NiKKEi the Empire who saw Tomorrow 100 years ago
the OG in quantitative zero cost coupons and negative rates
with subways in the 1930s
touchscreens ai robotics in the 70s
and rise of gaming in the 80s
still is a decade ahead among developed countries
and 100 years++ ahead the rest of the emerging economies
Easing
USDJPY: $130 | THROWBACK a costly lesson that requires constant reminding
especially in this Tiktok generation
when i thohght back in the day that UY Yen was high or at top $109 was the day i reaized that
market moves RANDOMLY and does not care about previous LEVELS ...
until now.. at $130 it feels so High yet it can go much higher
Macroeconomic ViewDecember 2021 seems to be the end of this long lasting bull market.Markets affected by the inflationary easing policies followed by the FED, going back to the end of the subprime mortgage crisis, were blooming.
The rise of the NASDAQ100 is only an example of what happened due to boosting culture adopted by FED. This brings us to now.
What US is facing is the inflation rate rising, while interest rate hikes look like not being enough to pause this. The Ukraine-Russian war is something that adds on the energy crisis existing globally, even though it is not the only reason to blame for the rising on CPI .FED-among many countries- decided to counter COVID-19 loses with further easing providing money that correspond to no real product, and basically as Milton Friedman would point providing the market with inflation . What we are watching though is an effect of what has been accumulated for years and has no single cause.
The recession scenario seems to be the most realistic one for the years coming.
It is my view thought that what FED is trying to achieve with the rate hiking though, is not to control the inflation , but rather to make the production less "money supply prone" so that the effects -the most important being production decline and unemployment rise- of the imminent freezing of the money flowing out of it's machines will be minimised.
Gold Shake OutGold broke out of its pennant pattern a couple of days ago. Either we have a breakdown or a shake out (caught me out at break even) occurring right now just below the 50ma. A similar shake out occurred during the last pennant just before it exploded north.
I have bullish leanings for gold, given all the stimulus and extra stimulus coming out of the US. I'll be re-entering on a daily finish above the 50ma.
SAFEHAVEN Demand Would Likely Propel YELLOW METAL To $1750.00!Last year it was highly anticipated that the yellow metal would break the years long held trading range and make a new high. Well all that is unraveling pretty quickly to say the least, as the trade war enters its second year with no end in sight. The two year long and ongoing trade war between the worlds two largest economies has led to fear of recession in the U.S as the yield curve inversion getting deeper and deeper. In EUROPE (germany) a technical recession has already happened with the manufacturing activity declining two consecutive times.
Trump is hell bent on reducing imports from china and making the USD weak for more competitiveness in regards to exports. The FED is already feeling the pressure of the tradewar but they keep insisting that they would keeping use\ing ''wait and see approach'' for interest rate cut or hold. TRUMP wants the FED to cut rates so as to make the USD weak. Major central banks have already started easing around the globe so as to combat the effects of the trade war with exception of the FED. Markets are pricing in the FED would reduce the rates by 120BP by end of 2020 but as of the moment the U.S economy seems to be in a pretty good state and FED are pleased with the current interest rates. However with the trade war's no end in sight, the U.S economy might start to loose steam and print negative/declining data in the coming months. If this happens the FED will start easing making the USD plunge against the SAFEHAVEN pairs.
Many like to BUY and HOLD the USD because of its SAFEHAVEN status, therefore even if the FED cuts the interest rate to boost the economy in the future, the USD would not fall that much unless the economic data keeps on declining or a recession happens! Other SAFEHAVENS include the JPY &CHF currencies. These two FX currencies are the go to when RISK OFF mood dominates the market . However there is a catch behind buying and holding these two currencies. The central banks of both these countries (SNB & BOJ) prefer their currency to remain weak so as to keep their exports cheap and competitive. For this reason the central banks of both these FX currencies observe and act if needed to keep the currency from sliding or appreciating too much. All in all the go to SAFEHAVEN currencies have limited gain as their central banks tends to intervene.
Talking about the YELLOW METAL, Who has the power to intervene here? practically no one,as its purely based on supply and demand characteristics and due to this there is a high potential of appreciation for yellow metal in RISK OFF environment. Since the beginning of the year, the price has sky rocketed and there is still a very likely high chance that it would keep climbing upwards. A better and safer way to trade this precious metal is step by step based on breach of certain resistance levels and the fundamental outlook of the health of global economy.
Here in the main chart we see can the green horizontal lines which represent resistance levels and red horizontal lines which represent support, drawn from the monthly charts. Currently the price is stopped climbing at 1550.00 which is a concrete resistance yet to be broken on monthly TF. Should 1550.00 break (the monthly candle close above 1550.00) the next target would be 1750.00. Its looking highly likely that this level would be broken, at the moment the price is in consolidative phase as there is a hope of a trade deal looming. But markets are too smart to believe TRUMP and CHINA! Because just like before,this period represents the CALM before the STORM. In the coming weeks we would be able to see how are the negotiations proceeding and is a disagreement likely to happen again or not?
unless a complete trade deal is struck and held by each side, we could see the yellow metal ascend pretty fast to 1750.00 and potentially beyond. For this particular scenario, we need to wait for the monthly candle to close above 1550.00 and then its safe and suggested to go LONG to target 1750.00
This just represents my outlook and analysis on this pair. shall a trade opportunity appear i will post it in a new thread. Cheers
SELL GBPJPY: RISK-OFF SHIFT COMING? LOWER BOE MONPOL EQUILIBRIUMGBPJPY:
1. Given Fed Yellen's "hawkish" market response and GBPUSD, GBPNZD and GBPAUD shorts TPd on the rally lower today cleared (FX risk book clear too), im looking to add some safe haven assets to my portfolio.
