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Today’s Notable Sentiment ShiftsCAD – The Canadian dollar found support on Tuesday from rising oil prices and a further widening of its trade surplus in August’s report. Analysts note that Friday’s employment report is also likely to be positive and support ongoing expectations for a further reduction in bond purchases. GBP – Sterling rose to a three-week high against the euro on Tuesday, recovering from a sharp sell-off last week as traders turned their attention back to the prospect of interest rate hikes in Britain. Indeed, Commerzbank argues that “in view of the significant discrepancy between ECB and BoE comments, one should expect sterling to be stronger.”
by thunderpips
2
GBP USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery has meant solid growth differentials favouring GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. Even though the current fuel challenges should not be enough to derail the economic recovery, the NatGas shortage is much more serious and if not resolved quickly could add to some additional price pressures which in the past few sessions have seen even more aggressive pricing from money markets for additional tightening. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +2182 with a net non-commercial position of +1964. The downside in the Pound this week was something else, slicing through key technical levels on majority of the GBP crosses. Even though the over-aggressive money markets and subsequent moves in SONIA futures we think can explain some of the angst, there is also a far less complicated reason for the downside. Even though large speculators were neutral on Sterling, leveraged funds had a very sizable net-long built up in Sterling in a very short space of time, which meant when key technical levels were breached it was a very fast run to the exists and fast money scrambled to get out of dodge. With the reprieve in Sterling only starting Thursday and CFTC cut off on Tuesday, we would expect to see a sizeable unwind of those leveraged funds longs. Furthermore, after the run lower, we are actively looking to add back to GBP on the long side. USD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: WEAK BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the FED More hawkish than expected sums up the Sep meeting. The FOMC gave the go ahead for a November tapering announcement as long as the economy develops as expected with their criteria for substantial further progress close to being met. The biggest hawkish tilt was the announcement about a faster pace of tapering, with Chair Powell saying there is broad agreement that tapering can be concluded by mid2022. Inflation projections were hawkish, with the Fed projecting Core PCE above their 2% until 2024. On labour, Chair Powell said he thought the substantial further progress threshold for employment was ‘all but met’ and explained that it won’t take a very strong September jobs print for them to start tapering as just a ‘decent’ print will do. The 2022 Dots stayed very close to the June median, but the rate path was much steeper than markets were anticipating with seven hikes expected over the forecast horizon (from just two previously). It is important here to note though that even though the path was steeper, if one compares that to a projected Core PCE >2% for 2022 to 2024, the rate path does not exactly scream fear when it comes to inflation . All in all, it was a hawkish meeting. Interestingly, it took markets about three days to realize this as the expected price action only really took hold of markets a few days later. A faster tapering was a key factor we were watching for an incrementally bullish tilt in the outlook, so market’s initial reactions were surprising. However, with the recent breakout in both US yields and the USD, this has given us more confidence in moving our fundamental outlook for the Dollar from Neutral to Weak Bullish . 2. Real Yields With a Q4 taper start and mid-2022 taper conclusion on the card, we think further downside in real yields will be a struggle and the probability are skewed higher given the outlook for growth, inflation and policy, and higher real yields should be supportive for the USD in the med-term . 3. The global risk outlook One supporting factor for the USD from June was the onset of downside surprises in global growth. However, recent Covid-19 case data from ourworldindata. org has shown a sharp deceleration in new cases globally. Using past occurrences as a template, the reduction in cases is likely to lead to less restrictive measures, which is likely to lead to a strong bounce in economic activity. Thus, even though we have shifted our bias to weak bullish in the med-term , the fall in cases and increased likelihood of a bounce in economic activity could mean downside for the USD from a short to intermediate time horizon (remember a re-acceleration in growth and potentially inflation = reflation) 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +1361 with a net non-commercial position of +26461. Positioning isn’t anywhere near stress levels for the USD, but with both large speculators and leveraged funds sitting in net-long territory, it does mean that the Dollar could be more sensitive from mean reversion while still elevated after the recent push higher into new YTD highs. 5. Economic Data This week we’ll finally have the September NFP print, but all the previous excitement about this event has been mitigated with the Fed’s previous meeting. The Fed’s comments that they don’t need to see a huge or stellar jobs print but that a decent print will do, has largely taken the sting out of the Sep NFP print. The current concerns about inflation means that the Average Hourly Earnings release could be of more interest for market participants to see whether the current labour supply shortage sparks further acceleration in wages.
