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AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Monetary Policy At their April meeting, the RBA took a slightly more hawkish stance by removing their reference to ‘patience’ in terms of policy tightening. With the bank taking a sanguine view of rising price pressures, the statement did reveal a growing concern for inflation with 10 references to ‘inflation’ in the statement. The bank explained that higher energy and commodity price could see a sizeable increase to inflation forecasts in the May report. In their Financial Stability report the bank urged borrowers to prepare for an increase in rates, which was a further signal from the bank. Even though the meeting showed a bank that is turning the page, the statement also revealed very similar conditionality such as incoming wage and inflation data. Following the meeting, markets have a bit of an overreaction by pricing in a >80% chance of a rate hike at the May meeting but was later pushed back to <30%. Given the importance of wage data, and since that is only release on the 18th of May, the most likely meeting for a first hike is the June meeting. Westpac investment bank agrees with our take with the bank expecting a 15bsp lift off in June, followed by 25bsp hikes in July, August, Oct and Nov. Even though this confirms our fundamental bullish bias, the >14 hikes priced by end 2023 means risks of lower repricing is building. 2. Idiosyncratic Drivers & Intermarket Analysis Apart from the RBA, there are 3 drivers we’re watching for the med-term outlook: Recovery – unlike other nations where growth & inflation is expected to slow, Australia is expected to see recovery, mostly thanks to stimulus in China China – With the PBoC & CCP stepping up monetary and fiscal stimulus, any recovery in China bodes well for Australia (China accounts for 40% of Australian exports). It also means the current virus situation in China posesshort-term downside risks for AUD. The AUKUS defence pact could see retaliation against Aussie goods and is worth keeping on the radar as well Commodities – Iron Ore (31%), Coal (14%) and LNG (10%) is more than 50% of Aussie exports, with rising prices giving the AUD huge support from terms of trade. If commodities remain supported it remains a support for AUD, but of course also means any sizeable corrections would weigh on the AUD, which means geopolitical and China demand developments remain focus points. 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the AUD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the AUD. 4. CFTC Analysis It’s taken many weeks of stretched positioning, but AUD net-shorts have continued to unwind and have moved out of stretched territory. After a decent run higher, price action has been looking stretched, which means we’ll prefer deeper pullbacks before initiating new med-term AUD longs. 5. The Week Ahead There are no economic data highlights for the week ahead, which means China and commodities will arguably be the main drivers. With the PBoC set to meet on Wednesday, any further promises of support will be important to watch for the AUD. Consensus is looking for the PBoC to ease the MLF and LPR, with some also looking for another RRR cut as well. Some analysts have argued that the competitive rise US yields versus Chinese counterparts might see a more patient PBoC as CN10Y fell below US10Y for the first time in 12 years last week. Any hesitation from the PBoC to step up to the plate could be a negative for the AUD. For commodities , the geopolitical tensions have seen commodity prices surge and have given Australia’s terms of trade a solid boost. As commodities have been supported by geopolitical stress and stimulus hopes from China, anything that dents that optimism and sees mean reversion in commodities will be important to watch for the AUD. This also means that the AUD might counterintuitively trade mixed on geopolitical de-escalations depending on how commodities react. CAD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. Monetary Policy The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral ( Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell. 2. Intermarket Analysis Considerations Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss). 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD. 4. CFTC Analysis Another bullish positioning signal with the recent positioning update. With Asset Manager net-longs still in the top 80 percentile we think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. For now, timing is very important, and we’re waiting for deeper pullbacks in AUDCAD & USDCAD for long opportunities. 5. The Week Ahead For the week ahead the main data highlight for the CAD will be March CPI figures on Wednesday. Inflation will be important to watch as always (especially in the current macro backdrop), but with the BoC hiking 50bsp last week this week’s print won’t be enough to change the BoC’s mind. The event can of course create short-term volatility in the events of a big miss or beat. Despite the BoC providing some signals that another 50bsp could be on the table, STIR markets have not jumped to price it. Thus, a solid beat might see markets pricing in a 50bsp hike while a surprise miss could see markets sticking to a 25bsp but being close to peak hawkishness also means a miss could be a catalyst to get back on the short side for CAD. The correlation between WTI and CAD has been mostly hit and miss over the past couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore Oil’s potential impact on CAD price action. Thus, the energy market will be in focus as usual where any oil-positive developments could support the CAD while any oil-negative news could pressure the CAD.