2. Looking at GBPJPY and GBP structures on the whole, there has been alot of sterling longs in the past 2wks accumulating in spot as economic confidence falsely increases (imo, given intelligent money understands near-term UK risks are to the upside).
- GJ rising some 7 of the last 9 days, and now 400pips above the aug 16th lows of 129 at 133.3 I think there is at least that 400pips in downside available from here as the new equilibrium for several reasons:
1) Fed Yellen being hawkish looks like it may be the catalyst for the september US Equity sell-off, in which case, highly negatively correlated assets (e.g. safe havens yen, gold UST) are likely to pick the bids up, thus driving GBPJPY lower i.e. A tightening of financial conditions in the US will put pressure on US equities and also US election risk will transfer into Yen demand - also Brexit/ A50 risk is a medium term yen topside catalyst which makes sense owning through GBPJPY downside.
2) GBP shorts at these levels, given the monpol introduced by BOE, look like the smart move as the market is significantly higher than the monpol lows (which should be the new equilibrium).
3) Further BOJ action is made more unlikely by a hawkish Fed - hawkish fed looks to have provided $yen some topside support in the immediate term if nothing else, this eases pressure on the BOJ to ease - though a counter to this is the recent BOJ Inflation CPI traded some 30bps lower at 0.5% - the biggest drop since its inception (and the lowest level ever) this could be a push to more easing. However, the July Meeting misfire when expectations were perhaps at their highest and the current JGB drying liquidity situation somewhat capping the extent of further easing, I cant see the BOJ doing anything more than jawboning, as they have consistently continued to do (and about the only thing they have). Also for extra confidence, even if the BOJ was to ease - look at the past 2 times (Jan April), both policy measures provided 0 equilibrium relief to yen downside and infact fueled some 500pip+ topside to yen, so yen bulls imo can feel conforted that further easing is likely to have little impact, even more so as their ability to do more is ever reduced.
4) Technically, as mentioned weve been on a 2wk bull run so i feel GBP topside is due a rebalancing lower, and also the downside targets are not uncharted territory having traded at the 129 level on 2 previous occasions so the profit target isnt unreasonable.
5) I hear RM long-term short positioning, is picking up at these levels where sterling looks arguably overbrought.
Trading Strategy - SHORT GBPJPY @133.3, add at 134 135 and 136 - TP 130.5 and 129
1. Short GBPJPY - Small at market price 133, and add ever 100pips higher if bulls continue up to 136 - the macro resistance levels on the daily are the 134 and 136 level.
- Short small here at 133.3 and ADD as we move higher as short sterling given brexit/ monpol future and long yen given the risk-on bull run which is bound to run out given hiking and election risk intensifying imo is an all but guaranteed trade.
Any questions on the trading strategy PLEASE ask!!
NZDUSD/ AUDUSD: RBNZ GOV WHEELER SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSGovernor of the RBNZ Wheeler offered little bearish pressure on kiwi, refusing to go into any intervention talk and failing to say what the bank will actually use to tame this deflationaire NZD they are experiencing at the moment - with the comments below in mind imo this leaves on direction for Kiwi (short of some FOMC/ USD bullish pressure which seems unlikely as rate expectations continue to be sold-off on the back of a quiet data week) and thats higher - in the speech it became apparent that cutting rates does little to curb kiwi strength given the relative differential remains the highest in G10 in this low interest environment both AUD and NZD rates remain some 50-150bps more attractive for those low risk yield seeking funds.
On a break of 0.733 I see NZD$ moving towards 0.76 - though any USD strength could tame the cross, especailly given 60bps of further cuts have been built into the kiwi projections - though given there is 6wks until the next meeting imo there is certainly time for us to move higher before moving lower into the meeting as dovish expectations build as they did before. From here AUD looks more attractive here given their lack of forward guidance, and already breakout levels 0.78 is now the target - USD strength may continue weak given the presidential election.. is it likely the FOMC will hike just before an election e.g. sept or nov? despite their independence this seems unlikely + imo a Dec hike makes the most sense especially as some feds call for some consistency e.g. 12m as it is easier to measure policy transmission this way.
One potential downside to this view is USD strength, whilst we seem to be in a wave of relentless selling this could be reversed if it is no election related (though there is little else impetus offered) but nonetheless given AUD's breakout i think the 0.78 target is still fair and given NZDs reaction already - it is unlikely we see sellers from here, this reaction almost mimics the RBA's rate cut reaction e.g. 50pips higher - but that was then followed by 200pips higher 1wk later.. we could certainly be in for the same price action here and this is what my bets are on.