by thunderpips
9
GBP CHF - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery has meant solid growth differentials favouring GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. Even though the current fuel challenges should not be enough to derail the economic recovery, the NatGas shortage is much more serious and if not resolved quickly could add to some additional price pressures which in the past few sessions have seen even more aggressive pricing from money markets for additional tightening. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +2182 with a net non-commercial position of +1964. The downside in the Pound this week was something else, slicing through key technical levels on majority of the GBP crosses. Even though the over-aggressive money markets and subsequent moves in SONIA futures we think can explain some of the angst, there is also a far less complicated reason for the downside. Even though large speculators were neutral on Sterling, leveraged funds had a very sizable net-long built up in Sterling in a very short space of time, which meant when key technical levels were breached it was a very fast run to the exists and fast money scrambled to get out of dodge. With the reprieve in Sterling only starting Thursday and CFTC cut off on Tuesday, we would expect to see a sizeable unwind of those leveraged funds longs. Furthermore, after the run lower, we are actively looking to add back to GBP on the long side. CHF FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Developments surrounding the global risk outlook. As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver for the CHF with Swiss economic data or SNB policy meetings rarely being very market moving. Although SNB intervention can have a substantial impact on CHF, its impact tends to be relatively short-lived. Additionally, the SNB are unlikely to adjust policy anytime soon, given their overall dovish disposition and preference for being behind the ECB in terms of policy decisions. The market's overall risk tone improved considerably after the pandemic as a result of the global vaccine roll out and the unprecedented amount of monetary policy accommodation and fiscal support from governments. The Delta variant and subsequent impact on growth expectations is of course a sobering reminder that risks remain. Thus, there is still a degree of uncertainty and risks to the overall risk outlook remains which could prove supportive for the safe havens like the CHF should negative factors for the global economy develop. However, on balance the overall risk outlook is still positive in the med-term and barring any major meltdowns in risk assets the bias for the CHF remains bearish in the med-term . 2. Idiosyncratic drivers for the CHF Despite the negative drivers, the CHF saw some surprisingly strength from June. This divergence from the fundamental outlook didn’t make much sense, but the CHF often has a mind of its own and can often move in opposite directions from what short-term sentiment or its fundamental outlook suggests. Recent research from the team has revealed an interesting correlation between the CHF and simultaneous price action in both Gold and the USD which could explain some of the recent price action. We also need to be careful of the possibility of SNB FX intervention. Apart from that, ING investment bank has recently argued that recent CHF strength could be due to the lower inflation in Switzerland compared to the EU which meant that the real trade-weighted CHF has been trading too cheap. They also expanded that the ECB’s bond buying has meant that their balance sheet is expanding more rapidly compared to that of the SNB, which could have been reasons why the SNB did not see the need for any meaningful FX intervention lately. The bottom line is that there are often plenty of idiosyncratic drivers which might or might not impact the CHF and makes short-term price fluctuations a mixed bag for the most part. 3. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -2370 with a net non-commercial position of -11587. The CHF positioning continued to unwind some of its recent surprising strength over the past few weeks. The CHF is back inside net-short territory as one would expect from a currency with an overall med-term bearish outlook. Even though we expect the currency to continue weakening in the med-term , any drastic escalation in risk off tones could continue to provide support for the safe-haven currency in the short-term.
by thunderpips
1
GBP JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery has meant solid growth differentials favouring GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. Even though the current fuel challenges should not be enough to derail the economic recovery, the NatGas shortage is much more serious and if not resolved quickly could add to some additional price pressures which in the past few sessions have seen even more aggressive pricing from money markets for additional tightening. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +2182 with a net non-commercial position of +1964. The downside in the Pound this week was something else, slicing through key technical levels on majority of the GBP crosses. Even though the over-aggressive money markets and subsequent moves in SONIA futures we think can explain some of the angst, there is also a far less complicated reason for the downside. Even though large speculators were neutral on Sterling, leveraged funds had a very sizable net-long built up in Sterling in a very short space of time, which meant when key technical levels were breached it was a very fast run to the exists and fast money scrambled to get out of dodge. With the reprieve in Sterling only starting Thursday and CFTC cut off on Tuesday, we would expect to see a sizeable unwind of those leveraged funds longs. Furthermore, after the run lower, we are actively looking to add back to GBP on the long side JPY FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver of JPY. Economic data rarely proves market moving; and although monetary policy expectations can prove highly market-moving in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically the more dominant factor. The market's overall risk tone has improved considerably following the pandemic with good news about successful vaccinations, and ongoing monetary and fiscal policy support paved the way for markets to expect a robust global economic recovery. Of course, there remains many uncertainties and many countries are continuing to fight virus waves, but as a whole the outlook has kept on improving over the past couple of months, which would expect safe-haven demand to diminish and result in a bearish outlook for the JPY. 2. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares an inverse correlation to strong moves in yield differentials, more specifically in strong moves in US10Y . However, like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y is not perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the type of market environment from a risk and cycle point of view. The rangebound price action in US10Y from July saw our conviction for more upside in USDJPY take a knock, and we have been waiting for US10Y to make a more sustainable break before we look to add longs in USDJPY . This week, we finally saw US10Y being able to clear the key 1.38% level that has acted as strong resistance since July. Thus, as long as US10Y manages to stay above 1.38% we would look for pull backs in USDJPY to look for med-term buy opportunities. However, since 1.38% was such a key level, any break and close below 1.38% for the US10Y would be an automatic trigger to reduce any exposure. 3. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -8689 with a net non-commercial position of -64760. The past few days of price action in the JPY was mostly driven by the excessive moves we saw in yields on the US side, with US10Y climbing 20 basis points (that’s a lot for the bond market by the way) in a very short space of time. The inverse correlation to US10Y saw massive downside versus the USD at the start of the week, and then as yields cooled off and risk sentiment started to sour towards the end of the week, we saw some mild reprieve coming back for the JPY. For now, the bias remains firmly titled to the downside in the med-term , but as always, any major risk off flows can support the JPY, especially with quite a sizable net-short position still built up in the currency. It’s not only large speculators but also leveraged funds that are net-short the JPY, so expect any major risk off flows to favour the JPY, unless that risk off flow is driven by strong moves higher in US10Y of course so just keep that in mind.
