USDJPY - BOJ MISS; FISCAL STIM PACKAGE & TRADING YEN FROM HEREBOJ - 3trn increase in annual ETF Purchases + $24bn increase in USD funding for banks
1. The BOJ on Friday delivered a shockingly poor package, imo they changed the snallest part of their current QQE programme.
2. What was interesting though was the markets reaction - immediately after the decision $Yen spiked higher then lower to 103 level but from then and into and through the London Open $Yen was being brought/ held up around the 103 level - it wasnt until NY came in at 1430GMT that $Yen broke lower.
- But even then it was surprisingly a laboured move lower, taking almost the full NY session to find its lowes.
- Some of the UJ weakness was down to a big GDP miss of 1.2% vs 2.6%exp, which sold the rates market off now implying only a 12% chance of a hike in September vs 18% the previous day and 25% earlier in the week, so i t would have been interesting to see what would of happened with out this dollar downside impetus.
USDJPY from here:
1. Personally from 102.00 i see $Yen lower in the near term e.g. we could easily open 50pips lower on sunday into the key level at 101.5 as the asia session adds to shorts that they missed during their own session post-BOJ.
- There is the possibility that we see some upside in $Yen as the MOF releases their fiscal package - the more actual govt spending the package includes and the shorter the timeframe, the greater the impact of the fiscal package on giving UJ some relief - but still i advise shorting rallies as i beliveve we move into the 100s from here.
- That said in reality the impact of the fiscal package is likely to be limited if not completely muted as 1) the market already knows the extent and some of the details of the package and has done for the past week+ e.g. 28trn of which the market baring piece, the govt spending, is rumoured to be around 13trn - so this information is likely already baked into the price and imo was the driver of the support we saw on friday at the 103 level (asia/ ldn sellers wary of shorting in anticipation of the fiscal package). Thus any topside is only likely to come if MOF changes this dramatically to say 20trn govt spending (anything less is already pre-priced imo) OR even increases the package (but this is also unlikely as Japan has the highest govt debt:gdp ratio as it is) - but imo it is unlikely they would do either anyway.
- In-fact, i actually believe the MOF stimulus package has asymmetrical risks to the downside/ disappointing markets - as several MOF officials have commented that the 28trn package is such a large package that it is likely to be over several years - thus the longer the MOF stretch the package over more disappointment the market will price and this could actually end up being a driver for more Yen appreciation given some expected the whole 28trn in one year - which isnt impossible given the size of the Japanese economy (20x bigger than the package + not all of it is in fresh govt spending).
UJ View/ Trading strategy - Sell USDJPY asap @mrkt 102 - 100TP1 99TP2 - or wait for the 30/40% chance of a bounce and sell from 103/4 on Tuesday:
1. So I see UJ moving lower from here to the 100's, until Tuesday where i see there being a risk of the market gaining some topside MOF stimulus surprise (which nonetheless is capped at 103.5-104 tops - in which i would sell) but more likely MOF disappointment (e.g. 5y package, less than expected actual spending) which will give UJ seller more ammo and could push us through the 100 level, assuming UJ has traded on the offer since Sunday open (which is likely imo)..
Boj
USDJPY/ GBPJPY: BUY $YEN IF DATA MISSES; SELL £YEN IF DATA HITSThe Risky BOJ front run trade using CPI inferences
- I find it very interesting that the BOJ is releasing ALL of its key economic data (minus GDP) before making the easing decision, especially as we have already had CPI data this month so we will have an 2 CPI releases in one month which ive never seen happen before (CPI from JPY is usually due next week).
- This to me indicates strongly that 1) All of the data released e.g. CPI, employment, retail sales, industrial production has some weighting on the BOJ decision and 2) that CPI especially has perhaps the strongest weighting on the BOJ decision as they are releasing 2 CPI prints in one month which means they brought forward the measurement by a week - this means they value the CPI print strongly.
- Therefore, knowing this, in an ideal world either 1) ALL of the data will contract, which puts more pressure on a big BOJ easing package or 2) ALL of the data improves which eases the the pressure on the BOJ package - thus from here we are then able to take risk with an "educated" guess of what the policy will tend to be i.e. big or smaller.
Long USDJPY if CPI less than -0.4% and generally weak/ miss other data:
1. The rationale is that a lower than expected and last print shows the JPY economy is decelerating even more aggressively than in previous months and therefore the BOJ will me MORE inclinded to ease heavier, as the data suggests there is a bigger problem.
- Obviously the data/ CPI print imo acts as a function of BOJ easing, if we get massive misses across the slew of data then we should expect a bigger easing package than if there is only a slight miss - therefore we should treat our trades the same way.
2. Long USDJPY by xlots depending on the serverity of the data miss e.g. if CPI was -1.0% and unemployment ticked up to 3.4% i would do 3lots long usdjpy. If it was -0.5% and 3.3% i would do 1lot for example.
Short GBPJPY if CPI is greater than -0.4% and other data generally hits/ is positive
1. The rationale is the opposite of the above - we assume if data improves that the BOJ will be less inclined to do a big easing package so we expect yen to remain strong so we go long yen and short GBP.
- Once again the lot size is a function of the serverity of the data e.g. if CPI turned positive to 0.1% and unemployment dropped to 3% we would short 3lots. vs only 1lot if CPI ticked up only 10bps from last and unemployment ticked down only 10bps.
Risks to the view:
1. The First risk is that data in general is considered to have "underlying trends" so the fact one print is outstandingly bad/ good might NOT impact policy e.g. thin about US NFP that was less than 100k and shocked markets - but it was a one off so didnt make the FOMC cut rates back.
3. Data underlying trends thus can reduce the weighting this data is given e.g. even if CPI improved to 0.1% from -0.4%, the BOJ could argue this is a one off print as the underlying trend for the past 6m+ has been negative inflation thus they will go ahead with a big easing package.
- HOWEVER , the above point "3" in mind i believe data to the downside will be given a greater weighting than data to the upside, so we should have a short yen bias as weak data has been the underlying trend for most data points (especially CPI).
-Further, i also think tail-end/ RHS/ LHS results will be given a proportionately larger weighting in their decision so this should also be reflected in our trading e.g. if CPI was -2% from -0.4% i would be a much much more aggressive buyer of UJ than if a -0.5% print from -0.4% is seen. The same can be said to the topside, if i saw +1.5% inflation from -0.4% last i would be a much greater seller of GBPJPY than if i saw -0.3% CPI from -0.4%.