RBNZ Gov Wheeler Speech Highlights:
-WHEELER: NOT SURPRISED BY NZD MOVE AFTER TODAY'S DECISION
-WHEELER: RBNZ HAS BUILT 60BPS OF CUTS INTO PROJECTIONS
-WHEELER: NO SERIOUS CONSIDERATIONS OF A 50BPS CUT
-RBNZ GOV WHEELER: WOULD LIKE TO SEE MOST OF RATE CUT PASSED ON BY BANKS
-WHEELER: THERE IS FLEXIBILITY IN POLICY TARGETS AGREEMENT
-WHEELER: WANT NZD TO FALL, WANT TO TAKE PRESSURE OFF NZD WITH LOWER RATES
-WHEELER: DEBT TO INCOME TOOL UNLIKELY TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS YEAR
-WHEELER: WAGE MODERATION GREATER THAN RBNZ EXPECTED
-WHEELER: RBNZ HAS LIMITED INFLUENCE OVER NZD
-WHEELER: WOULD BE CONCERNED IF THERE WAS A FURTHER DROP IN ST INFLATION EXPECTATIONS
-WHEELER: WILL LOOK AT NZD REACTION OVER COMING DAYS
NZDUSD/ AUDUSD: MONETARY POLICY DECISION HIGHLIGHTSRelatively poor delivery from the RBNZ, by the looks of the whipsaw the market wanted/ expected 50bps based on the AUD differential and the RBA rate cut last week 50bps or some alt policy (e.g. QE) seemed like the smart move to make. From here Kiwi and Aussie longs look preferential as the macro environment shifts to a yield seeking stance from monpol trading - 0.782 for AUD and 0.76 for NZD seem the next bull levels. RBNZ unlike RBA offered some promsing forward guidance though e.g. "further policy easing willl be required" and "A decline in the exchange rate is needed" and "high NZD is causing negative inflation in tradables sector" and "Low global rates are placing upward pressure on the kiwi dollar" - all of which comments point to the RBNZ issuing more dovish easing but it does also ponder the question that given they knew this before making the decision why they didnt execute some of the "further policy easing" and "monpol will continue to be accommodative" which will be required in the future now, to have a greater effect vs just a 25bps cut which the market had already digested weeks ago.
The RBNZ also interestingly referenced the low global rates environment causing NZD strength through carrry/ hot money flows - which once again begs the question if the RBNZ know that their rate is the leading rate in G10 by 50-150bps, why did they only cut 25bps as a 25bps cut still keeps NZD as the headline ccy for carry and will likely continue to attract hot money flows unless investors are scared by aggressive future policy - which is now in the hands of Gov Wheeler to project the aggressiveness (or not) of the RBNZ to combat the rate differential and consequently bring the NZD down where they feel it is acceptable.
Imo given the markets reaction alot is riding on Gov Wheelers speech in 35mins - he needs to be VERY dovish in his forward guidance rhetoric and offer certainties that make kiwi seem less stable than AUD in the future and thus send the hot money flows into AUD and in order to tame kiwi below 0.73, otherwise we will likely see a replication of the AUD case where we moved 100pips+ on the day despite a cut and SOMP and Gov Stevens speech.
From here we wait for the speech. If the speech fails to tame kiwi, i suggest buying kiwi as it is likely to outperform given the lack of easing vs expectations/ what is needed to move NZD lower. Further AUD longs are also advised in this carry seeking macro environment - a Dovish RBNZ makes AUD more attractive but even a neutral RBNZ should help AUD also as it puts less pressure on the RBA to ease since the rate differential between their biggest partner is large enough and still in their favour for kiwi buying for aussie. Nonetheless at these technical levels i like AUD to 0.78 and kiwi to 0.76 if we break 0.734 and Wheeler isnt specific/ aggressive with the forward guidance + the USD weakness is likely to last this week with 0 data coming out so longs make even more sense if only short term
RBNZ Monetary Policy Decision Highlights:
RBNZ: Risk of Further Declines in Inflation Expectations
RBNZ Says Further Policy Easing Will Be Required
RBNZ: House Price Inflation Adding To Financial Stability Concerns
RBNZ: Monetary Policy Will Continue To Be Accommodative
New Zealand Dollar Rises After RBNZ Cut To US$0.7315
RBNZ: A Decline In Exchange Rate is Needed
RBNZ: House Price Inflation Remains Excessive
RBNZ:Lower Dairy Prices Depressing Farm Sector Incomes
RBNZ:Domestic Growth Supported By Inward Migration, Construction, Tourism
RBNZ: Low Global Rates Placing Upward Pressure On NZ Dollar
RBNZ: Trade Weighted Index Signficantly Higher Than Assumed in June MPS
RBNZ: High NZ Dollar Causing Negative Inflation in Tradables Sector
NZ Central Bank Sees 90-Day Bank Bill at 2.1% in 4Q 2016 vs Prior 2.2%
NZ Central Bank Sees 90-Day Bank Bill at 1.8 % in 2Q 2017 vs Prior 2.1%
GBPUSD/ GBPJPY: BOE POLICY DECISION & CARNEY SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSBOE's policy decision and QIR was largely inline with expectations, perhaps even 10bn better than expected on the QE side - and was very forgiving with hints towards further interest easing, though the stubborn unwillingness to realise negative rates undermined this to some extent. GBPJPY and GBPUSD shorts traded into intermediate TP levels - with GBPJPY unsurprisingly outperforming (implied vol adjusted) given USD weakness, and trading through the 133 handle (132.3 now targeted) whilst cable traded abit more firmly bid struggling to even test the 1.308 pivot, let alone break it - i think we will see a 1.308 key support break tomorrow if NFP comes in hit or beat and I am now waiting for this (gbpjpy shorts closed).