by thunderpips
2
GBP USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery and GDP upgrades from the BOE and IMF meant growth differentials favoured GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -5008 with a net non-commercial position of -218. The Pound pushed higher after last week’s FOMC failed to send jitters across risk assets and after the market got very optimistic about higher interest rates in the UK next year. However, as we noted above, we are cautious of recent money market pricing. Another factor to consider in the week ahead is the flurry of reports over the weekend of the current energy hick ups facing the UK, with some media outlets reporting massive fuel shortages which has sparked a frenzy of panic buying and possibly creating a much bigger issue than there was originally. Even though the government has assured that there is enough fuel and currently no crisis, we do want to keep the risks of some possible negative sentiment for GBP in line with this in mind. USD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. The global risk outlook. Global economic data continues to surprise lower and should continue to struggle to surprise to the upside after the pandemic rebound. As the USD usually moves inversely to global growth that should be supportive for the USD as long as the global growth data moves lower. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the FED More hawkish than was expected is a good way to sum up last week’s meeting. The FOMC gave the go ahead for market expectations of a November tapering announcement by saying that if progress on the economic goals continues as expected they would deem their criteria for substantial further progress being met, also saying the statement language was meant to flag that the bar for tapering could be met at the next meeting (Nov). Apart from that, inflation was seen treading above the Fed’s 2% Core PCE target until 2024, which was arguably also more hawkish. On the labour market side, Fed Chair Powell explained that he thought the substantial further progress threshold for the labour market was ‘all but met’, and also explained that it won’t necessarily take a very strong September jobs print for them to start tapering and that just a ‘decent’ print will do. Even though the 2022 just narrowly projected a hike for 2022 and still close to the June median, the rate path was much steeper than markets were anticipating with seven hikes expected over the forecast horizon (from just two previously). All in all, this was more hawkish than expected, but didn’t really see any meaningful follow through in the USD. A faster tapering was a key factor we were watching for an incrementally bullish tilt in the outlook, but at face value markets were surprisingly quick to discount it. The muted reaction could have been down to positioning with the DXY already close to YTD highs, or it might have been the fact that the Fed isn’t the only game in town right now when it comes to policy normalization (RBNZ, BoE, BoC ). Either way, the muted reaction means we are staying patient with our med-term outlook for the USD right now. 3. Real Yields Despite recent divergence between the USD and US real yields, we still think further downside in real yields will be a struggle so close to new cycle lows and that the probability is skewed higher given the outlook for growth, inflation and tapering and should be supportive for the USD. 4. Economic Data Very light economic data in the week ahead with the ISM Mfg PMI being the only highlight. Even though this print is always important, the fact that the Fed has already hinted at a faster taper even without seeing Sep data means there is more downside risks to incoming data compared to upside risks, as upside risks will confirm the Fed’s decision while enough downside surprises might cause some doubts. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +827 with a net non-commercial position of +25100. For now, with the fundamental outlook still neutral, and with positioning at current levels the incoming data will remain the key driver for the USD’s short-term volatility . With a fairly light economic schedule in the week ahead (apart from ISM Mfg PMI on Friday) we might have a more risk driven Dollar drive this week.
by thunderpips
3
GBP JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery and GDP upgrades from the BOE and IMF meant growth differentials favoured GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -5008 with a net non-commercial position of -218. The Pound pushed higher after last week’s FOMC failed to send jitters across risk assets and after the market got very optimistic about higher interest rates in the UK next year. However, as we noted above, we are cautious of recent money market pricing. Another factor to consider in the week ahead is the flurry of reports over the weekend of the current energy hick ups facing the UK, with some media outlets reporting massive fuel shortages which has sparked a frenzy of panic buying and possibly creating a much bigger issue than there was originally. Even though the government has assured that there is enough fuel and currently no crisis, we do want to keep the risks of some possible negative sentiment for GBP in line with this in mind. JPY FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver of JPY. Economic data rarely proves market moving; and although monetary policy expectations can prove highly market-moving in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically the more dominant factor. The market's overall risk tone has improved considerably following the pandemic with good news about successful vaccinations, and ongoing monetary and fiscal policy support paved the way for markets to expect a robust global economic recovery. Of course, there remains many uncertainties and many countries are continuing to fight virus waves, but as a whole the outlook has kept on improving over the past couple of months, which would expect safe-haven demand to diminish and result in a bearish outlook for the JPY. 2. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares an inverse correlation to strong moves in yield differentials, more specifically in strong moves in US10Y . However, like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y is not perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the type of market environment from a risk and cycle point of view. The rangebound price action in US10Y from July saw our conviction for more upside in USDJPY take a knock, and we have been waiting for US10Y to make a more sustainable break before we look to add longs in USDJPY . This week, we finally saw US10Y being able to clear the key 1.38% level that has acted as strong resistance since July. Thus, as long as US10Y manages to stay above 1.38% we would look for pull backs in USDJPY to look for med-term buy opportunities. However, since 1.38% was such a key level, any break and close below 1.38% for the US10Y would be an automatic trigger to reduce any exposure. 3. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +4224 with a net non-commercial position of -56071. With positioning still well inside netshort territory we want to be careful of the risks going in September which is historically the worse performing month for equities. That alone doesn’t mean we are expecting equities to push lower but given the frothy price action over recent weeks, as well as seasonality , as well as the growing chorus of participants calling for a bigger correction, as well as the Evergrande debacle, we don’t want to ignore the possibility of some increased volatility . That doesn’t mean we start buying the JPY of course, it just means that if we do see some jitters creeping in for risk assets it is expected to be positive for the JPY, and with a big net-short there is a lot of downside in the JPY that can be unwound in such a scenario.