by thunderpips
4
AUD USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Monetary Policy At their April meeting, the RBA took a slightly more hawkish stance by removing their reference to ‘patience’ in terms of policy tightening. With the bank taking a sanguine view of rising price pressures, the statement did reveal a growing concern for inflation with 10 references to ‘inflation’ in the statement. The bank explained that higher energy and commodity price could see a sizeable increase to inflation forecasts in the May report. In their Financial Stability report the bank urged borrowers to prepare for an increase in rates, which was a further signal from the bank. Even though the meeting showed a bank that is turning the page, the statement also revealed very similar conditionality such as incoming wage and inflation data. Following the meeting, markets have a bit of an overreaction by pricing in a >80% chance of a rate hike at the May meeting but was later pushed back to <30%. Given the importance of wage data, and since that is only release on the 18th of May, the most likely meeting for a first hike is the June meeting. Westpac investment bank agrees with our take with the bank expecting a 15bsp lift off in June, followed by 25bsp hikes in July, August, Oct and Nov. Even though this confirms our fundamental bullish bias, the >14 hikes priced by end 2023 means risks of lower repricing is building. 2. Idiosyncratic Drivers & Intermarket Analysis Apart from the RBA, there are 3 drivers we’re watching for the med-term outlook: Recovery – unlike other nations where growth & inflation is expected to slow, Australia is expected to see recovery, mostly thanks to stimulus in China China – With the PBoC & CCP stepping up monetary and fiscal stimulus, any recovery in China bodes well for Australia (China accounts for 40% of Australian exports). It also means the current virus situation in China posesshort-term downside risks for AUD. The AUKUS defence pact could see retaliation against Aussie goods and is worth keeping on the radar as well Commodities – Iron Ore (31%), Coal (14%) and LNG (10%) is more than 50% of Aussie exports, with rising prices giving the AUD huge support from terms of trade. If commodities remain supported it remains a support for AUD, but of course also means any sizeable corrections would weigh on the AUD, which means geopolitical and China demand developments remain focus points. 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the AUD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the AUD. 4. CFTC Analysis It’s taken many weeks of stretched positioning, but AUD net-shorts have continued to unwind and have moved out of stretched territory. After a decent run higher, price action has been looking stretched, which means we’ll prefer deeper pullbacks before initiating new med-term AUD longs. 5. The Week Ahead There are no economic data highlights for the week ahead, which means China and commodities will arguably be the main drivers. With the PBoC set to meet on Wednesday, any further promises of support will be important to watch for the AUD. Consensus is looking for the PBoC to ease the MLF and LPR, with some also looking for another RRR cut as well. Some analysts have argued that the competitive rise US yields versus Chinese counterparts might see a more patient PBoC as CN10Y fell below US10Y for the first time in 12 years last week. Any hesitation from the PBoC to step up to the plate could be a negative for the AUD. For commodities, the geopolitical tensions have seen commodity prices surge and have given Australia’s terms of trade a solid boost. As commodities have been supported by geopolitical stress and stimulus hopes from China, anything that dents that optimism and sees mean reversion in commodities will be important to watch for the AUD. This also means that the AUD might counterintuitively trade mixed on geopolitical de-escalations depending on how commodities react. USD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Monetary Policy In March the Fed delivered on a 25bsp hike as expected with Fed’s Bullard the only dissenter voting for a 50bsp hike. The Dot Plot saw a big upgrade from 3 hikes (Dec) to 7 hikes for 2022, with the FFR seen reaching 2.75%- 3.0% in 2023 before falling in 2024. They did however lower their neutral rate from 2.5% to 2.4% which were a negative. Inflation forecasts for 2022 were raised to 4.1% (previous 2.7%) but med-term inflation saw less aggressive upgrades. Even though the overall message and projections were hawkish, the fact that GDP estimates were lowered to 2.8% from 4.0% shows the Fed expects their actions to impact demand and also