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What is a Macro-Rates Dashboard?

A macro-rates dashboard combines key macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment) with interest rate market data (yield curves, swap rates, real rates) to provide a comprehensive view of the economic and monetary environment. This is the starting point for most fixed income and macro trading strategies. Understanding where we are in the economic cycle — expansion, peak, contraction, or trough — and what central banks are doing about it (tightening or easing policy) directly drives bond yields, swap rates, and curve shapes. A normal yield curve (upward-sloping, short rates below long rates) signals economic expansion and expectations of future rate hikes. An inverted curve (short rates above long rates) has historically preceded recessions. Real rates (nominal rates minus inflation expectations) indicate whether monetary policy is restrictive or accommodative.

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Command

/macro-rates <country e.g. US> [timeframe e.g. 5Y]
Builds a comprehensive dashboard with macro indicators, yield curve analysis, real rate decomposition, and swap spread context.

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Workflow

1

Pull Macro Indicators

Calls qa_macroeconomic for GDP growth, CPI/inflation, unemployment, and policy rate.
2

Get Yield Curve

Calls interest_rate_curve for the government curve. Computes 2s10s and 3M-10Y slopes. Classifies curve shape.
3

Decompose Real Rates

Calls inflation_curve to compute real rates = nominal minus breakeven. Assesses whether real rates are accommodative or restrictive.
4

Analyze Swap Spreads

Calls ir_swap at 2Y, 5Y, 10Y. Computes swap spread and assesses financial conditions.
5

Historical Context

Calls tscc_historical_pricing_summaries for the benchmark yield to assess current yields vs. history.
6

Synthesize

Presents macro summary, yield curve with slopes, real rate decomposition, swap spreads, and overall assessment.

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Output

Present as a dashboard with labeled sections. Lead with overall macro assessment (2-3 sentences), then detail each component. See the Macro Rates Monitor skill for domain knowledge on macro-rates analysis.