by thunderpips
Today’s Notable Sentiment ShiftsUSD – The dollar surged on Wednesday to a fresh ten-and-a-half-month peak against rival currencies, boosted by increased expectations for a reduction in the US Federal Reserve’s asset purchases by the end of the year and an interest rate hike, possibly in late 2022. Explaining USD’s strength, Wells Fargo stated that “the Fed last week got on the more hawkish side, projecting more rate increases and sounding more worried about persistently high inflation.” GBP – Sterling hit its lowest since end-2020 against the dollar on Wednesday, erasing all its gains for the year as concern about soaring natural gas prices and almost a week of petrol shortages in Britain outweighed a recovery in global equity markets. Nomura explains that “gas prices are moving in an extreme manner, so why not in FX too? The concern for macro investors is if GBP becomes a market that will become truly unpredictable. Perhaps the UK suffers from continuous headline shock risks, as it used to in the Brexit politically driven GBP era (2016-2019), which was a time when many macro investors looked elsewhere for more thematic-driven trades. It’s something we don’t expect to happen for a considerable amount of time but a risk on days like this we can’t ignore.”
by thunderpips
5
GBP USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery and GDP upgrades from the BOE and IMF meant growth differentials favoured GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -5008 with a net non-commercial position of -218. The Pound pushed higher after last week’s FOMC failed to send jitters across risk assets and after the market got very optimistic about higher interest rates in the UK next year. However, as we noted above, we are cautious of recent money market pricing. Another factor to consider in the week ahead is the flurry of reports over the weekend of the current energy hick ups facing the UK, with some media outlets reporting massive fuel shortages which has sparked a frenzy of panic buying and possibly creating a much bigger issue than there was originally. Even though the government has assured that there is enough fuel and currently no crisis, we do want to keep the risks of some possible negative sentiment for GBP in line with this in mind. USD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. The global risk outlook. Global economic data continues to surprise lower and should continue to struggle to surprise to the upside after the pandemic rebound. As the USD usually moves inversely to global growth that should be supportive for the USD as long as the global growth data moves lower. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the FED More hawkish than was expected is a good way to sum up last week’s meeting. The FOMC gave the go ahead for market expectations of a November tapering announcement by saying that if progress on the economic goals continues as expected they would deem their criteria for substantial further progress being met, also saying the statement language was meant to flag that the bar for tapering could be met at the next meeting (Nov). Apart from that, inflation was seen treading above the Fed’s 2% Core PCE target until 2024, which was arguably also more hawkish. On the labour market side, Fed Chair Powell explained that he thought the substantial further progress threshold for the labour market was ‘all but met’, and also explained that it won’t necessarily take a very strong September jobs print for them to start tapering and that just a ‘decent’ print will do. Even though the 2022 just narrowly projected a hike for 2022 and still close to the June median, the rate path was much steeper than markets were anticipating with seven hikes expected over the forecast horizon (from just two previously). All in all, this was more hawkish than expected, but didn’t really see any meaningful follow through in the USD. A faster tapering was a key factor we were watching for an incrementally bullish tilt in the outlook, but at face value markets were surprisingly quick to discount it. The muted reaction could have been down to positioning with the DXY already close to YTD highs, or it might have been the fact that the Fed isn’t the only game in town right now when it comes to policy normalization (RBNZ, BoE, BoC ). Either way, the muted reaction means we are staying patient with our med-term outlook for the USD right now. 3. Real Yields Despite recent divergence between the USD and US real yields, we still think further downside in real yields will be a struggle so close to new cycle lows and that the probability is skewed higher given the outlook for growth, inflation and tapering and should be supportive for the USD. 4. Economic Data Very light economic data in the week ahead with the ISM Mfg PMI being the only highlight. Even though this print is always important, the fact that the Fed has already hinted at a faster taper even without seeing Sep data means there is more downside risks to incoming data compared to upside risks, as upside risks will confirm the Fed’s decision while enough downside surprises might cause some doubts. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +827 with a net non-commercial position of +25100. For now, with the fundamental outlook still neutral, and with positioning at current levels the incoming data will remain the key driver for the USD’s short-term volatility . With a fairly light economic schedule in the week ahead (apart from ISM Mfg PMI on Friday) we might have a more risk driven Dollar drive this week.
by thunderpips
1
Today’s Notable Sentiment ShiftsUSD – The dollar surged to its highest in more than ten months on Tuesday, tracking the rise in Treasury yields, as investors looked ahead to the Federal Reserve possibly reducing asset purchases in November and an interest rate hike likely to follow. Commenting on the rise in yields, Cambridge Global Payments noted that “yields are generally moving higher as rising inflation expectations weigh on the relative attractiveness of government bonds, but are climbing even faster in the United States as traders bet the Federal Reserve will move more quickly than its global counterparts. Rate differentials are tilting toward the dollar, weakening low-yielders and putting pressure on economies with significant borrowing needs.” GBP – Sterling fell more than 1% on Tuesday as fears for the economic impact of a shortage of gas in Britain overshadowed Bank of England comments about a possible interest rate rise. CIBC argues that “concurrent to the rising price concerns is the fact that the UK is also currently facing a fuel distribution issue. If the latter (fuel shortage) were to persist, that would amplify concerns over the growth profile”.