reflect some of the recent geopolitical uncertainties. The Fed didn’t share new details on QT but noted that the decision to start selling assets will be made at a coming meeting (markets consensus sees a July start as likely) and added that good progress in QT discussions means a May announcement is likely. During the presser the Chair expressed his view that the economy is doing really well and, should be more than able to withstand the incoming rate hikes (a very similar situation like we had in 4Q18). When asked whether 50bsp hikes could be on the table, the chair explained that the FOMC has not made decision to front-load hikes and will keep an eye on incoming inflation data to determine their policy actions going forward, but of course added that every incoming meeting was live. Overall, the Fed was hawkish, but due to very strong pre-positioning and close to peak hawkishness priced for STIR markets the meeting saw a ‘sell-the-fact’ reaction across major asset classes. 2. Global & Domestic Economy As the reserve currency, the USD’s global usage means it’s usually inversely correlated to the global economy and global trade. The USD usually appreciates when growth & inflation slows (disinflation) and depreciates when growth & inflation accelerates (reflation). Thus, current expectations of a cyclical slowdown are a positive driver for the Dollar. Incoming data will be watched in relation to the ‘Fed Put’ as there are many similarities between now and 4Q18, where the Fed were also tightened into a slowdown. If growth data slows and the Fed stays hawkish it’s a positive for the USD, however if the Fed pivots dovish that’ll be a negative driver for the USD. 3. CFTC Analysis Aggregate USD positioning remains close to 1 standard deviation above the mean, and close to prior tops where the USD topped out in previous cycles. That does not change the bullish outlook for the USD in the med-term but means that we would wait for pullbacks before initiating new longs with price at new cycle highs. 4. The Week Ahead The week will be thin in terms of US economic data, with the Philly Fed Business Index and S&P Global Flash PMIs the main highlights. The focus here for the USD will once again be on the growth side, where another fasterthan-expected slowdown could be supportive for the USD given its usual inverse correlation to global growth expectations. In the event that growth data surprise higher though, we should not be surprised if we see the USD push lower afterwards, but we should also not get complacent in the growth-inspired reactions in the USD given how stretched prices have been. What that means is that we need to be mindful of the possibility that current USD bulls take some profit as we push into major and key 2020 resistance levels (2-year highs and new cycle highs). As a growth hedge, the current environment of slowing growth and a hawkish Fed bodes well for the USD, which means the med-term bullish bias remains intact, but the risk to reward of chasing it at the highs is not very attractive right now, and means patience is not a bad idea right now.
by thunderpips
AUDCAD formed a bearish reversal pattern.The AUDCAD pair just hit the 1D MA50 (blue trend-line) after a rejection on the 0.95200 level. This resembles the February 25 2021 rejection of a similar 1-6 fractal in late 2020/ early 2021. We do expect a test of the 0.89125 low by Q3, however are prepared to take the loss and turn to buying if 0.95200 breaks, which is the invalidation line. Most recent AUDCAD signal: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** Please support this idea with your likes and comments, it is the best way to keep it relevant and support me. ** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short
by TradingShot
1
Dominant Currency Sentiment – Diverging Yields JPY is once again leading to the downside as the growing divergence between US and Japanese yields keeps the currency pressured. Furthermore, Reuters argues that “many investors are betting the yen has further to fall. The latest CFTC data for the week ending April 12 shows net short yen positions are the largest in three and a half years.” In contrast to JPY and leading to the upside is AUD, with the commodity linked currency supported by the latest RBA meeting minutes, which suggested that the central bank expects a further rise in inflation and therefore expects to raise rates sooner than was initially expected. Looking ahead today’s economi8c calendar is light on tier one data, keeping the market’s focus on current themes, particularly monetary policy outlooks and their influence on external factors raning from yields to the global economic outlook.