BOJ: JPY V USD, EUR, GBP - WHAT THE OPTION MARKET IS TELLING US50 Delta ATM Volatilities:
USDJPY -
- $Yen has an ATM implied volatility curve of 55.95%mrkt 24.08%1wk 18.31%2wk 14.12%1m
- Obviously we are aggressively steeper in the front end, with BOJ tomorrow and JPY MOF Fiscal Package details coming next week providing heightened vol for the 1day and 1wk vols - naturally we then see the curve tail off as the event vol fades.
GBPJPY -
- £Yen has an ATM implied volatility curve of 58.66%mrkt 25.93%1wk 23.02%2wk 18.30%1m
- The same can be said about sterling yens ATM curve, adding that it is steeper accross the tenors as the recently heightened GBP risk/ BOE event vol is priced into the 1wks and 2wks greater relatively vs $yen, with 1ms also outperforming $Yen as the perceived GBP risk/ vol post-brexit carries higher vs the USD.
EURJPY -
- EUROYEN has an ATM implied volatility curve of 49.42%mrkt 22.82%1wk 18.03%2wk 14.23%1m
- EUROYEN mirrors $yen from 1wk-1m as the term structure is very similar for eur vs usd (no significant event vol expected). Though we see a notable 6-7vol divergence in the current vol which is expected as $Yen expressions are favourable for BOJ out-performance positionings (USD a firmer based/ more widely traded) and £Yen are favourable for BOJ under-performance structures as BOE next week compunds the attractiveness in the downside of the cross (BOE likely to ease) which in turn increases the demand for £Yen expression on a BOJ no-show.
25Delta Risk Reversals (25d call vol minus 25d put vol - examines the relative demand)
USDJPY -
- $Yen RRs are +3 mrkt, +0.62 1wk, -0.67 2wk, -0.81m
- Interestingly we are seeing a moderate $Yen topside coverage in the front end (e.g. current and 1wks) implying the market is hedging/ positioning for a BOJ Out-performance Surprise (call demand > Put). The RRs are quite small at +1 so i wouldnt say there is a huge consensus on BOJ HIT expectations. Nonetheless calls are likely being purchased to hedge underlying spot short positions in the near term as any $yen/ BOJ topside is expected to not last long and be faded aggressively - which explains the switch to negative RRs after the BOJ/ MOF events have passed.
GBPJPY -
- £Yen RRs are -6 mrkt, -3 1wk, -1.3 2wk, -2.2 1m
- Understandably SterlingYen has a different RR structure as BOJ and BOE predispositions are priced into option structures, rather than just BOJ (as is the case for £yen and euroyen) - so we see a strong put bias, particularly in the front end (current and 1wks) as these cover the BOE and BOJ event vol. Unlike $Yen we see there is a clear trend for BOJ miss/ downside speculation as it is the logical chosen proxy, as a BOJ miss is highly likely to then be compounded over the current and 1wk terms as BOE hit expectations are priced in, accelerating the GBPJPY to the downside and RRs towards the LHS (BOJ miss = yen strength, BOE hit = Streling weakness - aggressive downside). Also put gbpjpy, automatically hedges any BOJ hit/topside risk as 1wk later the BOE is likely to ease so any yen downside arising from a BOJ hit will likely be smoothed somewhat by BOE easing induced GBP selling; thus lessening the negative impact or even turning the position back into the money.
GBPUSD: STERLING STRENGTH MYTH? ARITCLE 50 ODDS - 50% NOT HAPPENMysterious sterling strength:
1. Sterling has managed to par losses and actually rise in past days despite a number of heavily weighted factors increasing GBP downside pressure e.g. MPC M. Weale switching to the doves, PMI/ Business Optimism 8yr lows, Sterling rates markets consistently pricing >25bps of cuts to the BOE base rate (details below), the median bank forecast of the Bank of England Policy change on the 4th of August is becoming ever more dovish (e.g. calls for >£50bn QE and more than 25bps of cuts by Banks).
2. Struggling to find answers I looked at the Article 50 odds/ Implied probability from the odds aggregator (oddschecker) - to my surprise, but in support of GBP top side I have seen the market shift aggressively in the last week - with odds of a 2016 signing falling to 16.5% from 35%, but more worryingly the odds of a 2018 or later or NOT AT ALL steepening aggressively to 50% from 30% .
- 2018 or later or not at all is now the most probable outcome, worrying that this is even possible given the referendum was decided by the people in a democracy - how is this even possible? IMO it should have been mandated to be signed within a given period e.g. 1wk/ 1m.
- Even more worrying is that T. May the newly elected PM, Pre-PM was a brexit Bull and vowed that exiting the EU was her top priority and she "saw it as a way to make Britain great again". However, now if you look at the news, she is somewhat of a Brexit bear, recently stating "The Article 50 will NOT be signed in 2016" - completely writing the front end of the curve off.
3. This is likely the potential driver of sterling strength as a delayed non-signing 1) increases the time until we actually leave the EU - given there is ALREADY a clause in the article 50 agreement that states there is a 2yr "cooling off/ negotiation period" where Britain's relationship with the EU will remain exactly the same for 2yrs once the article 50 is signed - so by not signing it until mid 2017 this means technically there will be 3yrs between Brexit vote and leaving which means three years of relatively unchanged economic conditions - thus this in mind why should GBP get weaker now/ in the near-term? 2) and in turn, the above reduces BOE cutting odds - if we're not leaving any time soon the economics should be relatively flat thus no easing needed which means less GBP near-term downside.
4. Also another potential sterling topside driver is the speculation that the BOE is coming underpressure NOT to cut rates by Retail Banks as by doing so it reduces their net interest margins (lower profitability) causing restructuring/ lay-offs in the industry - LLOYDS BANKING GROUP IS AXING 3,000 JOBS AND CLOSING 200 BRANCHES AS IT RACES TO CUT COSTS IN ANTICIPATION OF AN INTEREST RATE CUT - if considered a systemic risk this could seriously reduce the probability of BOE action. Though i think it is more of a isolated issue - Lloyds likely needed to restructure anyway based on already low profitability rather than as a direct function of a potential rate cut. It is almost laughable to think 3000 jobs are being cut because of a small 25bps cut alone.
Trading implications:
1. Obviously this is a downer on GBP shorts, however, this is ONLY a suggestion for GBP strength - i could be over estimating the impact but the argument is nonetheless a solid one.
2. Still below 1.36 i stay a seller of rallies - and watch closely for the 4th of August when the BOE is expected to deliver easing which should move GBP$ to 1.25-1.28 where i will TP.
- Current implied BOE bank rate cut probabilities are priced as the following:
-Three month short sterling (GBP) rate - 66% probability of a 25bps cut, up from 64% on the 26th.