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1
GBP CHF - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery and GDP upgrades from the BOE and IMF meant growth differentials favoured GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -5008 with a net non-commercial position of -218. The Pound pushed higher after last week’s FOMC failed to send jitters across risk assets and after the market got very optimistic about higher interest rates in the UK next year. However, as we noted above, we are cautious of recent money market pricing. Another factor to consider in the week ahead is the flurry of reports over the weekend of the current energy hick ups facing the UK, with some media outlets reporting massive fuel shortages which has sparked a frenzy of panic buying and possibly creating a much bigger issue than there was originally. Even though the government has assured that there is enough fuel and currently no crisis, we do want to keep the risks of some possible negative sentiment for GBP in line with this in mind. CHF FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Developments surrounding the global risk outlook. As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver for the CHF with Swiss economic data or SNB policy meetings rarely being very market moving. Although SNB intervention can have a substantial impact on CHF, its impact tends to be relatively short-lived. Additionally, the SNB are unlikely to adjust policy anytime soon, given their overall dovish disposition and preference for being behind the ECB in terms of policy decisions. The market's overall risk tone improved considerably after the pandemic as a result of the global vaccine roll out and the unprecedented amount of monetary policy accommodation and fiscal support from governments. The Delta variant and subsequent impact on growth expectations is of course a sobering reminder that risks remain. Thus, there is still a degree of uncertainty and risks to the overall risk outlook remains which could prove supportive for the safe havens like the CHF should negative factors for the global economy develop. However, on balance the overall risk outlook is still positive in the med-term and barring any major meltdowns in risk assets the bias for the CHF remains bearish in the med-term . 2. Idiosyncratic drivers for the CHF Despite the negative drivers, the CHF saw some surprisingly strength from June. This divergence from the fundamental outlook didn’t make much sense, but the CHF often has a mind of its own and can often move in opposite directions from what short-term sentiment or its fundamental outlook suggests. Recent research from the team has revealed an interesting correlation between the CHF and simultaneous price action in both Gold and the USD which could explain some of the recent price action. We also need to be careful of the possibility of SNB FX intervention. Apart from that, ING investment bank has recently argued that recent CHF strength could be due to the lower inflation in Switzerland compared to the EU which meant that the real trade-weighted CHF has been trading too cheap. They also expanded that the ECB’s bond buying has meant that their balance sheet is expanding more rapidly compared to that of the SNB, which could have been reasons why the SNB did not see the need for any meaningful FX intervention lately. The bottom line is that there are often plenty of idiosyncratic drivers which might or might not impact the CHF and makes short-term price fluctuations a mixed bag for the most part. 3. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -3339 with a net non-commercial position of -9217. The CHF positioning continued to unwind some of its recent surprising strength over the past few weeks. The CHF is back inside net-short territory as one would expect from a currency with an overall med-term bearish outlook. Even though we expect the currency to continue weakening in the med-term , any drastic escalation in risk off tones could continue to provide support for the safe-haven currency in the short-term.
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24
GBP JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery and GDP upgrades from the BOE and IMF meant growth differentials favoured GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -5008 with a net non-commercial position of -218. The Pound pushed higher after last week’s FOMC failed to send jitters across risk assets and after the market got very optimistic about higher interest rates in the UK next year. However, as we noted above, we are cautious of recent money market pricing. Another factor to consider in the week ahead is the flurry of reports over the weekend of the current energy hick ups facing the UK, with some media outlets reporting massive fuel shortages which has sparked a frenzy of panic buying and possibly creating a much bigger issue than there was originally. Even though the government has assured that there is enough fuel and currently no crisis, we do want to keep the risks of some possible negative sentiment for GBP in line with this in mind. JPY FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver of JPY. Economic data rarely proves market moving; and although monetary policy expectations can prove highly market-moving in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically the more dominant factor. The market's overall risk tone has improved considerably following the pandemic with good news about successful vaccinations, and ongoing monetary and fiscal policy support paved the way for markets to expect a robust global economic recovery. Of course, there remains many uncertainties and many countries are continuing to fight virus waves, but as a whole the outlook has kept on improving over the past couple of months, which would expect safe-haven demand to diminish and result in a bearish outlook for the JPY. 2. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares an inverse correlation to strong moves in yield differentials, more specifically in strong moves in US10Y. However, like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y is not perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the type of market environment from a risk and cycle point of view. The rangebound price action in US10Y from July saw our conviction for more upside in USDJPY take a knock, and we have been waiting for US10Y to make a more sustainable break before we look to add longs in USDJPY. This week, we finally saw US10Y being able to clear the key 1.38% level that has acted as strong resistance since July. Thus, as long as US10Y manages to stay above 1.38% we would look for pull backs in USDJPY to look for med-term buy opportunities. However, since 1.38% was such a key level, any break and close below 1.38% for the US10Y would be an automatic trigger to reduce any exposure. 3. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +4224 with a net non-commercial position of -56071. With positioning still well inside netshort territory we want to be careful of the risks going in September which is historically the worse performing month for equities. That alone doesn’t mean we are expecting equities to push lower but given the frothy price action over recent weeks, as well as seasonality, as well as the growing chorus of participants calling for a bigger correction, as well as the Evergrande debacle, we don’t want to ignore the possibility of some increased volatility. That doesn’t mean we start buying the JPY of course, it just means that if we do see some jitters creeping in for risk assets it is expected to be positive for the JPY, and with a big net-short there is a lot of downside in the JPY that can be unwound in such a scenario.