by thunderpips
1
AUDNZD Long-term sell opportunityThe AUDNZD pair broke above its August 2020 Lower Highs trend-line in late March and is now approaching the 1.104500 Resistance. This is similar to the late October 2017 break-out above the Lower Highs. In fact the two phases seem identical on a wider 3 year scale. The 2017 fractal reversed soon after it broke above the Lower Highs and initially reached as low as the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level. That is currently just below the 1.04000 level, and is our long-term target on the AUDNZD pair. Notice that the RSI on the 1W time-frame is at the highest level since July 2008 of the subprime mortgage crisis. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please like, subscribe and share your ideas and charts with the community! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short
by TradingShot
1
AUDJPY Sell signal on overbought 1D RSIThe AUDJPY pair has given a clear medium-term bearish signal. The 1D RSI got rejected late last month within its multi-year Resistance Zone with the price initially reacting with a pull-back but has since recovered and turned neutral. Every time that the price hit the 1D RSI Resistance Zone since 2020, it pulled-back to at least the previous Fibonacci level: In June 2020 it pulled-back to the 0.0 Fib from the 0.5 Fib, in February 2021 it pulled-back to the 0.5 and then even 0.0 Fib from the 1.0 Fib. Finally in October 2021 it pulled-back from the 1.0 Fib straight to the 0.0 Fib. Right now, it is trading on the 1.5 Fibonacci extension level. Naturally we are expecting a pull-back on a two month horizon to the 1.0 Fib at least. A monthly candle closing below it, can even kick-start a deeper correction to the 0.5 Fib. This is a great low risk trade for swing traders. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please like, subscribe and share your ideas and charts with the community! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short
by TradingShot
4
AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: WEAK BULLISH 1. Monetary Policy At their April meeting, the RBA took a slightly more hawkish stance by removing their reference to ‘patience’ in terms of policy tightening. With the bank taking a sanguine view of rising price pressures, the statement did reveal a growing concern for inflation with 10 references to ‘inflation’ in the statement. The bank explained that higher energy and commodity price could see a sizeable increase to inflation forecasts in the May report. In their Financial Stability report the bank urged borrowers to prepare for an increase in rates, which was a further signal from the bank. Even though the meeting showed a bank that is turning the page, the statement also revealed very similar conditionality such as incoming wage and inflation data. Following the meeting, markets have a bit of an overreaction by pricing in a >80% chance of a rate hike at the May meeting but was later pushed back to <30%. Given the importance of wage data, and since that is only release on the 18th of May, the most likely meeting for a first hike is the June meeting. Westpac investment bank agrees with our take with the bank expecting a 15bsp lift off in June, followed by 25bsp hikes in July, August, Oct and Nov. Even though this confirms our fundamental bullish bias, the >14 hikes priced by end 2023 means risks of lower repricing is building. 2. Idiosyncratic Drivers & Intermarket Analysis Apart from the RBA, there are 3 drivers we’re watching for the med-term outlook: Recovery – unlike other nations where growth & inflation is expected to slow, Australia is expected to see a solid recovery, also thanks to expected recovery in China China – With the PBoC stepping up stimulus & expectations of further fiscal support in 1H22, the projected recovery in China bodes well for Australia as China makes up close to 40% of Australian exports. It also means the growing virus cases and lockdowns and subsequent miss in recent Chinese PMI data does pose short-term downside risks for AUD. The AUKUS defence pact could see retaliation against Aussie goods and is worth keeping on the radar as well Commodities – Iron Ore (31%), Coal (14%) and LNG (10%) is more than 50% of Aussie exports, and rising prices has seen huge support for AUD on the terms of trade boost. If commodities remain supported it remains a support for AUD, but of course also means any sizeable corrections would weigh on the AUD, which means geopolitical and China demand developments are important. 