-GBP Nominal OIS Spot rate - 84% probability of a 25bps cut on the 26th, up from 76% on the 25th
-GBP 1m Fwd Nominal OIS Rate - 29bps 100% priced as of 26th, up from 26bps on the 25th.
LONG USDJPY: ANOTHER BOJ OUTPERFORM CASE - 28TRN GOVT STIMULUSAnother argument for the BOJ outperform case - Post BOJ Buy $Yen @MRKT 111tp:
1. We know BOJ and JPY Govt Abe/ Aso have had many meetings post-brexit and as it follows the JPY Govt have announced today that they will deliver a fiscal stimulus package of 28trn - which was to the very right of the curve (10-30 was talked about).
- This in mind, imo it is rational to extrapolate that 1) surely if the JPY govt are choosing a tail end stimulus package (aggressive), BOJ will be inclined to do also? Given that it is the BOJ remit for economic targets like inflation, not the governments - BOJ wouldnt want to be seen as dropping the egg would they e.g. govt does as much as it can but BOJ only midly eases - doesnt make sense? Especially given the relationship between kuroda/ aso/ abe it would almost be impossible.
- 2) The BOJ will know/ see that the JPY Govt are taking the "extreme" side of measures, so once again this puts the BOJ under-pressure to do the same as they dont want to be seen as "letting the side down" especially as it is the BOJ who really has the power to change things - the Fiscal package is rather an indicative/ nice gesture of the govts willingness to help - rather than any real hard easing when you consider the Govt package is likely to be 28trn a year but the BOJ purchases/ injects 80trn A MONTH to its monetary based in JGBs - thats 960trn a year. So 27trn govt vs 960trn BOJ - is the govt really making an impact or are they instead signalling their commitment/ putting pressure on the BOJ? I think so.
Under-performance case:
1. Perhaps less meaty, but nonetheless a valid point - Japan, JPY Govt and BOJ have lived with low inflation/ deflation for the past several decades and no "extreme" action has been taken to resolve it (well not enough to fix the problem anyway) so this pressure on the BOJ we talk about above - is it real? or is it a theoretical pressure that they "Must" hit their targets?
- If history predicts the future then yes, it is a theoretical economic pressure - they haven't hit the target for 20yrs so why would they do measures to hit it now? There's no public pressure, im sure theyre happy consuming at lower prices - unlike with high unemployment.
- Off topic but it would be interesting to see a Japan with high Unemployment - an economic indicator that causes civil unrest (Greece riots) and is a necessity to be solved for the wellbeing of any nation - thus my bets are if unemployment was at 15-20% (similar comparison to deflation) for the past 15yrs something drastic WOULD have been done a long time ago, or be done on Friday to fix it. After all, theres no driver to fix something that doesnt really need fixing is there? Think about the last time you went to extreme measures to fix something that wasn't much of an issue...
LONG DXY / USD: HAWKISH FOMC RATE STATEMENT - SEPTEMBER HIKE?The FOMC rate statement was largely in line with expectations and to the hawkish side - with a september hike hinted at. Much of which followed the rhetoric of FOMC members in the past few weeks (see previous posts) and data (disregarding the poor -4% durable goods mom print). Perhaps the most hawkish/ promising statement made for a Sept rate hike was the fact Fed George Preferred to Raise Rates to Range Between 0.50% and 0.75% - hinting hikes are now being considered. And "Fed Could Raise Rates Later This Year, Possibly As Early As September". Though on balance the Fed did repeat the dovish phrases "low/soft" several times when regarding various measures of inflation and business investment.
This FOMC Statement holds in line with my medium run long $ view (hike based) - especially against Yen, GBP, EUR, AUD and NZD who are expected to ease and thus policy diverge.
In terms of market pricing, the Fed Funds Future Option implied probabilities of a rate cut have continued their steepening this week - following the 3wk trend with Sept/Nov now pricing a 25.9/ 26.8% probability of a hike (up from 9% 2wks ago) - Dec now has a probability of 41.8% and is showing some stability here, with a 50bps hike implied at 9.9% and rising steadily. From this the implied probability of one rate hike in 2016 is at nearly 70% (Nov+Dec) - which imo is in line, or slightly below my qualitative probability of 90%. With the probability of 2 hikes at 12.5% which is about what i would expect.
Nonetheless eyes are now focused on BOJ - which is expected to be a year changing meeting.
September FOMC Rate Decision Statement - 0.50% unchanged:
--Fed Leaves Policy Rate Unchanged, Says Near Term Economic Risks Have Diminished
-Fed Offers More Upbeat Assessment of Labor, Economic Conditions
-Fed Could Raise Rates Later This Year, Possibly As Early As September
-Federal Reserve Keeps Fed Funds Range Unchanged at 0.25% to 0.50%
-FOMC: Voted 9-1 For Fed Funds Rate Action
-Fed Leaves Discount Rate Unchanged at 1.00%
-Fed: Economic Activity Expanding At A 'Moderate' Rate
-Fed: Labor Market Strengthened, Job Gains 'Strong' in June
-Fed: Payrolls, Other Indicators Point to 'Some Increase' in Labor Utilization in Recent Months
-Fed: Market-Based Inflation Compensation Measures 'Remain Low'
-Fed: Survey-Based Inflation Expectations Measures 'Little Changed'
-Fed: Inflation Expected to Remain Low in Near Term
-Fed: Inflation Expected to Rise to 2% Over Medium Term As Transitory Effects Fade
-Fed: Household Spending Has Been 'Growing Strongly'
-Fed: Business Fixed Investment Has Been 'Soft'
-Fed Continues to Expect 'Only Gradual Increases' In Fed Funds Rate
-Kansas City Fed's George Dissents On Fed Policy Action
-George Preferred to Raise Rates to Range Between 0.50% and 0.75%
Inverse S&P500: Long new weekly highThis chart is very helpful to evaluate our views and biases. We plot the instrument of our choosing as an inverted version of itself, to see if we have a long or short bias. In this case, I agree with myself that the S&P500 is at a top, and would happily long a new weekly high here (that's a valid weekly setup, short new weekly high in SnP, stop loss at recent highest high).
Rgmov, cci and evaluation of the price action, sentiment and fundamentals call for an intermediate term top right here. Today's news might very well be the catalyst to send it down and trigger this weekly setup.
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USDJPY: The fight of central banks This is almost like an arbitrage. Why? We can expect FED to not raise the rate hike especially after the durable goods data release today was apparently not good putting pressure on the central bank to remain dovish. In addition the BREXIT effect is still in effect. Plus, tomorrow we have BOJ rate decision which we can expect them to remain either stable or cutting the rate even further which I believe is the latter due to a possible new stimulus package by the government. Even if they don't cut the rate US's rate is higher than the Japan's rate anyway giving an upside momentum to USD. If we look at the graph, we can see that the momentum is there; there was a strong uptrend in USDJPY before this and we can expect the movement to continue its prior momentum.
