Yield Spread - Yield Spread Analysis

Yield Spread Analysis

Yield spread analysis is made by comparing the maturity, liquidity and creditworthiness of two instruments, or of one security to a benchmark. When referring to the “yield spread of X over Y,” it is just the percentage return on investment from one financial instrument labelled as X less the percentage return on investment from another instrument labelled as Y. In simple terms, the analysis is a method to compare any two financial vehicles for an investor to determine his options by analysing risk and return of investment.

The yield spread analysis also helps investors and interested people understand the market’s trend when it comes to various investment instruments. When the spread is wide between bonds of different quality ratings, the investors can conclude that the market is factoring more risk of default on the lower grade bonds, which implies that the economy is slowing down and thus that the market is predicting a greater risk of default.

On the other hand, when the spread is narrowing between different bonds of different risk ratings, the market is considered to have forecasted a lesser default risk brought about by an expanding economy. As an example, when the spread between junk bonds and Treasury notes is four percent historically, the market is generally concluded to be factoring lesser risk of default. Moreover, the yield spread analysis is also beneficial when you are a lender because it can help you determine your profitability when you provide a loan to a borrower.

As an example, when a borrower is sufficiently capable to take advantage of a loan at five percent interest rate but will actually take a loan at six percent, the difference of one percent is the yield spread, which is the additional interest that serves as additional profit for the lender. As a strategy, many lenders offer premiums to loan brokers who offer loans with yield spreads. This is to encourage brokers to search for borrowers willing to pay for the yield spreads.

Yield spread analysis assumes that there exists a normal relationship between the yields for bonds in alternative sectors. The spread is seen to increase during periods of recession and decreases during periods of expansion. There are three ways by which spreads will be affected.

1. Yield volatility and the behavior of embedded options
2. The effect of yield volatility on the business cycle
3. Yield volatility and transaction liquidity