ThisTracks

The Economic Watch Desk

ThisTracks the Market

Should I Be Worried?

Week of October 3, 2026 · updated October 3, 2026

51 Elevated

↑ This week's reading is rising 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: 3.24

High-yield credit spread got worse this week (risk score +30), now at a risk reading of 69/100. When this widens, it gets more expensive for businesses and households to borrow — a leading sign that lenders are getting nervous.

VIX (volatility)

Currently: 16.39

VIX (volatility) got worse this week (risk score +20), now at a risk reading of 54/100. How confident (or scared) people say they feel about their own finances — sentiment tends to move before spending does.

Investment-grade spread

Currently: 0.86

Investment-grade spread got worse this week (risk score +13), now at a risk reading of 49/100. When this widens, it gets more expensive for businesses and households to borrow — a leading sign that lenders are getting nervous.

What to do about it