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BOJ EXPECTATIONS: EXCEED/ HIT - LONG USDJPY; MISS - SHORT GBPJPYBOJ Miss - Sell GBPJPY @Market price; 129tp1 - up to 800pips.
1. A BOJ miss can be considered as delivering the median expectations e.g. 10bps cut to the depo (-0.2%), 10bps cut to the LSP (-0.1%), Yen10trn increase in monthly JGB purchases & 50% Increase in Annual ETF purchases e.g. 3.3trn-5trn. Fiscal Stimulus Yen10-15trn.
- The package above or less should be sold as the market expects this to maintain UJ at 105-6 level.
- The short GBPJPY is a great trade anyway as you benefit from the BOE easing carry which should in turn move us to 125 (BOJ miss and BOE hit) - which the BOE 1m forward OIS rates market currently prices 25bps at 100% and the average expectations are 25bps and £50bn of QE (even more certain now as the BOE M. Weale - the most hawkish MPC Member moved to the easing side as Business optimism and PMI dropped to their 10yr lows) - thus GBPJPY can expect further downside even past the BOJ as the BOE is all but guaranteed to ease "most members expect to ease at the august meeting" - July BOE Minutes Quote.
- Currently a BOJ miss is the most likely outcome - as many of you have seen in FX Yen has been brought aggressively as expectations have fallen, much a mirroring from the change in rates market where - For the 25th the 3m JPY Libor prices only a 6.65bps cut at to the key rate at 100% and on the same date the 3m euroyen August future prices only a 5.5bps cut at 100%. Though the further dated September 3m euroyen future prices a 9bps cut a 100% - likely a function of the market betting on more action being done in the september meeting (which makes sense).
BOJ HIt: Buy USDJPY @Market price; 107-111tp - up to 700pips
1. A BOJ Hit can be considered as double or more the median expectations (in my opinion) - 20bps+ to the depo, 20bps+ to the LSP, Yen20trn+ to the JGB Purchases and 100-200% extra annual ETF purcases from Yen3.3trn to 6.6/9.9trn. Yen20-30trn Fiscal stimulus.
- The package above or more IMO will allow $yen to trade to 111, and for a sustained amount of time.
- The long USDJPY is the best proxy to play the "over-delivery" imo as USD is the most stable base, and has the most pips to gain on yen weakness - given FOMC hawkishness/ Hiking expectations give USDJPY topside even more impetus.
- As above, the markets currently DON'T expect this result, as $Yen trades at the 104 level and rates markets price only 5-6bps of lowering. HOWEVER, if BOJ/ JPY Govt are to deliver a big easing package - one that smashes expectations (such as the one above) it will be now. The reason I think this is the case is below:
USDJPY/ SPX: NET RISK APPETITE - THE REVERSAL OR INTERDAY TREND?- As many of you know ive been tracking/ am keen on this whole macro "net risk sentiment" theme to gauge what direction markets are heading in for the day/ week/ several weeks.
- We started today as planned, with both safe havens and risk asset relatively flat, before risk-on sentiment dominated early trading with yen breaking out the 107 level and equity indexes holding their gains/ in the green.
- However, at apprx 10am GMT BBC Radio 4 reiterated the 3wk old sentiments from BOJ govenor Kuroda, which downplayed the chance of helicopter money/ took a hawkish tone - which in turn then shifted markets into a mildly strong risk-off rally, with yen falling 150pips straight down and equities failing to hold in the green.
Where do we go from here:
1. The easiest thought, with Yen up 1% and gold up 1% is to think "the risk rally/ recovery is materially over, we should start positioning for the material risk-off downtrend that has dominated 2016 and get net short safe havens again" however by steeping away from the fundamental intraday signs for a moment/ looking at the technicals from a macro perspective, there is a promising underlying trend that has developed this past 2wks (since the risk rally began) which MAY mean this is NOT the case.
2. Firstly look at the daily of USDJPY below (my favourite Safe haven indicator of risk sentiment given FX being the fastest asset to process information) and SPX above (my favourite risk-on indicator of risk sentiment due to its nobility) - what do you notice?
- For the past 9 trading days (since the risk-recovery started) SPX has traded one day higher, then one day lower EVERYDAY and today seems to be no exception - we are on the lower day. 9-days is particularly enough to be certain but it is definitely something worth thinking about when considering if this is the doom and gloom end of the risk rally or merely an interday correction that the market has been happy with since the rally started.
- Correlation at 97% confirms this view - and high correlations are usually markers of a trend (e.g. one up one down) and harder to break so i definitely think this could be an interday trend lower for risk (before resuming higher again tomorrow) - rather than a risk-off reversal.
BOJ Kuroda's reiterated comments:
1. Kurodas reiterated comments today from 3wks ago was certainly the driver for the aggressive sell-off however, we have since moved 50-70pips higher than them levels so there is definitely something more macro at play as to why risk is struggling today e.g. the one day trend that has held.
Going forward:
1. It will be interesting to see if that pattern continues to hold true e.g. tomorrow is a risk-on day. Though the odds are against it with friday historically being the WORST day for stocks due to end of week book clearing - so before making any moves on Friday it may be even best to wait until Monday to decide if the risk-off sentiment is here to stay before switching your trading sentiment (as i said last weekend) - unless we were to see some aggressive selling off tomorrow e.g. UJ to <104 - this to me would confirm that the risk rally was over and I would turn a net seller of USDJPY and cut my risk holdings
- It seems weird that the ECB dovishness was enough to send EUR$ lower (never happens) but not enough to give risk a prop up - so it could well be that the macro trend of 1 up/ 1 down on the daily takes precedent no matter what + the BBC R4 Spat with kurodas comments earlier was just an emphasiser of the already established marco pattern?
- Time will tell.
USDJPY: BOJ - FINAL THOUGHTS; FUNDAMENTAL/ TECHNICAL ANALYSISAt market price:
1. At 104 $yen offers an attractive buy and sell side - from the position of not knowing what the BOJ will do..
- I dont think that this pull-back to 104 is a material shift in risk-sentiment, rather i think this is a technical sell-off where the 107 pivot was hit (as highlighted) at which point BOJ/ UJ bulls lost confidence on their long positions which in turn caused a cascade of $Yen selling on profit taking - right into the 104 pivot. Also as you can see the price traded to 50% retracement of the risk-rally price (currently at 40%) after 4days - i dont consider this a fundamental risk-shift, such a shift would cause much more aggressive selling in fewer days e.g. 50% in 1-2 days, rather than 4 - this just looks like a technical pull-back and i wouldnt be surprised to see use move into the 105mids again. However, A break below 104 and I would agree that this is a BOJ market expectations move/ shift in risk sentiment to risk-off.
