Cognito

MACROECONOMIC DATA REPORT

November 2025

This comprehensive macroeconomic data report provides institutional-grade analysis across key indicators that drive global markets. Our research synthesizes critical data points from risk sentiment metrics, Federal Reserve policy expectations, labor market dynamics, and sovereign bond markets to deliver actionable insights for informed decision-making.

Risk Sentiment Analysis

Current Market Positioning

Risk appetite remains constructive as equities continue to grind higher, supported by resilient corporate earnings and expectations for a soft landing. The VIX has compressed below the 15 handle, signaling complacency in equity volatility markets, while credit spreads remain tight across both investment-grade and high-yield segments.

VIX Index
14.2-2.1%
SPX
5,847+0.8%
HY Credit Spread
312 bps-8 bps
MOVE Index
97.3+1.2%

Key Takeaway

Risk-on sentiment is dominating flows, with momentum indicators suggesting further upside potential. However, the low VIX reading warrants caution as positioning appears stretched, leaving markets vulnerable to sharp reversals should macro conditions deteriorate.

CME FedWatch & Rate Expectations

Fed Funds Futures Pricing

CME Fed Funds futures are pricing in a terminal rate of 3.75-4.00% by mid-2026, with markets anticipating the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady through Q1 2026 before beginning a gradual easing cycle. The implied probability of a rate cut at the December 2025 meeting stands at 68%, reflecting growing confidence that inflation is returning to target.

Implied Rate Path (Next 12 Months)

Dec 2025(68%)
4.25-4.50%
Cut Expected
Mar 2026(52%)
4.00-4.25%
Cut Expected
Jun 2026(44%)
3.75-4.00%
Hold/Cut
Sep 2026(31%)
3.50-3.75%
Cut Expected

Market Implications

The Fed's data-dependent approach keeps rate volatility elevated. Current pricing suggests markets have fully absorbed recent inflation prints and are positioning for a dovish pivot. Any upside surprise in core PCE or employment data could trigger a rapid repricing of the curve.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

Labor Market Health

The October employment report showed nonfarm payrolls rising by 185,000, slightly above consensus expectations of 175,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.8%, while average hourly earnings grew 4.1% year-over-year, indicating wage pressures remain persistent but moderating. The labor force participation rate ticked up to 63.3%, suggesting continued labor supply improvements.

Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Unchanged
Nonfarm Payrolls
+185K
vs +175K est.
Avg Hourly Earnings (YoY)
4.1%
vs 4.2% prior
Labor Participation
63.3%
+0.1pp
U6 Underemployment
7.0%
-0.2pp
Job Openings (JOLTS)
8.7M
-0.3M

Sectoral Breakdown (Monthly Change)

Healthcare
+52Kstrong
Professional Services
+38Kstrong
Retail Trade
+24Kmoderate
Manufacturing
+12Kmoderate
Construction
-8Kweak
Financial Activities
-3Kweak

Assessment

The labor market continues to demonstrate resilience with solid job creation and stable unemployment. The modest deceleration in wage growth is a positive signal for the Fed's inflation fight, while rising participation suggests supply-side improvements. Sectoral breadth remains healthy across services, supporting the soft-landing narrative.

Government Yields & Bond Markets

Treasury Yield Curve Analysis

The U.S. Treasury curve has steepened modestly over the past month, with 2-year yields pulling back from recent highs as rate cut expectations firm. The 2s10s spread has widened to +35 basis points, moving further into positive territory and signaling improved growth expectations. Real yields remain elevated, providing support for the dollar while weighing on gold and duration-sensitive assets.

US 2Y
4.32%
-6 bps
US 5Y
4.18%
-2 bps
US 10Y
4.67%
+4 bps
US 30Y
4.89%
+7 bps

Key Spread Metrics

2s10sSteepening
+35 bps
+8 bps
5s30sSteepening
+71 bps
+12 bps
10Y Real YieldHigher Real Rates
2.14%
+3 bps
10Y BreakevenStable Inflation Exp.
2.53%
+1 bp

Global Sovereign Yields

Germany 10Y
2.38%+5 bps
UK 10Y (Gilt)
4.52%+8 bps
Japan 10Y (JGB)
1.08%+2 bps
Australia 10Y
4.73%+6 bps
Canada 10Y
3.89%+3 bps
Italy 10Y (BTP)
3.82%+11 bps

Market Outlook

The steepening curve reflects improving growth optimism and declining recession fears, while persistent real yield elevation continues to support USD strength. European yields remain anchored by ECB dovishness, widening rate differentials that favor USD crosses. Watch for shifts in long-end dynamics as fiscal concerns and term premium adjustments come into focus.

Research Team

Ethan M

Head of Macro Research

ofob@cognitoupdates.co.uk

Harry S

Senior Rates Strategist

vosk@cognitoupdates.co.uk

Disclaimer

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Prepared by Cognito Macro Research | November 2025