BOE Monetary Policy Decision Highlights:
BOE Aug Minutes: 0 Members Voted to Increase Rate DJ News
BOE: Six Members Voted To Expand QE Program, Three Against
BOE: Forbes, Weale And McCafferty Voted Against Expansion Of QE
BOE: QE Dissenters Saw Risk That Recent Surveys Overstate Economic Weakness DJ News
BOE: Eight Members Voted To Launch Corporate Bond Buys, Forbes Dissented DJ News
BOE: Forbes Concerned By Excessive Stimulus, Risks Of Corporate Debt
BOE: All Members Voted In Favor Of Term Funding Program
BOE: Majority Of MPC Members Expect To Vote For Further Rate Cut 0
BOE: MPC Members See Lower Bound For Bank Rate "Close To, A Little Above" Zero
BOE Aug Minutes: MPC Voted 9-0 To Lower Bank Rate To 0.25%
BOE Aug Minutes: 0 Voted to Keep Rate Unchanged
BOE Aug Minutes: 9 Members Voted to Lower Rate
BOE Signals MPC Not Contemplating A Move To Negative Interest Rate
BOE: Economic Outlook "Has Weakened Markedly" Following Brexit Vote
BOE Makes Largest Cut In Economic Growth Forecast Since 1993
BOE Cuts 2017 Economic Growth Forecast To 0.8% From 2.3% In May
BOE Cuts 2018 Economic Growth Forecast To 1.8% From 2.3% In May
BOE Sees Declines In Business Investment During 2017 And 2018
BOE Sees Business Investment Down 3.75% In 2016 Versus 2.5% Growth In May
BOE Sees Business Investment Down 2% In 2017 Versus 7.25% Growth In May
BOE Sees Housing Investment Up 1.25% In 2016 Versus 4% In May
BOE Sees Housing Investment Down 4.75% In 2017 Versus 5.25% Growth In May
BOE Sees Pickup In Inflation On Weaker Pound
BOE Sees Inflation At 2.1% In 2017, 2.4% In 2018
BOE: Measures Ensure Inflation Won't Fall Below Target In Medium Term
UK Hammond: Prepared To Take Needed Steps To Support Economy
BOE Expands Program Of Government Bond Purchases By GBP60 Bln
BOE Purchases Of Government Bonds Will Take Six Months To Complete
BOE Government Bond Buys Will Take Total To GBP435 Bln From BGP375 Billion
BOE Last Expanded Stock Of Government Bond Buys In November 2012
BOE Launches New Program of GBP10 Billion In Corporate Bond Buys
BOE Purchases Of Corporate Bonds Will Take 18 Months to Complete
BOE Will Buy Non-Financial, Investment Grade Bonds
BOE: Issuers Of Corporate Bonds Must Make "Material Contribution" To UK Economy
BOE Approves Term Funding Scheme To Provide Loans To Lenders
BOE Loans To Banks, Building Societies At "Close To" Bank Rate
BOE TFS Intended To Ensure Cut In key Rate Passed On To Businesses, Households
BOE MPC Sees Room To Expand all Four Stimulus Measures
BOE Govenor Mark Carney et al. Speech Highlights:
BOE Carney: UK Has One Of Most Flexible Economies
BOE Carney: Can't Fully Offset Economic Impact Of Brexit
BOE Carney: Package Of Stimulus Measures Is "Exceptional"
BOE Carney: By Acting Early Can Reduce Uncertainty, Bolster Confidence
BOE Carney: GBP Fall Will Boost Exports, Reduce Imports
BOE Carney: MPC Has Been "Conservative" In New Growth Forecasts
BOE Carney: Package Ensures Stimulus Will Have Maxium Impact
SHORT GBPUSD/ GBPJPY: BOE EXPECTATIONS & FORECAST - FADE RALLIESimo sterling strength/ USD weakness has opened up a great opp to get short vs the USD. Also, technically £YEN looks like it has some 400pips of downside in it available if the BOE do ease and weaken the currency (130.5). Shorting GBP$ at 1.33 opens up 250pips of easy downside profit assume the BOE deliver 25bps and 50bn of QE (the consensus) - £Yen at 1.35 opens up 400pips+ to 130.5 if there is a cut - I like selling gbpyen as it also gives exposure to long yen which post BOJ/ MOF failing to deliver is a given (nothing to stop safe haven demand dominating).
In terms of sterling forecast I think a 25bps cut and 50bn QE should spike us to lows at 1.28, with the tail-end likelihood stretched to 1.25xx if they were to cut 50bps and more QE. Personally I am owning alot of GBP downside but will TP at an earlier level e.g 1.305 and 130.5 as central bank action has had a limited impact recently/ the propensity to fade action has been high (think of RBA Yesterday). Nonetheless, I may leave some 25% on the table in order to own more of the downside possibility.