2. Most of you will know that I have been a $yen bull for some time citing policy divergence and future policy divergence as the reasoning.
- So this in mind, going into BOJ/ Fiscal stimulus, where policy divergence is likely to increase, how does this affect my bullish $yen view?
Bullish $Yen arguments:
1. The base case remains approximately 10bps to the depo rate, 10bps to the LSP, yen10trn to JGB and some 50-100% increase to the annual ETF from 3.3trn + the median expectation of stimulus is Yen15trn.
- So from a bulls perspective i wonder, how much of this move is already priced in, given the 5-6% move from 100/101 certainly wasn't for free - I think at the 106/7 level pretty much all of the base view is priced e.g. 10bps depo, 10bps LSP, yen10trn JGB increase and yen10-15trn of fiscal stimulus..
- Thus to make a position worth while imo the BOJ/ Fiscal Stimulus is going to have to outperform the median expectation. Imo in order to see 111 and for $yen to trade at such levels as an average for the next 3-6, we would have to see the base case almost doubled; e.g. 20bps to the depo, 20bps to the LSP, yen20trn JGB and perhaps yen20-30trn fiscal stimulus (which has been mentioned).
The case for BOJ beating expectations:
- I think the market is somewhat underestimating the BOJ/ Govt at only 6bps given the BOJ is seeing an already -0.4% deflationary environment (-0.5% in Tokyo) when - 1) Yen is up 20-30% in 2016 vs most ccys - which is even more deflationary, they need a big package to reduce this; 2) 9 consecutive months of exports falling aggressively - deflationary and a function of strengthening Yen - needs to be combated by aggressive easing policy to devalue the yen for sustained period; 3) No policy change since January - so they have had 6 months of policy transmission, where the situation has worsened, to see now something drastic is needed; 4) Brexit/ Fed hike/ US Election/ China/ other risk-off factors likely to drive yen further up in the future - thus preemptive action needs to be taken now; 5) Great Pressure from JPY Govt/ public given -0.4%CPI is the rate they had back in 2014 when they started the massive QEE programme - basically hasnt changed in 2yrs - BOJ underpressure for results; 6) BOJ knows markets are ready to sell any "average" easing - so they know they need to be aggressive to beat/ get infront of the marker; 7) BOJ knows its perhaps the last and best time to reclaim any market trust/ confidence - anything less than extraordinary and market will continue selling any future BOJ policy as they are already inclined to do - Since BOJ/ Kuroda confidence is low as they have failed to deliver on several previous big occasions e.g. April.
- If the above materialises I advise buying $Yen at market price, with a 109-111TP.
USDJPY: BOJ IN FOCUS - G20 KURODA & REUTERS ANALYST EXPECTATIONS28/29th June BOJ Meeting Expectations by 27 analysts polled by Reuters:
1. 23/27 (85%) expect easing from the BOJ.
- The Median Analyst expect a 10bps cut to the headline interest rate to -0.2% and a Yen10TRN Extenstion to the BOJ's monetary base target to Yen90TRN a month (JGB and ETF Purchases).
- One analyst expects easing in September, two in October and One sometime next Year.
2. Whilst the Median view is 10bps and 10trn extension, further to the right of the easing curve we observe some top investment banks expecting a more with GS forecasting a 20bps cut and an extension to the Monetary base from somewhere between Yen10-20TRN
My View:
1. I am concur with those views further to the right of the easing curve - i expect BOJ to deliver 20bps and 10-20trn increase in monthly JGB/ EFT Purchases as the stagnant inflation situation (-0.4%National/ -0.5%Tokyo) requires
some aggressive policy.
- Reason for this thinking is that currently the Monetary base has been steady at Yen80trn for some time and the rate has been at -0.10% since January - so realistically is a 10trn increase and 10bps decrease going to be sufficient?
- Lets look at the maths - a 10trn increase is 12.5% and a 10bps drop takes us to -0.2% - personally i do not think a 12.5% increase and a slight adjustment to the key rate will bring JPY underlying inflation into a uptrend - if 80trn and -10bps can't, i dont think 90trn and -20bps can - they need more e.g. 100trn and -30bps - a 25% increase in monthly monetary base + a significant decrease in the interest rate - bare in mind that the SNB has rates at -0.75% so the BOJ has a lot of room relatively to cut futher, it's not like its on the edge of economic possibility already when other central banks are already more aggressive.
2. Now whether they will deliver to the right/ aggressive side is up for question, as BOJ/ Kuroda have always been on the conservative side. Though in recent times the BOJ have come under-pressure by JPY Govt/ Abe so imo if they will ever deliver big - it will be now.
- Kuroda shrugged off heli money (below) but he did communicate that there could/ should be a double effort from monetary and fiscal policy in order to increase the multiplier effect - which bodes well - we could see dramatic fiscal and monetary policy. Even if we fall short of cash dropping out of aircraft.
Kuroda's comments at G20:
- "Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Saturday he would ease policy further if necessary to achieve its 2 percent inflation goal, while reiterating a commitment to continue with the current stimulus until prices are anchored there."
- "If the economy's (recovery) trend continues, leading wages and prices to rise in a virtuous cycle, which is continuing, prices will eventually rise to the 2 percent price stability goal,"
- "We always examine risk factors for the economy and prices and will take additional easing steps if necessary to achieve the price stability goal. I'll explain that together with Japan's economy, prices and monetary policy at this meeting."
- "Uncertainty will continue, including negotiations between Britain and the EU, which will take years. So we will be paying attention to such things,"
- "If it means that central banks are directly underwriting government bonds, or managing monetary and fiscal policies as one, that would be prohibited in Japan as well as other advanced economies, as lessons from history tell us,"
- "If governments utilize fiscal policy while central banks ease policy from the economic and price viewpoint, that would boost the multiplier effect on the economy. This so-called policy mix is nothing wrong as macro policy.
USDJPY: TECHNICAL ANALYSIS - MA, KEY SUPPORT, STANDEV, IV>HV, RRYen$ Technical analysis - Bullish but fundamentally driven this week:
Key level close:
1. On the daily and weekly we closed above the 2nd strongest pivot point of recent times at 1.055 - this is very supportive as historically this is the strongest level (next to 100/101).
