In the past few weeks, the stock market has become increasingly exuberant, but the bond market remains nervous. The VIX Index, which is the option implied volatility of stocks, has been steadily falling, indicating the expectation of lower risk. On the other hand, the MOVE Index, which is the bond market’s equivalent of VIX, is still elevated.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhUVLC5EmwuJv_lxglsMbs0Wwsj0Sn3DFgx9Ic0HluDig6AoqzGMI-1vqYuvTm6AfcOAyovKloGCn1KYUCAYNDH_uBWNtuOxaSf07Bep_KGIFiIDZUVqtdqIo5_OJyrZb8bLraaR5NJWJ_j2v5kNfxfgTNDeVlndJDncf1wRt_99mRX8Gq12rUNS6o-nO/w400-h165/MOVE%20and%20VIX.png)
I interpret these readings as the stock market is discounting a soft landing, while the bond market is still concerned about a recession. In addition, the Bank of Japan’s decision to ease its yield curve control program has rattled the bond market. Equity bulls run the risk of a credit event which could spark a bear market. Here is my assessment of that risk.
The full post can be found here.