According to a recent presentation by Jeff Gundlach, US stocks are entering 2025 at high valuations compared to historical standards. In contrast, European stocks have shown notable outperformance in early 2025.
Commodities, particularly copper, have demonstrated strength recently, while Gundlach anticipates that gold may reach $4,000. He notes a shift in the predictive power of the copper-gold ratio, stating that crude oil prices now serve as a better indicator of 10-year Treasury yields.
Rising Recession Risks
Additionally, a de-inversion of the Treasury yield curve suggests a rise in recession probabilities.
Gundlach’s observations highlight imbalances within financial markets that traders must consider carefully. With US equities priced above historical norms, the risk of overextension increases. European stocks, on the other hand, have begun the year on stronger footing, potentially offering better value in comparison.
Commodities continue to exhibit bullish momentum. Copper’s performance underscores demand strength, while gold’s trajectory remains firmly in focus. Should Gundlach’s $4,000 target materialise, broader implications for inflation expectations and currency stability would follow. His remarks on the copper-gold ratio losing its predictive reliability suggest that established indicators cannot be relied upon in isolation. Instead, he asserts that crude oil prices now provide a more accurate guide for Treasury yields.
Bond Market Signals
Bond markets reflect mounting recession concerns. The yield curve’s de-inversion, typically a harbinger of economic slowdown, aligns with that view. If this pattern holds, adjustments in positioning will be essential for those with exposure to risk-sensitive assets.
