(Washington)

Yield curves are widely known to be the best indicator of forthcoming recessions, hence why the market is spooked. However, a lesser known fact is that they are also good indicators of presidential elections. Looking historically, whenever the yield curve is inverted at the time on an election, the incumbent loses. This occurred in 1980 in Reagan’s victory, as well as in the 2008 election of Obama. Both times, the yield curves were inverted and the economy in recession. That said, flat yield curves don’t seem to have much effect at all and hold little advantage for either party.

FINSUM: Given that recessions usually take 12 to 18 months to start once the curve inverts, it is entirely possible that one could begin just before the 2020 election.