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the AUD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the AUD. 4. CFTC Analysis It’s taken many weeks of stretched positioning, but AUD net-shorts have continued to unwind and have moved out of stretched territory with the recent CFTC data update. After a decent run higher, price action has been looking stretched, which means we’ll prefer deeper pullbacks before initiating new med-term AUD longs. 5. The Week Ahead The jobs report will be the highlight for Aussie data this week. Markets are not expecting a monster print but forecasting enough employment gains to push the Unemployment Rate below 3.9% (close to record lows of 3.8%). At this stage in the game, it’s unlikely that either a miss or a beat would change anything for the rate outlook as markets already pushed back unrealistic rate expectations for a May hike to June. Given stretched pricing for the AUDCAD, a miss would suite our bias well if it can be accompanied by a hawkish BoC as that could provide us with a decent pullback to buy back at more attractive levels. Apart from the RBA focus will also be on China and commodities. Any further stimulus promises or measures from China will be important. For commodities, the geopolitical tensions have seen commodity prices surge and have given Australia’s terms of trade a solid boost. As commodities have been supported by geopolitical stress and stimulus hopes from China, anything that dents that optimism and sees mean reversion in commodities will be important to watch for the AUD. This also means that the AUD might counterintuitively trade mixed on geopolitical de-escalations depending on how commodities react. CAD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. Monetary Policy The BoC did not surprise at their March meeting by hiking rates to 0.50% from 0.25% and continuing the reinvestment phase regarding asset purchases. The bank noted that the Russia/Ukraine war was a new major uncertainty for the economy and that as a result inflation is now expected to be higher in the near-term. They were optimistic about the growth outlook though and reiterated that it expects further interest rate rises will be needed. On the QT side, Gov Macklem noted that around 40% of the bank's bond holdings were due to mature within two years, and suggested that balance sheet could shrink quickly, and also added that they will discuss ending the reinvestment phase and starting QT at the April meeting. The Governor also said he didn’t rule out the potential for 50bsp rate rises as oil is putting upside pressure on CPI , noting that oil prices around $110 per barrel could add another percentage point to inflation . With markets implying close to another 8 hikes this year, we remain cautious on the currency as a slowing US and Canadian economy means the bank could struggle to maintain its current hawkish path in the weeks and months ahead. 2. Intermarket Analysis Considerations Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics remain a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss). 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD. 4. CFTC Analysis Another very bullish positioning signal with Large Specs and Asset Managers increasing longs and Leverage Funds decreasing shorts. With Asset Manager net-longs reaching top 80 percentile levels (2007 base year) we think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. For now, timing is very important, and we’ll wait for a potential hawkish BoC to use outsized strength for AUDCAD & USDCAD long opportunities. 5. The Week Ahead Hoping for a hawkish BoC and a 50bsp but not for buying opportunities in the CAD. Following decent economic data as well as comments from BoC’s Kozicki (who said the bank will be 'forceful' to fight ‘hot’ inflation ) markets are pricing in close to a 90% chance of a 50bsp hike for this week’s meeting. At their previous meeting, Governor Macklem explained that starting QT would be the logical next step for policy, which means a QT announcement is also on the card and in line with consensus expectations. Given our med-term neutral outlook for the CAD, we are hoping for a hawkish BoC that not only delivers on a 50bsp hike as well as a QT start, but also providing signals of another 50bsp in June. The faster the market moves to price in another 50bsp hike as well as QT, the faster we’ll get to a peak hawkishness scenario. With >9 hikes expected by the end of 2022, a market that fully prices in another 50bsp hike after a hawkish BoC will such a lot of buyers in at the highs and when markets start repricing the curve lower that will set up good shorting opportunities against the CAD.
