Yield Spread
Yield spread is the difference between two stated yields, used to compare curves, credit, liquidity, options, and relative value.
Yield-difference measures for comparing bond benchmarks, curve points, credit compensation, and bond-versus-equity valuation inputs.
Spread and yield-gap measures subtract one stated yield from another. The arithmetic is simple, but interpretation depends on benchmark, subtraction order, maturity, credit quality, liquidity, options, currency, tax treatment, and observation date.
Yield Spread provides the fixed-income framework for curve, benchmark, credit, and relative-value comparisons. Yield Gap covers equity-versus-bond comparisons, including the bond-over-equity condition often called a reverse yield gap.
| Question | Starting measure |
|---|---|
| How far does a bond yield sit above a matched benchmark? | Nominal or government spread |
| What constant spread over the spot curve prices fixed cash flows? | Z-spread |
| What spread remains after modeling embedded options? | Option-adjusted spread |
| How steep is one curve between two maturities? | Term or curve spread |
| How does a bond yield compare with equity earnings yield? | Earnings-based yield gap |
| How does a bond yield compare with cash dividend yield? | Dividend-based yield gap |
Name both inputs and subtraction order. Use compatible dates, currencies, annualization, inflation basis, maturity, duration, tax status, and price evidence. For securities with calls or prepayments, a nominal spread can mix option value with credit and liquidity compensation.
A wide spread is not automatically cheap, and a positive cross-asset yield gap does not predict which asset will outperform. Spread analysis identifies a relative-pricing question; credit, cash-flow, growth, risk, costs, and scenario analysis determine what the difference means.
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Yield spread is the difference between two stated yields, used to compare curves, credit, liquidity, options, and relative value.