USD Rates: Three charts for a K-shaped economy
Caught between tech and jobs.
Group Research - Econs, Eugene Leow17 Nov 2025
Article image
Photo credit: Unsplash/Adobe Stock Photo
Read More

US Treasuries are caught in the cross currents of the K-shaped economy. We would loosely define this as a divergence between different segments of the economy. In today’s context, this would be the optimism seen in the AI/tech related sectors that could see increasing amounts of real investment versus the other sectors, which are more pessimistic. This can be viewed through three lenses – the divergence between stocks and UST yields, the divergence between stocks & job creation and the divergence between stocks and Trump’s approval rating.



The main worry for investors is that the US economy (and the stock market) may have become too reliant on tech. Even as the stock market does well, it is not translating into jobs creation. While market participants may be anticipating a decent September NFP print, this data set is dated and more recent alternative data are pointing to a further slowdown in October. This could account for why Trump’s approval rating has been declining despite the bullish sentiment on stocks and relatively muted inflation from tariffs thus far. Keeping mid-term elections in mind, Trump may have to resort to fiscal stimulus (cash handouts) to try and bolster support. UST yields are caught between drifting higher on the back of buoyant stocks or heading lower on job market caution.



The K-shaped economy may have to converge at some point. It is difficult to envision a sustained period of jobless growth. At some point, there should either be a broadening out in optimism to the other sectors or job losses would start to weigh more broadly. Accordingly, the divergence between a more cautious bond market and an optimistic stock market has got to end (either yields higher, stocks lower or a combination of both).     

Eugene Leow

Senior Rates Strategist - G3 & Asia
[email protected]
 

Subscribe here to receive our economics & macro strategy materials.
To unsubscribe, please click here.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates)

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates & Digital Assets)

The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation.  Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies.  The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.  The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.

[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability.  11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

Virtual currencies are highly speculative digital "virtual commodities", and are not currencies. It is not a financial product approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, and the safeguards of the existing investor protection regime does not apply.  The prices of virtual currencies may fluctuate greatly, and the investment risk is high. Before engaging in such transactions, the investor should carefully assess the risks, and seek its own independent advice.