by thunderpips
EURAUD: Trend-Following Trading Setup 🇪🇺🇦🇺 Hey traders, EURAUD is trading in a long-term bearish trend. After setting a new low this month, the pair retraced to a strong confluence zone: the underlined yellow area is based on a daily structure resistance and 382 retracement of the last bearish impulse. Within that zone, the market formed a double top formation. To short the market with a confirmation you need an hourly candle close below the neckline of the pattern. Then you can short on a retest Targets will be 1.442 / 1.436 If the price sets a new higher high on hourly the setup will be invalid. ❤️Please, support this idea with like and comment!❤️
Short
by VasilyTrader
5
Australian bond yields rise after RBA leaves key rate unchangedThe market is currently pricing 7 rate hikes ending in the Q2-Q4 2023 range. To quote Statement by Philip Lowe, Governor of the RBA: "Inflation has increased in Australia, but it remains lower than in many other countries; in underlying terms, inflation is 2.6 per cent and in headline terms it is 3.5 per cent. Higher prices for petrol and other commodities will result in a further lift in inflation over coming quarters, with an updated set of forecasts to be published in May. The main sources of uncertainty relate to the speed of resolution of the various supply-side issues, developments in global energy markets and the evolution of overall labour costs. Financial conditions in Australia continue to be highly accommodative. Interest rates remain at a very low level, although fixed mortgage rates for new loans have risen recently. The Australian dollar exchange rate has appreciated due to the higher commodity prices and, in TWI terms, is around the level of a year ago. Housing prices have risen strongly over the past year, although some housing markets have eased recently. With interest rates at historically low levels, it is important that lending standards are maintained and that borrowers have adequate buffers. The Board's policies during the pandemic have supported progress towards the objectives of full employment and inflation consistent with the target. The Board has wanted to see actual evidence that inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3 per cent target range before it increases interest rates. Inflation has picked up and a further increase is expected, but growth in labour costs has been below rates that are likely to be consistent with inflation being sustainably at target. Over coming months, important additional evidence will be available to the Board on both inflation and the evolution of labor costs. The Board will assess this and other incoming information as its sets policy to support full employment in Australia and inflation outcomes consistent with the target." It is important to note the change in rhetoric with the governor mentioning that inflation could head higher with no mention of when the RBA expects to hike rates. For the full statement, visit the official RBA website: www.rba.gov.au The CAPITALCOM:AUDUSD broke out of key resistance with the price increasing likely to roll over back to pre release price.
TVC:AU10YLong
by GrizzlyBearBee
AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: WEAK BULLISH 1. Monetary Policy At their March meeting, the bank didn’t do much to surprise markets and stuck to a similar script compared to the previous meeting, with the exception of adding the Russia/Ukraine war as a major new source of uncertainty. While Unemployment is at 4.2% and expected to be below 4% throughout 2023, and with Inflation above the middle of the target range and expected to rise to 3.25 this year and stay at 2.75% throughout 2023, the continues dovish façade is getting a little embarrassing for the bank. Even though wage growth failed to surprise higher, consensus still expects it to reach 3% in Q2 and well above 3% in Q3, and once the 3% level is reached the RBA would have complete ran out of reasons to stay dovish. It’s clear that markets are looking straight through this though as STIR markets, bond yields and the AUD failed to see any real downside after the meeting and continued higher after a very brief and small dip lower. For now, the bank stays dovish, but the longer they stay in denial the longer the chances of a more aggressive hawkish pivot later. 2. Idiosyncratic Drivers & Intermarket Analysis Apart from the RBA, there are 4 drivers we’re watching for the med-term outlook: Recovery – unlike other nations where growth & inflation is expected to slow, Australia is expected to see a solid recovery, also thanks to expected recovery in China China – With the PBoC stepping up stimulus & expectations of further fiscal support in 1H22, the projected recovery in China bodes well for Australia as China makes up close to 40% of Australian exports. However, the AUKUS defence pact could see retaliation against Aussie goods and is worth keeping on the radar Commodities – Australia’s biggest commodities Iron Ore (31%), Coal (14%) and LNG (10%) keep grinding higher for various reasons, one being China’s expected recovery and the other the energy and inflation concerns. As long as these commodities are supported, they should continue to support the AUD. 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the AUD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the AUD. 4. CFTC Analysis Even though bearish AUD positioning saw big unwinds three weeks ago, large specs and leveraged funds still hold stretched shorts (within bottom 20% of net-shorts going back to 2007). This still points to the possibility of short squeezes for the AUD if we see positive sentiment shifts so worth keeping in mind going into the RBA. However, price action has been very one-sided in recent weeks so we are treading carefully with new longs. 