MA:
1. We trade above the 4wk ma and the 3m MA is acting as strong support (black line) - this is a supportive/ bullish indication but we have been below the 6m MA since the beginning of the year as the 2016 safe havens have outperformed - this indicates we are seeing a risk-recovery which concurs with initial thoughts
IV/ HV:
1. Realised Vols have also unsurprisingly come off, this is bullish but bare in mind that brexit has distorted some of the longer dated HV (still high) and caused the spike in the shorted dated HV. Relatively, Implied vols are steepening higher than HV - with 1wk, 2wk and 1m Implied vols trade at 23.84%, 19.42%, 15.28% vs HV 1wk 2wk 1m at 6.35%, 13.16%, 17.18% - so IV is greater than HV across the front end which is bearish - though imo this shouldnt be considered so as BOJ event vol premiums are likely the culprit for the curve steepening - especially at the 1wk-2wk tenors (vs realised) so this isnt necessarily bearish.
Deviation Channels/ Support levels:
1. We Trade close to the top of the 6m deviation channel at 1.0700 as we witness a recovery rally, this could be condisered bearish as we could see resistance here, but as i said i think fundamentals are more at play here than the techs. Looking at the 12m SD channel, this is more appropriate and shows us trading just above the average 12m price at 105- hence there is definitely more room for upside to 110 and we have just crossed the middle regression line implying we are entering some yearly upside deviation now, with the +2SD resistance level at 110 which is in line with the price support level at 1.09-11.
Risk-Reversals
1. 25 delta Risk reversals trade bearish for $Yen, with current at -1, 1wks at -0.4 and 2wks at -0.2 and 1m at -1 - this suggest the $yen has a slight downside bias but is potentially searching for direction going into the big BOJ meeting on the 29th - investors are not committing much to a delivery or non-delivery, as the 1wks trade nearly flat at -0.4 - maybe this will change over the course of the week, but it indicates that we may see $yen trade calmly before the storm as a pose to heavy positioning before the event.
- Though 3m risk reversals trade with a clearer downside bias at -1.7 which shows the market expects $Yen to trade lower in the 3m term- likely a result of investors expecting the risk-off trend of 2016 to continue.
Option Demand:
Significant put vol demand around the 105.5 pivot point, highly likely to be investors betting on a bearish turning on the break of the level (though expiry in 2 days). Going forward we see more call demand, on Wednesday we have large 106.25 notional and thursday 107.25 notional respectively - likely buying a pre-event $yen breakout as investors usually prince in too much of a BOJ delivery.
*Check the attached posts for indepth fundamentals*
BoJ IR Event Based Click-In Scenarios - Updating DailyIf you fancy clicking into events, a good fill on any of the cases identified can provide sustained profit for a few minutes given the amount of volume and institutional order flow in USDJPY anticipating the interest rate decision this Thursday. The market is definitely expecting some relief for yen strength, as Japanese exporters are crying for mercy and Abe + Kuroda have promised some sort of easing, save helicopter money.
The way I see it, a cut to -.2 and/or the unlikely scenario of helicopter money, or something essentially the same in all but name, will validate the bull theory and cause a whip up until around the at least the 107.50 (soft resistance) to 108.00 (strong resistance). A minor cut of -1.5 promotes upward move until the stronger resistance to 107.50 while the unchanged scenario will provide some bearish pressure to the 105 (soft support) to 104 (strong support) levels.
This is purely based on how I have observed this product trading on the interbank FX ladder post Brexit and is subject to change given outsized news promoting dollar strength/weakness prior to the BoJ decision or any remarks by Abe or Kuroda in the upcoming days. I will update price targets and levels below throughout the week accordingly.
USDJPY V GOLD: BEST VALUE - RISK-ON SELL JPY; RISK-OFF BUY GOLD Why Gold is lagging Safe have losses & Yen is outperforming
1. When looking at Gold vs Yen or XAUJPY it becomes apparent why Gold is lagging the broad safe haven losses that we have seen during this risk-recovery rally - investors are buying gold over Yen - so gold appears to be their preferred safe have asset to hold in a risk-on rally - likely a function of perceived future weakness of Yen? BOJ/ JPY Govt stimulus?
- This may be the case for three reasons; 1) Investors speculate JPY is due further downside gains compared to gold (Gold is the stronger Risk-off asset) and they speculate that BOJ may deliver a big devaluing package and/ or 2) They believe JPY is more overvalued than Gold so they sell their JPY holdings over their Yen. 3) Gold is more illiduid compared to Yen e.g. investors have been able to sell their Yen faster/ easier than their Gold as Gold is a physical asset and FX markets are the most liquid markets in the world - whereas Yen is pure currency which is convertible at any level.
Implications:
1. This infers that investors expect Gold to continue to outperform in risk-off rallies going forward - which makes sense given Gold is already up 30% this year vs Yen's only 20% up - so they see further upside for Gold. This could be the case as the market discounts the probability that the BOJ/ JPY govt delivers a large easing package which devalues the JPY.
- Therefore Gold shorts should be careful during this risk-on rally as when the tides change back to the trend of risk-off, Gold is more likely to rally aggressively in comparison to Yen.
Trading strategy:
1. Buying Gold on the risk-on reversal (to risk-off) - we should allocate the liquidity to Gold over Yen to take advantage of this investor sentiment.
2. The market is clearly discounting quit aggressive JPY weakness when relatively compared to other safe havens - likely due to BOJ/ JPY Govt stimulus worries.
- Knowing this, we should potentially position for JPY shorts - since the market clearly is positioning for some serious JPY weakness relatively - a big BOJ package?
3. Whilst safe havens have outperformed risk by 14% (20% safe havens 6% risk-on assets - pre-brexit) - Gold has also outperformed Yen by 7%.
- Therefore in risk-off rallies we SHOULD expect Yen to underperform Gold e.g. GOLD should be brought over Yen.
- In risk-on rallies (now) we should expect Yen shorts to outperform Gold as Yen is considered the poorer asset - USDJPY longs are better/ safe than Gold shorts (hence supporting my long $yen view).
*Check the attached posts that also support the long $Yen view in this market*
USDJPY: Trying to catch the exact topDear traders, we have a few 'Time at mode' signals on chart, obtained from the daily and 8h chart.
The potential time and/or price targets on chart, are levels (and dates) where USDJPY might top, and resume the longer term downtrend it's currently embarked on, which is being retraced as we speak, as a result of news of potential fiscal stimulus by the BOJ, which was rumoured to triple the estimated size announced recently, today.
The chart tells me we will see an euphoric top in it very soon, and I will look into shorting as soon as we break a daily bar's low, forcefully. I'll update the chart as the setup pans out (or not), detailing when to take a position, and with which stop loss and target. No one should miss this trade, once it's confirmed, that is.
