Rates · Full analysis
Deep-dive research view. Use this for context and monitoring, not as a standalone trigger.
NQ
Macro pressure
UST yields trend (2Y / 10Y via FRED)
Yields are rising, increasing discount-rate pressure for NQ.
Bearish Headwind
Rates are primary when yield momentum is strong; when yields are flat, positioning and seasonality matter more for NQ.
Current yield conditions
- 10Y
- 4.95%
- 2Y
- 4.56%
- 21d move
- +0.25pp
- 10Y-2Y
- +0.39pp
Key insight
Yields are rising, increasing discount-rate pressure for NQ. Rate momentum remains the fastest-changing macro input.
Data diagnostics
Status: Latest available
Rates use the latest available FRED observations.
FRED · DGS10,DGS2 · report 2026-09-10
Historical context
Last 40 valid observations
10Y yield trend
Shows where the 10Y yield is trending and how quickly valuation pressure is changing.
4.95%
Latest observation
Date: 2026-09-10
10Y yield: 4.95%
21d change: +25 bps
rising yields (bearish for NQ/ES)
Current: 4.95% · 21d change +25 bps
Rising yields increase discount-rate pressure, which is usually a headwind for equity-index valuations.
Macro context
Yield curve spread
The gap between longer-term and policy-sensitive Treasury yields.
- 2Y yield
- 4.56%
- 10Y yield
- 4.95%
- 10Y − 2Y spread
- +0.39pp
- Curve state
- Positive
Display guide: negative = inverted; zero = flat; above zero = positive; 0.40pp or more = steep. Scale capped at ±1pp.
The 10Y yield is above the 2Y yield: the curve has a positive slope.
Curve shape is context. The 10Y yield’s 21-day momentum remains the main rates signal for NQ/ES.
21d valuation pressure scale
Rate momentum
Shows whether recent yield direction is creating a tailwind, neutral backdrop, or headwind for equities.
+25 bps / 21d · Bearish Headwind
Latest observation
21d move: +25 bps
10Y: 4.95% · 2Y: 4.56%
Signal: rising yields (bearish headwind for NQ/ES)
Current state · details remain visible on touch
Falling yields tend to support valuations; rising yields usually tighten valuation conditions.
Rate regime
State: Bearish Headwind
Key inputs: 10Y 4.95% · 2Y 4.56% · 21d +0.25pp · Spread +0.39pp
10Y has risen +0.25pp over 21d, tightening valuation conditions for equity indices.
Implication: Rates are a primary headwind and should be treated as a high-priority macro driver.
Breakdown
10Y: 4.95%
2Y: 4.56%
21d move: +0.25pp
10Y-2Y: +0.39pp
Interpretation
What is happening: 10Y is 4.95% and has moved +0.25pp over 21d, while 2Y is 4.56% and curve spread is +0.39pp.
What it implies: Rising yields increase discount-rate pressure, which is usually a headwind for equity-index valuations. Falling yields usually provide tailwind support.
What to watch: When yields are flat, rates usually matter less and positioning/seasonality should carry relatively more weight.
Context
Short term: Use the latest weekly/daily change as tactical pressure.
Medium term: Watch persistence of this factor across updates before treating it as structural.
Source: FRED · updated 2026-09-10
How to read this
Expand Rates explainability guide
- - Rates measure the cost of money and discount-rate pressure.
- - For equity indices like NQ and ES, rising yields usually pressure valuations.
- - Falling yields usually support valuations.
- - Flat yields usually reduce the importance of rates as a directional driver.
- - The 10Y yield is the main valuation-pressure proxy.
- - The 2Y yield reflects shorter-term policy expectations.
- - The 10Y-2Y spread adds yield-curve context.
- - Rates are a macro context driver, not a trade signal.