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GBP USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The Sep policy meeting from the BoE saw money markets rushing to price in a much faster and more aggressive policy path than previously expected. Even though this of course falls in line with our bullish bias for the Pound, we do think the market is a bit too aggressive too quick right now. The bank did explain that they now see inflation above 4% by Q4 of this year, and the possibility of more sticky inflation was the key reasons why we saw a 7-2 QE vote split with Saunders and Ramsden both dissenting to cut purchases. However, it’s important to note that the remaining 7 members still see inflation as transitory, and the fact that they expect CPI above 4% means any prints that don’t come close to that poses downside risks. Furthermore, even though the bank said their expectations of modest tightening has strengthened, the admitted that lots of uncertainties remain. A big one of these is the labour market, where even though the number of furloughed staff have decreased, that decrease has materially slowed from August which poses more uncertainty for the labour market. Thus, even though our bias remains unchanged, and we see the bank lifting rates in Q1, we do think the over optimistic moves in money markets poses short-term headwinds. 2. The country’s economic developments The successful vaccination program that allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provided a favourable environment for Sterling and the strength of the economic recovery and GDP upgrades from the BOE and IMF meant growth differentials favoured GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably priced, and the recent slowdown in activity data that suggests peak growth has been reached could mean an uphill push for GBP to see the same size of outperformance we saw earlier. With our above comments about money markets, it also means that there is now more risk to downside surprises than was the case a few months ago. 3. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of -5008 with a net non-commercial position of -218. The Pound pushed higher after last week’s FOMC failed to send jitters across risk assets and after the market got very optimistic about higher interest rates in the UK next year. However, as we noted above, we are cautious of recent money market pricing. Another factor to consider in the week ahead is the flurry of reports over the weekend of the current energy hick ups facing the UK, with some media outlets reporting massive fuel shortages which has sparked a frenzy of panic buying and possibly creating a much bigger issue than there was originally. Even though the government has assured that there is enough fuel and currently no crisis, we do want to keep the risks of some possible negative sentiment for GBP in line with this in mind. USD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. The global risk outlook. Global economic data continues to surprise lower and should continue to struggle to surprise to the upside after the pandemic rebound. As the USD usually moves inversely to global growth that should be supportive for the USD as long as the global growth data moves lower. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the FED More hawkish than was expected is a good way to sum up last week’s meeting. The FOMC gave the go ahead for market expectations of a November tapering announcement by saying that if progress on the economic goals continues as expected they would deem their criteria for substantial further progress being met, also saying the statement language was meant to flag that the bar for tapering could be met at the next meeting (Nov). Apart from that, inflation was seen treading above the Fed’s 2% Core PCE target until 2024, which was arguably also more hawkish. On the labour market side, Fed Chair Powell explained that he thought the substantial further progress threshold for the labour market was ‘all but met’, and also explained that it won’t necessarily take a very strong September jobs print for them to start tapering and that just a ‘decent’ print will do. Even though the 2022 just narrowly projected a hike for 2022 and still close to the June median, the rate path was much steeper than markets were anticipating with seven hikes expected over the forecast horizon (from just two previously). All in all, this was more hawkish than expected, but didn’t really see any meaningful follow through in the USD. A faster tapering was a key factor we were watching for an incrementally bullish tilt in the outlook, but at face value markets were surprisingly quick to discount it. The muted reaction could have been down to positioning with the DXY already close to YTD highs, or it might have been the fact that the Fed isn’t the only game in town right now when it comes to policy normalization (RBNZ, BoE, BoC). Either way, the muted reaction means we are staying patient with our med-term outlook for the USD right now. 3. Real Yields Despite recent divergence between the USD and US real yields, we still think further downside in real yields will be a struggle so close to new cycle lows and that the probability is skewed higher given the outlook for growth, inflation and tapering and should be supportive for the USD. 4. Economic Data Very light economic data in the week ahead with the ISM Mfg PMI being the only highlight. Even though this print is always important, the fact that the Fed has already hinted at a faster taper even without seeing Sep data means there is more downside risks to incoming data compared to upside risks, as upside risks will confirm the Fed’s decision while enough downside surprises might cause some doubts. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data showed a positioning change of +827 with a net non-commercial position of +25100. For now, with the fundamental outlook still neutral, and with positioning at current levels the incoming data will remain the key driver for the USD’s short-term volatility. With a fairly light economic schedule in the week ahead (apart from ISM Mfg PMI on Friday) we might have a more risk driven Dollar drive this week.
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Today’s Notable Sentiment ShiftsGBP – Sterling rallied on Thursday, as the Bank of England said two of its policymakers had voted for an early end to pandemic-era government bond-buying and markets brought forward their expectations of an interest rate rise to March. Following the BoE’s meeting, Mizuho stated that “the 7-2 vote is the beginning of a shift towards higher rates & boosts the chances that QE ends earlier than expected. The text comments are looking more hawkish in mind. We should continue to see further strength across the board & an increase in the chance of rate hike.”
by thunderpips
2
GBP CHF - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Virus Situation The successful vaccination program has allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provides a favourable environment for GBP. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The BoE meeting on 5 August provided a flurry of comments with something for both the doves and the hawks. The QE vote split was more dovish (7-1) with BoE’s Saunders the only dissenter, while upgrades to growth and inflation were positive, even though price pressures is still views as mostly ‘transitory’. Reasons for a patient stance was the uncertainty surrounding the virus at the time as well as waiting for the end of the furlough scheme to assess the impact on the labour market. Thus, the bank will be in wait-and-see mode until at least Oct or Nov. The other important change was the reduction in the bank’s QT threshold from 1.5% to 0.5%, with the bank looking at a bank rate of 0.5% to stop reinvesting maturing assets and a rate of 1.0% to start selling assets and reducing its balance sheet . Market participants are mixed about what this means (it’s positive since the bank has enough confidence to lower the balance sheet even while rates are low, but on the other hand it means rates can stay lower for longer which is a negative). However, all in all the most important take away was the continued optimism about the economy despite virus uncertainty and comments that modest tightening will be required. 