Check out my updated track record here: pastebin.com
If interested in my real time whatsapp alerts and swing trading newsletter, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers!
Ivan Labrie
Link to Tim West's chatroom: www.tradingview.com
We discuss setups like this often there. Feel free to stop by and subscribe to his indicator pack. If you have any questions ask.
Risk disclaimer: My analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.
Yen TWI chart: Bearish continuationWe have a very clear setup with the market rolling over after hitting an options expirations key level, since the Yen pairs soared due to Bernanke's helicopter money suggestion to Kuroda. In this chart you can observe the trade weighted index chart behavior, to more clearly illustrate the true strength in the Yen, clearly, this year's top investment, closely tied with precious metals and mining company's shares, and to a lesser extent bonds.
I reccomend going long the Yen, pick your desired instrument, give it enough breathing room and let it run. We seem to be ready to resume the downside push with force. Hold on tight!
Check out my updated track record here: pastebin.com
If interested in my real time whatsapp alerts and swing trading newsletter, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers!
Ivan Labrie
Link to Tim West's chatroom: www.tradingview.com
We discuss setups like this often there. Feel free to stop by and subscribe to his indicator pack. If you have any questions ask.
Risk disclaimer: My analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance% on such information.
JPYUSD: The yen rally continuesAfter Bernanke visited Japan, and whispered into Kuroda's ear, the market reacted with a strong decline in the Yen, accompanied by a broad risk on rally that absorbed the Brexit losses. It's possible that this rally has topped, with all or most bears forced to cover their shorts, collaborating with the momentum run.
If you are a 'Key Hidden Levels' subscriber, one look at the RgMov indicator here will tell you what the main trend is, and when to enter long to rejoin this trend. It'll be a good idea to enter longs above today's high on Monday, with stops under today's low, or you can speculate on this new daily high, and just enter at market now. It's up to your risk aversion and discretion, just keep in mind the setup's rules involve buying the new daily high on Monday, and sacrificing a couple pips, for a lower risk entry.
Check out my updated track record here: pastebin.com
If interested in my real time whatsapp alerts and swing trading newsletter, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers!
Ivan Labrie
Link to Tim West's chatroom: www.tradingview.com
We discuss setups like this often there. Feel free to stop by and subscribe to his indicator pack. If you have any questions ask.
Risk disclaimer: My analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.
Nikkei 225 Index bullish indicating BEARISH trend on JPY comingBounce off Key support level @14855
Bounce of 50-60 EMA
Bounce of Up-sloping Trendline
Bounce off Fib 0.5 retracement
Stock RSI Oversold
Fundamentals: BOJ preparing for massive QE (helicopter money?)
Will be ready to go long against JPY. USDJPY one of the best possible pairs to trade long.
USDJPY: LONG UPDATE - RENEWED JPY FISCAL STIMULUS SPECULATION?I posted earlier with my 107 USDJPY breakout trade (see attached post) - one of the reasons I said to long USDJPY on the 107 break-out was due to JPY Govt stimulus speculation.
In the last few hours we have seen fresh speculation of the JPY stimulus, with JPY20trn now being discussed/ proposed to be on the table - this renewed rhetoric is nothing but positive for the 107 breakout long trade i posted a few hours ago and supports it as YEN20trn is approximately $200bn, which is certainly enough new liquidity to give confidence to markets and spur risk markets onto fresh highs - further this JPY Govt stimulus is speculated to be combined WITH BOJ easing, so markets get a compounded risk rally since there are two potential drivers (BOJ cut rates by 10-20bps + add to maturity/ purchases of JGB and EFT).
Plus today after seeing the RBNZ's dovish economic assessment (where an Aug cut is almost 100%), this gives risk markets even more fuel thus encouraging $yen to trade to the 109-111 levels i expect - though BOE K. Forbes hawkish comments negate some of this.
The new JPY Fiscal stimulus speculation:
1. JAPANESE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING 20 TRILLION YEN STIMULUS PACKAGE SAYS KYODO - "The government initially envisaged compiling a stimulus package of somewhat more than 10 trillion yen . But the size is likely to double as the package will now include projects for fiscal 2017 and beyond and increase "zaito" low-interest government loans by 6 trillion yen," Kyodo reports.
2. "The government initially envisaged compiling a stimulus package of somewhat more than 10 trillion yen . But the size is likely to double as the package will now include projects for fiscal 2017 and beyond and increase "zaito" low-interest government loans by 6 trillion yen," Kyodo reports.
3. "The stimulus could be even larger, they report. And able will look for the rubber stamp from the Cabinet in early August. About half will be earmarked for infrastructure."
Trading strategy going forward:
1. Trading strategy remains the same from the 107 breakout post that i made earlier e.g. 109TP1, 111TP2 - all that has changed from the post before is that the strategy has been reaffirmed/ strengthened upon this renewed JPY stimulus speculation , given this was one of the drivers i cited to move USDJPY to the 109 then 111 level once the 107 confirmation level was broken.
- In early asia trading, as yesterday, net risk sentment remains stable with safe havens gold, yen and bonds down as well as risk, though risk down slightly less. For the day, I expect risk-on sentiment to win as Thursday historically is the best day for stocks (before going into the friday end of week sell-off) + post market Wednesday some large firms posted outperforming earnings which should continue helping the risk appetite move higher (Intel + Morgan stanley beating EPS and revenue forecasts) when the main LDN and NY sessions get underway down the line.
*Check the "USDJPY: BUY THE BREAKOUT" post attached for more details on the trade discussed above posted 7 hours ago*
SHORT GBPUSD: CENTRAL BANK EXPECTATIONS - BOE/ ECB/ BOJ & FOMCReuters Analyst Expectations:
FOMC
1. IMPROVING DATA POINT TO SEPTEMBER RATE HIKE -
- The Fed is very unlikely to spring any surprises at the upcoming FOMC meeting, which concludes next Wednesday 27th July, but a September rate hike is a distinct possibility. The statement next week should acknowledge the apparent pick-up in second-quarter GDP growth, particularly the recent strength of consumption, and also the rebound in employment growth in June. The Fed won't commit itself to a September rate hike at the July meeting, however, hints will be eyed closely.
- Currently the 30 day federal funds rate option implied probability is consistant with the increasing chances of a September/ Novemeber hike view as the probability continues to increase to new post brexit highs e.g. 25bps FOMC hike probability for Sept/ Nov/ Dec increased to 24.6%, 25.7%, 41.6% from 18.8%, 20.2% and 39.5% yesterday. With Dec now pricing 2 hikes at 9.1% up from 7.1% - as risk markets continue to set new highs increasing confidence.