BOE Positioning I hear is building up nicely at the 1.33/4 level (though we are yet to see this transfer into realised downside for cable), and the rates markets are now full pricing well over the 25bps of cuts expected - Nominal OIS spot and forward rates are pricing - 27bps and 29bps respectively as of 12noon 2nd Aug (Spot same as 1st Aug, Fwd pricing 1bps less - 30bps on the 1st) vs the July meeting on the 12th of July there was only 25bps priced into the spot OIS curve BUT there was 31bps into the forward curve - thus we are seeing a lack of consensus e.g. whilst the spot is pricing 2bps more aggressively for the Aug meeting the Forward curve is pricing 2bps less - the spot curve is usually more conservative though so this implies that the rates market IS positioning more aggressively for the BOE this time round (since the spot is 2bps more aggressive now vs july meeting and the too rates are converging signalling the market expects a lower longer term equilibrium that a rate cut would bring). Also the 1wk and 1m GBP Libor is pricing cuts much more aggressively than for the July meeting - where July 12th had 25bps priced at 22% for 1wk and 18% for 1m, and now the 2nd of Aug has 25bps priced at 36.67% 1wk and 36.8 1m, which is the best part of 2x more aggressive. Further the options market looks to have a mildly short bias for 4th Aug expiries - with 25delta risk reversals skewed 1vol to the downside for gbpusd and 1.5vols to the downside for gbpjpy as investors look to own BOE delivery through lower risk option markets. USD should also firm up in the next few days as fed funds implied hike probabilities have stabilised and steepened up again, with a 18% probability of a hike in sept now priced vs 12% yesterday - this should help GBPUSD trade well offered tomorrow on a BOE delivery as gives USD a stronger base.
REUTERS POLL-
-STERLING SEEN AT $1.30 IN ONE MONTH, $1.26 IN THREE MONTHS AND $1.27 IN 12 ($1.31, $1.28 AND $1.29 IN JULY POLL)
GS GBP forecast:
- In its latest forecast on the GBP, analysts at Goldman Sachs see sterling at $1.20 and 90 pence per euro in 3 months, $1.25 and 80 pence per euro in 12 months.
RBC on BOE:
-Research Team at RBC, expects that the UK MPC will vote to cut Bank Rate by 25bps to 0.25% and increase the QE target by £50bn by renewing its programme of Gilt purchases over a four-month period.
Danske Bank on BOE:
-Research Team at Danske Bank, estimates that just over 25bp worth of rate cuts at this week’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting has already been priced in by the UK money market, while the overnight interest rate is priced to fall to 0.15% by the end of 2016
RBS on BOE:
-Ross Walker, Research Analyst at RBS, suggests that the UK monetary policy easing is coming in August in the form of a rate cut – probably 25bp, possibly 50bp – is the most likely part of the package.
SHORT AUDUSD: RBA INTEREST RATE DECISION - CUT 25BPS TO 1.50%RBA Cut the Cash rate to 1.50% by 25bps, the market has had a very subdued reaction though, barely falling 30pips from market. I still think there should be more downside here and into the mid/low 74xx before the full fade comes in - so luckily room for retails to get in, looks like the algos were having a day off today.
This is positive for any kiwi$ short holders - this now puts almost certain pressure on RBNZ to do the same (if not 50bps) next week.
Previously Aussie$ fell 180pips back in May 3rd on a 25bps cut like this, and the next day lost 40pips so a total of 210pips in 2days, 0.766 to 0.745 - assuming this model holds true this time we should then expect AUD$ to trade to 0.737 in 2-days given we started at 0.758. Thus the 0.744/5 target I have should be modest but inline with the subdued market reaction (TPs further to the LHS run the risk of being faded out unreached). We could/ should see some more selling through LDN/ NY as real money gets on board - unlikely to stay in the 0.75's for today (or close here imo).
RBA Interest Rate Decision Highlights:
-AUSTRALIA AUG RBA CASH RATE* DECREASE TO 1.50 % (FCAST 1.50 %) VS PREV 1.75 %
-RBA SAYS RISING A$ COULD COMPLICATE ECONOMIC TRANSITION
-RBA SAYS JUDGED ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD BE IMPROVED BY EASING
-RBA SAYS GLOBAL ECONOMY GROWING AT A PACE BELOW AVERAGE
-RBA SAYS RECENT AUSTRALIAN DATA SUGGESTS OVERALL GROWTH CONTINUING AT A MODERATE PACE
-RBA SAYS UNDERLYING PACE OF GROWTH IN CHINA ECONOMY APPEARS TO BE MODERATING
-RBA SAYS RECENT DATA CONFIRMS INFLATION REMAINS QUITE LOW, EXPECTED TO REMAIN CASE FOR SOME TIME
-RBA SAYS LESS RISK OF LOW RATES OVERHEATING HOUSING MARKET
-RBA SAYS LABOUR MARKET DATA CONTINUE TO BE SOMEWHAT MIXED
BUY USD DIPS VS GBP/ NZD: DOVISH FED W. DUDLEY SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSFed Dudley was speaking At A joint New York Fed, Indonesian Central Bank Seminar On Sunday evening when he left a mixed impression for the markets to digest - saying "it is premature to rule out an interest-rate increase this year" but then on the contrary saying "Raising Rates Prematurely Would Be Riskier Than Moving Slightly Too Late" and following up that sentiment with "Investor Expectations For Flatter Path Of U.S. Interest Rates Seems 'Broadly Appropriate'" and pointing out the medium-term risks are seen skewed to the downside - all of which somewhat contradictory expecting a 2016 rate hike.