5. The Week Ahead In the week ahead the biggest focus for the AUD will be the RBA policy decision. Markets are expecting the bank to offer no real surprises and use the meeting as a placeholder until we get the election out of the way and until the bank has seen more inflation and wage growth data for Q2. Given the very aggressive STIR market pricing for 2022 (over 200bsp of tightening already priced), as well as the solid upside we’ve seen from the terms of trade boost, there is arguably some downside risks for the AUD if the RBA sticks to their dovish script. The markets have of course ignored their dovish tones, and even though a continued dovish tone won’t change market’s expectations of hikes this year, it could push out some of the dates as >200bsp seems close to impossible right now (same can be said for most major central bank pricing right now though). Apart from the RBA focus will also be on China and commodities. For China, the Caixin Services PMI will be interesting after the big drop in Mfg last week, where a negative print could weigh on the AUD and a positive print be supportive. Any further stimulus promises or measures from the CCP or PBoC is also worth the watch. For commodities, the geopolitical tensions and support from China has seen key Australian commodity exports like Iron Ore, LNG and Coal remain well supported, which has given Australia’s terms of trade quite a boost. As commodities have been supported by geopolitical stress and stimulus hopes from China, anything that dents that optimism and sees some mean reversion in commodity moves will be important to watch for the AUD. This also means that the AUD might counterintuitively trade mixed on geopolitical de-escalations depending on how commodities react. CAD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. Monetary Policy The BoC did not surprise at their March meeting by hiking rates to 0.50% from 0.25% and continuing the reinvestment phase regarding asset purchases. The bank noted that the Russia/Ukraine war was a new major uncertainty for the economy and that as a result inflation is now expected to be higher in the near-term. They were optimistic about the growth outlook though and reiterated that it expects further interest rate rises will be needed. On the QT side, Gov Macklem noted that around 40% of the bank's bond holdings were due to mature within two years, and suggested that balance sheet could shrink quickly, and also added that they will discuss ending the reinvestment phase and starting QT at the April meeting. The Governor also said he didn’t rule out the potential for 50bsp rate rises as oil is putting upside pressure on CPI , noting that oil prices around $110 per barrel could add another percentage point to inflation . With markets implying close to another 8 hikes this year, we remain cautious on the currency as a slowing US and Canadian economy means the bank could struggle to maintain its current hawkish path in the weeks and months ahead. 2. Intermarket Analysis Considerations Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by factors such as supply & demand (OPEC’s production cuts), strong global demand recovery, and of course ‘higher for longer’ inflation . The geopolitical crisis saw upside in WTI that reached levels last seen since in 2008. At these levels the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for that view is: Synchronised policy tightening from DM central banks targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus that is very long oil , steep backwardation curve (usually sees negative forward returns), heightened implied volatility . Even though we remain cautious on oil , the geopolitical risks remains a key focus for oil and thus for Petro-currencies like the CAD and NOK (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss). 3. Global Risk Outlook As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD. 4. CFTC Analysis Very bullish positioning signals with large specs and leveraged funds trimming shorts and asset managers adding a big 20K net-longs. It seems markets are warning to the idea of a 50bsp hike from the BoC after recent BoC comments. We continue to think recent price action is potentially setting up a similar path compared to April and Oct 2021 where markets were too aggressive and optimistic to price in upside for the CAD, only to then see majority of it unwind later. We’ll use any outsized strength for AUDCAD long opportunities. 5. The Week Ahead There are two key economic releases in focus for the CAD this week with the Business Outlook Survey coming up on Monday and the Jobs report on Friday. With recent comments from the BoC turning up the hawkish rhetoric, the data this week will be eyed to get a better sense of whether the BoC will move by 25bsp or 50bsp at their next meeting. For the Business Outlook Survey markets participants are expecting a solid price due to increased commodity prices after the war broke out. Furthermore, the markets are looking for a continuation in the job gains, even though we’ve explained before that the previous print wasn’t all that it was made out to be with net-job gains not as spectacular as some made it out to be. After Friday’s solid US NFP, and after the recent BoC comments the jobs print and the Business Outlook Survey could be enough to push STIR markets over the edge and start pricing in a 50bsp. Even though that can certainly be positive for currency, we don’t have appetite to chase the CAD higher as it’s seen a lot of one-sided upsides which does make it vulnerable to correction. Our preferred longs are AUDCAD and USDCAD but waiting for a catalyst to trade looks like the best course of action right now.
by thunderpips
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