BOE
1. BOE SEEN CUTTING BANK RATE 25 BPS TO 0.25% IN AUGUST
- BoE Seen Restarting QE In August, Top Up With GBP80Bln adding to GBP375bn
- Median 60% Chance Of UK Recession In The Coming Year
- UK Economy Seen Growing 1.4% In 2016, 0.6% In 2017 (Prev Seen 1.9%, 2.1%)
- Short Sterling constant 3m Libor Option Implied cut probabilities remained flat on the day at 30% chance of a 25bps cut - however risk markets rally buoy hawkish expectations though this is fundamentally expected to impact the BOE decision since markets are rallying as a function of the BOE cutting (its a loop that the BOE will be aware of).
ECB/ BOJ
1. ECB not seen to cut rates but some analysts think there may be an extension to the maturity of ECB's APP e.g. further into 2017, though the purchase amounts is not expected to change at EUR80bln a month - nonetheless a 3m extension is an extra EUR240bn and a 6m is EUR480bn, so such an announcement on Thursday would certainly continue to fuel the rally in risk markets.
2. BOJ - there is less consensus on the BOJ meeting on the 28th, though the forecasts seem to sit between a 10-20bps cut to the key rate + an extension to the ETF purchases (Maturity and monthly purchase amounts) + an extension to the JGB purchases (maturity and monthly purchase amounts) - a BOJ surprise to the upside would undoubtably enable risk markets to continue to rally, though if it goes the other way (Kuroda underdelivers) this could be the impetus to stop the risk rally in its tracks.
Trading Strategy:
1. Short GBPUSD on Pullbacks to 1.33/4 (if we see any now - unlikely but possible if retail sales outperform and the market prices the strong CPI/Employment at the same time) - 1.305TP1 1.285TP2 1.25xxTP3.
- I posted this trade a few days ago when the short price was favourable - at these levels i DO NOT advise shorting. 1.33 is the minimum entry - I just posted this as a short confirmation/ central bank watch post.
2. The above supports the short GBPUSD play as 1) Easing from ECB/ BOJ puts pressure on the BOE to ease (as the GBP appreciates against the JPY/ EUR in this situation which is deflationairy) thus BOJ/ ECB easing increases the already consensus view that the BOE will ease - a BOE easing of 25bps cut and 80bn extension to the QE would certainly move us through 1.25. Infact I believe the 25bps cut alone is enough to do that. If BOE delivers £80bn in QE then that will move GBP even lower to perhaps 1.20/23.
- Further, on the FOMC stance, a more hawkish FED strengthens the long dollar leg of the short GBPUSD which compounds the momentum that GBPUSD can move lower as we move towards two drivers vs just the one with the BOE easing. We now have BOE easing potential combined with ever increasing FOMC hike expectations fuelling USD demand which in turn/ combined will send GBP$ lower faster.
USDJPY: BUY THE 107 BREAKOUT - RISK-ON TO CONTINUE - BOJ/ BOEUSDJPY:
1 . Been watching $yen closely as my top 2 trades this week (along with GU). As expected/ foretasted 107 was the next key risk sentiment resistance level after 104 and after buying the 104 breakout i have confidence/ advise buying the 107 breakout - we have now crossed the 3m moving average at 106 which provides support/ confirms bullish move.
2 Risk has been depressed excessively in the past 6-months but more so directly after brexit - this risk rally (SP highs etc and UJ higher) isn't a fundamental change in risk sentiment imo (e.g. i dont forecast an UJ uptrend now) however i do believe this is a 2-4wk risk recovery before moving lower again back through the 104 level to the 102.
3. This risk recovery is being fueled by 1) JPY/ BOJ Stimulus hopes since the BOJ hasnt cut its rate since January the market expects strong easing from JPY Govt and BOJ. 2) Markets expect a 25bps cut in the Bank Rate and GBP80bn extension in BOE QE. 3) Several other CBs e.g. RBA/ RBNZ/ PBOC/ ECB are also expected to ease at some-point in 2016 so all speculations are being priced into this risk rally as upside. 4) As mentioned above, risk was depressed for several weeks into/ out of brexit so this is a recovery leg higher e.g. shorts profit taking/ washed out.
Volatility:
1. Current 25 delta Risk Reversals RR trade negative at -1.7, indicating either 1) the market is long Spot UJ but covering the downside possibility with options or 2) Option speculators like their chances with UJ lower - given the bullish bias id like to think the first is true. 2wk RR covering the BOJ however surprisingly trade close to flat at -0.3 - i see this as the market really not knowing what to expect/ sitting on the fence. Usually we see a strong bias to put's or call's but given BOJ/ Kurodas history (under-delivery) but also the current situation it makes sense why the market is flat with positioning.
1. IV 1wk and 2wk is: 11.41% and 19.27% and realised is: 6.35% and 13.16% - IV outperforming HV is a bearish signal but given the way markets have been rallying it is unsurprising that demand has increased (i dont see this as a bearish sign). Notably we see a spiking of 2wk IV at 19.27 vs 13.16HV which covers the BOJ meeting, thus clearly there is alot of anticipation going into the meeting.. i expect 28th vol to increase as we get closer to the event which could cause UJ selling however, BOJ expectations will outweight this (e.g. if 20bps + QE is expected we will see UJ upside).
Trading Strategy:
1. Buy USDJPY 107 break-out - should be 100pip+ squeeze as shorts are washed out as clearly there are alot of sellers in the market here who will have stops above the big fig (wait for confirmation e.g. high time frame close above 107.) 109TP1, 111TP2
- I don't see USDJPY breaking the pre-brexit recovery rally highs at 112 - if it we were to, this could perhaps signal a true shift in risk sentiment (e.g. market is now fully risk on).
- Late now but as initially mentioned this trade combined with the short GU worked well at hedging the risk-on risk-off dynamics at play (see attached) - still if GU retestes 1.33/4 shorts are strong at this level.
2. Assuming my initial assumption is correct e.g. <112 is the terminal rate for this recovery rally, I will then turn net seller of USDJPY and sell to 107TP1 104TP2 100.5TP3 but I will post about that nearer the time.
3. On a side note, if we were not to break 107 (unlikely as safe havens are taking heavy losses and stocks continue to make new highs) this level could be the risk sentiment pivot, but i would update if that becomes the case. If we do not break 107 today, it should be tomorrow as thursday is the traditional risk-on day.
Risks to the view:
1. Obvious risk to the view is that 1) JPY/ BOJ easing expectations wane which cause the bull rally to fade - something which is highly possible but more and more unlikely as we get closer (only 8 days away). 2) An unforeseeable risk-o