IMO these comments are more less positive news for the greenback, given the hawkish July Minutes should take precedent (despite the market weirdly selling the september hike being officially put on the table) and after the DXY lost every day last week I think it will struggle to continue this trend into this week as the drop in rate hike expectations/ fed funds rates should flatten out - Likely seeing the bulk of the dovish expectations price last week - september 25bps hike expectations fell from 25% at the beginning of the week to 12% on Friday following the miss GDP report - will likely bottom out around here to 8%min.
That said, given the BOJ's miss we could easily see further pressure on US rates this week as imo the failed big stimulus hopes are likely to fade the risk-on environment of late, and move us back into the safe haven trend that has dominated 2016 - so dont be surprised to see some more risk-off rate expectation USD selling/ bond buying - look out for consecutive moves higher in UST or moves lower in tnx.
In the medium term this still hasnt changed my view of bullish USD and at present IMO this selling wave has opened up the opp for some good USD buying entry points e.g. kiwi above 0.72, stelring at 1.33, and eur at 1.115 - kiwi and sterling the best trades as we move into RBA, BOE and RBNZ within the next 10 days which should realise considerable downside for kiwi and cable (and for those trading aussie too, tho i prefer the kiwi proxy).
Fed Dudley Speech Highlights:
-Fed's Dudley Warns It Is Premature To Rule Out an Interest-Rate Increase This Year
-Dudley Says Fed-Funds Futures Prices Seem 'Too Complacent'
-Dudley Says There Is 'Room For Improvement' in Fed Communications, But They Are Growing More Transparent
-Dudley Says His Baseline Outlook For U.S. Growth, Inflation 'Has Not Changed Much In Recent Months'
-Dudley Expects 2% Annualized U.S. Growth Over Next 18 Months
-Fed's Dudley Says Medium-Term Risks To Economy Are 'Somewhat Skewed To The Down Side'
-Dudley Says Brexit Impact Has Been Short Lived, But Longer Term Potential Fallout 'Hard To Gauge'
-Dudley Says Fed Takes Dollar Appreciation Into Consideration, But Not Targeting Any Set Exchange Value
-Dudley Says Evidence Accumulating The Crisis-Era Headwinds 'Are Likely To Prove More Persistent'
-Fed's Dudley Warns it is Premature to Rule out an Interest-Rate Increase This Year
-Dudley: Investor Expectations For Flatter Path Of U.S. Interest Rates Seems 'Broadly Appropriate'
-Dudley Says Raising Rates Prematurely Would Be Riskier Than Moving Slightly Too Late
LONG EURCHF: POSSIBLE SNB INTERVENTION AT THE 1.08 HANDLELong EURCHF:
1. Having watched the 1.08 level closely post-brexit it certainly looks as if there is some FX intervention going on at the 1.08 handle - suspicions enforced even more as SNB President Jordan says FX intervention is on the cards should CHF move even higher/ Rate cut possible another 50bps.
2. Plus EUR vs CHF september rate expectations are skewed for a long EUR carry going forward + already EUR is more attractive than CHF (-0.4% vs -0.75% depo) - 1m CHF Libor currently pricing 25bps at 19% vs 1m EUR libor pricing 25bps at 12%.
3. Volatility is also v low so risk of downside is limitted, plus SNB are clear they will can intervene so the chance of long-term losses with this trade are close to 0.
Trading Strategy - buy EURCHF <1.0799 dips 1.081/5TP:
1. Buy EURCHF on any dips below the 1.08 level, maximum of 100pips TP but much more advisable to take 50 or by looking at the intra day moves even taking 10-20pips is possible several times a day as the market constantly moves higher after ANY dipping below the 1.08 handle.
- i wont be running a stop on this trade given the SNB's commitment and low IV and HV.
SPX: BOJ MISS = BULL RUN END +2% + 2016 SAFE HAVEN TREND RESUMESEnd of the bull run
Global Equity Indexes:
1. SPX/ Global Equity indexes in the past 2/3wks saw a post-brexit central bank easing induced rally, as many CB released dovish statements following the vote which spurred investor confidence in fresh easing.
- IMO much of the bull run was based on BOJ easing hopes, given the size of the economy (4th largest) stimulus from the BOJ had risk sentiment increasing affects - though now in light of no new easing from the BOJ and many CBs shrugging off/ UK internalising the brexit impacts I believe this bull run is over.
