is an effective forecasting tool. Future economic activity can be predicted using the anticipations of future inflation and real interest rates that are included in the yield curve differential.
In a 1900 article, Mishkin explained that a forward interest rate can be divided into expected inflation and real interest rate components, both of which are valuable in prediction. There is a possibility that the expected real rate may be related to the expectations of future monetary guidelines and, for this reason, it may also be associated with future real growth. An inflation component can also provide an idea of future growth, as inflation is highly likely to correlate positively with activity.
In addition to performing the yield curve analysis, there are also other variables commonly used to predict the direction of the economy. Stock prices are among the financial variables that are attracting a lot of attention. The implication in the theory of finance states that stock prices are identified by expectations about future dividend flows, which can then be associated with future economic condition.
The Conference Board Index of Key Economic Indicators is among the macroeconomic variables that earned a good reputation for being able to forecast real economic activity. However, its reputation has often not been the subject of careful evaluation. Its success is perceived by many to be exaggerated as it has undergone persistent modifications in an attempt to improve its inversion of the yield curve. However, there is a better alternative and it is the 1989 Stock and Watson index of the main economic indicators.
Performance curve analysis has been successful in predicting many past recessions. Although often perceived as complex, there are tools that make analysis quicker and easier by allowing users to see the shape of torque, zero and forward performance curves in a non-smoothed or smoothed way and then compare the effects smoothing with portfolio evaluation. The digital animations of these tools provide a clear presentation of the effects of disturbances on a series of performance curves, as well as help identify the proper position of the forward curve to be taken.
