Yield Curve
The yield curve is a line graph that plots the relationship between yields to maturity and time to maturity for bonds of the same asset class and quality.
Implication of yield curve on the economy
The slope of the yield curve is not only a good reference for the bond investment strategies, but also a trustworthy leading indicator of economic activity.
There are three main types of yield curves: normal (upward sloping), flat and inverted. In general, economists concur that the slope of the yield curve depends on the investor’s expectations on the interest rates and risk premium.
A flat yield curve is one in which the shorter- and longer-term yields are very close to each other. It is unusual and typically indicates a transition to either economic growth or recession.