2. Technically speaking we may see another week or two of sideways or +1% as the market awaits easing policy information from the BOE (6th largest economy), but past this and regardless of what the BOE does i think the upside bias will cease. BOE is only likely to inject 50bn over probably 6m+ which is a drop in the ocean relatively as the BOJ does 100bn+ in one month, so by mid august latest I expect risk-markets to turn sour and a 10% correction is likely.
Confirmation the risk-rally is over:
- During this bull run we have seen risk markets/ SPX make gains rather frigidly, one day up one day down has been the trend - rather than the usual breakout green green green rallies of the past - this to me indicated that the topside was cautious and reinforced my view that it was central bank driven (not equity market performance driven). Thus, Confirmation of the trend turning to risk-off will be consecutive days of risk markets falling (SPX/ global indexes) OR consecutive safe haven markets rising (Gold, UST, Yen) and the emergence of a strong negative correlation between the two assets will be a solid second indicator that the 2016 risk-off trend is back.
Trading Strategy - a number of ways to play this one:
1. Short FTSE100 @6700 or 7000 (wait for BOE) - this is my favourite trade but has a few conditions. We have built some resistance at the 6700-800 level so here isn't a bad place to sell however i think we will get a better selling vantage point next week, assuming the BOE cut the bank rate 25bps.
- The BOE easing should move FTSE100 up 3-4% in a few days into the 7000 ATH key level as easing boosts business conditions and a lower GBP increases FTSE company international competitiveness. The 7000 level is where I am aiming for FTSE shorts with sell-limit orders as 1) its all time high levels; 2) I like to fade central bank action since it is artifical; 3) the broader risk-run is over so FTSE will suffer with the rest of the market
2. Short US Indexes @Market - SPX is perhaps the best short ATM given it trades right at its newly set all time high levels and on the backdrop of the BOJ miss we should see some downside soon.
3. Long Yen @mrkt - in the immediate term my favourite trade I like long Yen (for 200-400pips) against USD and GBP, given the BOJ backdrop is most related to JPY markets. We have already we seen the risk-off transmission taking place in here as Nikkei sold off 2% after the result and JPY grew 3% but i still think in the immediate term e.g. 1wk we can see more JPY topside and Nikkei weakness - me prefering to trade the FX strength over the equity as the equity often follows as a function of FX strength.
4. Long Bonds or Gold @mrkt - for the medium/ longer term I like buying govt debt, particularly UK gilts (BOE QE increases demand) or Gold - Gold we saw move higher on Friday in reaction to the BOJ so it will be interesting to see if we can get risk-off confirmation run from this next week (look for 3/4 green days).
Risks to the view:
1. US Earnings have outperformed imo on average this Q, so the risk-run may be sustained for longer than the 2wk window that I expect. Nonetheless, i think even this is capped at 4wks e.g. we should be in full bear mode by the start of September - look out for the confirmation, a run of 3/4+ days of consecutive safe haven gains is often all the markets have to signal to show
EURCHF: SNB JORDAN - EYE & BUY 1.05/8, 80% SEPT CUT, STRONG CHFSNB President T. Jordan comment highlights:
- If Needed, Can Cut Rates Further - 50bps to 1.25% possible until negative rates turn less effective
- Big Concern Over Significantly Overvalued CHF in 2016 risk-off dominated year
- CHF 3m Libor prices 80% chance of a 25bps cut (-0.75 to -1.00%) within 3 months (was only 40% before brexit)
- Low bond yields not ideal for foreign-reserve management
- Swiss central bank president currently doesn’t see need to act/ adjust policy, despite risks
- Survey shows CHF needs to rise to 1.05 before rate cut
President T. Jordan G20 Quotes:
1. “We are monitoring the situation very carefully: what are the consequences for inflation and growth in Switzerland, what are our policy options,”
2. Regards to ECB/ BOE future policy - “The franc remains significantly overvalued, it’s a big concern for us.”
3. “The low level of interest rates is of course not ideal for foreign-currency reserve management, but monetary policy is expansionary everywhere,” Jordan said. “That’s an environment we can’t change and we have to adjust our investment policy accordingly.”
4. “There clearly are risks,” but “whether they materialize or not is not in the hand of Switzerland,” he said. “It depends on the decisions Europe will take and how strongly they will affect the global economy and financial markets” and “we hope, of course, that sensible decisions will be taken.”
Trading strategy:
1. Looking at the 1.08 level it looks like there is some clear SNB defence of this level, which is consistent with the SNB's comments that they have intervened at this level in the past (e.g. brexit).
- So an easy strategy is to buy any <1.08 dips, with a 1.088-1.09tp as it looks as if there is some consistent buying from the 1.08 level to the 1.09 level so take advantage of this trend , lower the better, as it certainly looks as if the SNB is engaging in intervention at this level and will continue to do so - even if not officially as in the past with the 1.20 level.
2. Bloomberg Poll see's a definite SNB 25bps cut if the EURCHF drifts to the 1.05 level - so beyond buying 1.08 dips with perhaps 1lot, i advise strongly buying 1.05 and less dips with say 2-4lots based on heavy FX intervention directly or rate based if we were to such low levels. TP can be placed at the 1.08-9 level still
- In terms of cutting capacity, also polled by BBG showed that the SNB has room for another 50bps of cuts before its negative policy may turn counterproductive - so this strategy is sound for now.
