ThisTracks

The Economic Watch Desk

ThisTracks the Market

Should I Be Worried?

Week of September 15, 2026 · updated September 15, 2026

46 Normal

→ This week's reading is steady compared to last week.

This is a gauge, not a crystal ball. It reflects where economic stress indicators sit today — it does not predict what markets will do next.

What moved this week

High-yield credit spread

Currently: 2.65

High-yield credit spread eased this week (risk score -8), now at a risk reading of 4/100. When this widens, it gets more expensive for businesses and households to borrow — a leading sign that lenders are getting nervous.

Investment-grade spread

Currently: 0.80

Investment-grade spread eased this week (risk score -7), now at a risk reading of 28/100. When this widens, it gets more expensive for businesses and households to borrow — a leading sign that lenders are getting nervous.

VIX (volatility)

Currently: 15.84

VIX (volatility) eased this week (risk score -6), now at a risk reading of 48/100. How confident (or scared) people say they feel about their own finances — sentiment tends to move before spending does.

What to do about it