GBPJPY: BOJ MISS; BOE HIT? MORE SELLING ON THE HORIZONBOJ Miss:
1. BOJ deliver one of the biggest misses in history (vs expectations/ pressure) - only increasing ETF purchases and dollar funding by apprx $60bn annual in total vs 10-20bps of Depo and LSP cuts + 5-20trn in QE increase + ETF increase.
*See attached post for in-depth detail on the BOJ situation and price action history/ Yen strength/ Safe havens*
BOJ Miss Compounded with a BOE Hit:
1. BOE are expected to ease by 25bps and possibly add 50bn to their QE programme on Thursday - a BOJ miss combined with a BOJ hit should cause compounded losses for GBPJPY as there are two drivers - Yen should continue this week to get stronger (as BOJ easing expectations surpass and Yen strength increases) whilst GBP gets weaker as the BOE on Thursday likely takes action, reducing the value of Sterling - with both providing the optimal environment for downside.
- Historically, when BOJ has delivered new policy/ missed GBPJPY has sold off aggressively between 2-8days and 700-1200pips. Now whilst I dont expect the same level of aggression in the near-term as the relative value is much lower now (135 vs 175) so moves lower should be smaller - I do expect that 400pips lower on the day is not the end of the selling rally for GBPJPY.
- Initially at the start of the week i expect GBPJPY to move lower at least another day (satisfying historical moves), perhaps into the 133.5 level which would be 550pips, lower than the smallest sell-off but fair given the relative value changes - not that i would be surprised to see more.
- Later into the week is when I expect the bulk of GBPJPY losses to come (e.g. Thurs/ Fri) - the reason for this is as 1) any Yen downside risk from the MOF releasing upside in the details of their stimulus package would have surpassed e.g. increased stimulus from 28trn-40trn (unlikely) or increased govt spending section - both of which devaluing yen moving gbpjpy potentially higher. Though I think the risks are more skewed to MOF delivering a package that strengthens JPY as it undershoots expectations as several MOF members have mentioned the package being over several years - the more years the less punch the package has (given some expected it (5% of gdp) to be spent in 1yr), equally the less direct govt spending portion of the package will also lessen the depreciative impact on yen (rumoured to be 13trn, if less then Yen could get considerably stronger). As mentioned I see the MOF release to be asymmetrically skewed to expectation downside for these reasons.
2) BOE GBP selling pressure would happen when they cut the rate and adjust their QE programme - this is a highly likely scenario as BOE MPC Minutes in July said "Most members expect to loosen policy in August" and recently the BOE's biggest hawk M. Weale switched stance in light of UK Business PMI/ Optimism prints at 10yr lows saying the BOE needs to act fast/ delaying policy further doesn't make sense.
Trading strategy: Sell GBPJPY @mrkt 133.5TP1 130.5TP2 128.5TP3 - risk averse traders could wait for the 50-60% MOF/ general Vol bounce into 136-38 level before shorting - I would reshort here anyway.
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)..
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%.
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...
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 $Yen trades at the 104 level and rates markets price only 5-6bps of lowering. HOWEVER, if BOJ/ JPY Govt are to deliver a big easing package - one that smashes expectations (such as the one above) it will be now. The reason I think this is the case is below:
SHORT AUDUSD: EYEING CPI PRINT - SELL 1.0%YOY, 0.3%Q; RBA EASINGAM 2:30GMT Ausssie Inflation prints are released these are key for determining their August Policy Decision
1. IMO a 1.0%yoy CPI print shows a further 0.3% contraction in their yearly CPI, this should be sufficient to push the RBA to cutting their OCR by 25bps, similarly a 0.3%qoq CPI will be needed in conjunction to show that inflation is growing at a slow pace.
2. RBA Minutes that support this view of low CPI leading to a cut from July said -
- On the margin RBA remained in line with previous meetings, adding little but still keeping it on the dovish side imo. Once again, as in previous minutes (and from several other central banks) RBA continued to communicate the necessity of "watching key data" to drive future policy decisions. Interestingly though, they also mentioned the negative impact of a strong AUD which in turn supports RBA doves out there as a cut is the remedy to stop a deflationairy currency in its tracks. Further, RBA notably were under no illusions regarding their inflation situation stating " inflation set to stay low for some time" - another encouraging stimulus for doves given inflation's important position/ weight for setting future policy.
- As per the attached post, i remain dovish/ bearsh on aussie$, and i continue to expect a cut to 1.50% (25bps) this year given i expect their inflation to remain stagnant. Clear targets are 0.73 when probability of a cut is higher - though i would enter shorts regardless if AUD$ could find its way to its 12m highs at 0.78, though unlikely.
- I like USD strength in the medium term too hence supporting the short Aussie dollar view
RBA Minutes Highlights:
RBA MINUTES: BOARD TO WATCH KEY DATA, WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO RATES IF NEEDED; REVIEW OF FORECASTS IN AUG WILL HELP STEER POLICY
- Inflation set to stay low for some time, employment mixed, retail sales look set to pick up
- Stronger AUD would complicate economic rebalancing
- Economic transition is now well advanced