3. The country’s economic developments Hopes of a fast economic recovery has seen the BOE and IMF upgrade GDP projections for the UK which has widened the growth differentials between other major economies and has been a positive input for GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably already reflected in the price which means a continuation of the recent misses in economic data could make further solid gains more difficult for the GBP to maintain. The incoming data has been mixed with CPI and the labour market pushing higher while consumer spending disappointed. This week’s incoming BoE has some room to disappoint in our view as the market might have gotten too optimistic about how the bank will respond after the recent CPI print. Remember, the bank’s own projections expected CPI to reach 4% before cooling off, which means just above 3% shouldn’t scare them into tightening, and furthermore the bank still needs to evaluate how the labour market keeps up after furlough ends. Even though we are still bullish on the currency and expect higher rates next year, the BoE might cool some of the optimism and pick a more patient stance this week. 4. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +29314 with a net non-commercial position of +4790. Latest CFTC data showed a sizable positioning change after recent hawkish BoE comments which have taken positioning from a net-short back into net-long territory. Even though our bias remains to the upside, the move in spot and rates markets shows some caution has been thrown into the wind and means we want to take a more sober and patient approach to Sterling going into this week’s BoE. CHF FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Developments surrounding the global risk outlook. As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver for the CHF. Swiss economic data rarely proves market moving; and although SNB intervention can have a substantial impact on CHF, its impact tends to be relatively short-lived. Additionally, the SNB are unlikely to adjust policy anytime soon, given their overall bearish tone and a preference for being behind the ECB in terms of policy decisions. The market's overall risk tone has improving considerably from just a year ago because of the global vaccine roll out and the unprecedented amount of monetary policy accommodation and fiscal support from governments. The Delta variant and subsequent impact on growth expectations is of course a sobering reminder that risks remain. Thus, there is still a degree of uncertainty and risks to the overall risk outlook remains which could prove supportive for the safe havens like the CHF should negative factors for the global economy develop. However, on balance the overall risk outlook is continuing to improve and barring any major meltdowns in risk assets the bias for the CHF remains bearish in the med-term . 2. Idiosyncratic drivers for the CHF Despite the negative drivers, the CHF has remained surprisingly strong over the past couple of weeks. This divergence from the fundamental outlook doesn’t make much sense, but the CHF often has a mind of its own and can often move in opposite directions from what short-term sentiment or its fundamental outlook suggests. Recent research from the team has revealed an interesting correlation between the CHF simultaneous price moves in Gold and the USD which could explain some of the recent price action. We also need to be careful of the possibility of SNB FX intervention. Apart from that, ING investment bank has recently argued that recent CHF strength could be due to the lower inflation in Switzerland compared to the EU which meant that the real trade-weighted CHF has been trading too cheap. They also expanded that the ECB’s bond buying has meant that their balance sheet is expanding more rapidly compared to that of the SNB, which could have been reasons why the SNB did not see the need for any meaningful FX intervention lately. The bottom line is that there are often plenty of idiosyncratic drivers which might or might not impact the CHF and makes short-term price fluctuations a mixed bag for the most part. 3. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of -6098 with a net non-commercial position of -5878. The CHF positioning continued to unwind some of its recent surprising strength over the past few weeks. The CHF has now moved back into net-short territory as one would expect from a currency with an overall med-term bearish outlook. Even though we expect the currency to continue weakening in the med-term , any drastic escalation in risk off tones could continue to provide support for the safe-haven currency in the short-term.
by thunderpips
2
GBP USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Virus Situation The successful vaccination program has allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provides a favourable environment for GBP. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The BoE meeting on 5 August provided a flurry of comments with something for both the doves and the hawks. The QE vote split was more dovish (7-1) with BoE’s Saunders the only dissenter, while upgrades to growth and inflation were positive, even though price pressures is still views as mostly ‘transitory’. Reasons for a patient stance was the uncertainty surrounding the virus at the time as well as waiting for the end of the furlough scheme to assess the impact on the labour market. Thus, the bank will be in wait-and-see mode until at least Oct or Nov. The other important change was the reduction in the bank’s QT threshold from 1.5% to 0.5%, with the bank looking at a bank rate of 0.5% to stop reinvesting maturing assets and a rate of 1.0% to start selling assets and reducing its balance sheet . Market participants are mixed about what this means (it’s positive since the bank has enough confidence to lower the balance sheet even while rates are low, but on the other hand it means rates can stay lower for longer which is a negative). However, all in all the most important take away was the continued optimism about the economy despite virus uncertainty and comments that modest tightening will be required. 3. The country’s economic developments Hopes of a fast economic recovery has seen the BOE and IMF upgrade GDP projections for the UK which has widened the growth differentials between other major economies and has been a positive input for GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably already reflected in the price which means a continuation of the recent misses in economic data could make further solid gains more difficult for the GBP to maintain. The incoming data has been mixed with CPI and the labour market pushing higher while consumer spending disappointed. This week’s incoming BoE has some room to disappoint in our view as the market might have gotten too optimistic about how the bank will respond after the recent CPI print. Remember, the bank’s own projections expected CPI to reach 4% before cooling off, which means just above 3% shouldn’t scare them into tightening, and furthermore the bank still needs to evaluate how the labour market keeps up after furlough ends. Even though we are still bullish on the currency and expect higher rates next year, the BoE might cool some of the optimism and pick a more patient stance this week. 4. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +29314 with a net non-commercial position of +4790. Latest CFTC data showed a sizable positioning change after recent hawkish BoE comments which have taken positioning from a net-short back into net-long territory. Even though our bias remains to the upside, the move in spot and rates markets shows some caution has been thrown into the wind and means we want to take a more sober and patient approach to Sterling going into this week’s BoE. USD FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL 1. The global risk outlook. Global economic data continues to surprise lower and should continue to struggle to surprise to the upside after the pandemic rebound. As the USD usually moves inversely to global growth that should be supportive for the USD. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the FED In July the FOMC noted that the economy has made progress toward their goals, and they’ll continue to assess progress in coming meetings. They also took a more sanguine view of the virus situation by removing prior comments that sectors affected by the pandemic ‘remain weak but have shown improvement’ and instead replaced it with ‘sectors most affected by the pandemic have shown improvement but have not fully recovered’. This was initially seen as less dovish, but Powell used his usual dovish tone to correct any ‘hawkish’ takes by stressing that employment still has a ‘ways to go’ and noted that there was still "some ground to cover" when it comes to the labour market. He also reiterated that any decision to announce tapering will be done well in advance. For now, markets are looking at the incoming data to decide whether tapering will be announced at the Jackson Hole Symposium or in the fall. This past week we some interesting comments from Fed’s Waller who tilted their language and stance towards Bullard and Kaplan in expecting that two more solid employment prints (800K-1M) would mean substantial further progress has been met and tapering could then start at a faster pace. This was bullish for the USD, but the more important and market moving comments came from Fed’s Clarida who has seemingly moved into the Neutral camp (previously dovish) by saying he agrees with the median Fed projections of a first hike by early 2023 and more importantly his comments about inflation has moved away from the sanguine view expressed by the doves and is more concerned about current price pressures. This shift saw Dollar upside with all eyes on the Sep NFP to see whether markets will expect Sep or Dec to be the official tapering announcement meeting. 3. Real Yields Despite recent divergence between the USD and US real yields, we still think further downside in real yields will be a struggle so close to new cycle lows and that the probability is skewed higher given the outlook for growth, inflation and tapering and should be supportive for the USD. 4. Economic Data CPI data failed which saw both the Core measures decelerate much faster than market had anticipated wasn’t enough to see any meaningful reaction in assets across the board. Instead, overall choppy risk sentiment was the biggest driver, with some very unexpected upside in the greenback into the close on Friday. All eyes will be on the incoming FOMC meeting, where the biggest focus point will be on the Summary of Economic Projections and whether the updated Dot Plot shows a shift in the median projections for a first lift off in rates. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +2808 with a net non-commercial position of +24273. For now, with the fundamental outlook still neutral, and with positioning at current levels the incoming data will remain the key driver for the USD’s shortterm volatility . One point of caution about this week’s FOMC meeting is that the net-long positioning right now is far different compared to the very oversubscribed short positioning that was built up in the Dollar in June, which means that a change in the median Dot Plot to 2022 might not have the same impact on the Dollar as it had back in June.
by thunderpips
1
GBP JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Virus Situation The successful vaccination program has allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provides a favourable environment for GBP. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The BoE meeting on 5 August provided a flurry of comments with something for both the doves and the hawks. The QE vote split was more dovish (7-1) with BoE’s Saunders the only dissenter, while upgrades to growth and inflation were positive, even though price pressures is still views as mostly ‘transitory’. Reasons for a patient stance was the uncertainty surrounding the virus at the time as well as waiting for the end of the furlough scheme to assess the impact on the labour market. Thus, the bank will be in wait-and-see mode until at least Oct or Nov. The other important change was the reduction in the bank’s QT threshold from 1.5% to 0.5%, with the bank looking at a bank rate of 0.5% to stop reinvesting maturing assets and a rate of 1.0% to start selling assets and reducing its balance sheet . Market participants are mixed about what this means (it’s positive since the bank has enough confidence to lower the balance sheet even while rates are low, but on the other hand it means rates can stay lower for longer which is a negative). However, all in all the most important take away was the continued optimism about the economy despite virus uncertainty and comments that modest tightening will be required. 3. The country’s economic developments Hopes of a fast economic recovery has seen the BOE and IMF upgrade GDP projections for the UK which has widened the growth differentials between other major economies and has been a positive input for GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably already reflected in the price which means a continuation of the recent misses in economic data could make further solid gains more difficult for the GBP to maintain. The incoming data has been mixed with CPI and the labour market pushing higher while consumer spending disappointed. This week’s incoming BoE has some room to disappoint in our view as the market might have gotten too optimistic about how the bank will respond after the recent CPI print. Remember, the bank’s own projections expected CPI to reach 4% before cooling off, which means just above 3% shouldn’t scare them into tightening, and furthermore the bank still needs to evaluate how the labour market keeps up after furlough ends. Even though we are still bullish on the currency and expect higher rates next year, the BoE might cool some of the optimism and pick a more patient stance this week. 4. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +29314 with a net non-commercial position of +4790. Latest CFTC data showed a sizable positioning change after recent hawkish BoE comments which have taken positioning from a net-short back into net-long territory. Even though our bias remains to the upside, the move in spot and rates markets shows some caution has been thrown into the wind and means we want to take a more sober and patient approach to Sterling going into this week’s BoE. JPY FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver of JPY. Economic data rarely proves market moving; and although monetary policy expectations can prove highly market-moving in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically the more dominant factor. The market's overall risk tone has improved considerably following the pandemic with good news about successful vaccinations, and ongoing monetary and fiscal policy support paved the way for markets to expect a robust global economic recovery. Of course, there remains many uncertainties and many countries are continuing to fight virus waves, but as a whole the outlook has kept on improving over the past couple of months, which would expect safe-haven demand to diminish and result in a bearish outlook for the JPY. 2. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares an inverse correlation to strong moves in yield differentials, more specifically in strong moves in US10Y . However, like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y is not perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the type of market environment from a risk and cycle point of view. The rangebound price action in US10Y from July has meant our conviction in JPY shorts has reduced versus the US Dollar , and until US10Y can convincingly break higher and take out its recent range highs we will stay more patient with USDJPY longs. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +2030 with a net non-commercial position of -60295. With positioning still, the largest net-short among the majors we want to be careful of the risks going into September which is historically the worse performing month for equities. That alone doesn’t mean we are expecting equities to push lower but given the frothy price action over recent weeks (haven’t seen a 5% correction in the S&P500 in 11 months) as well as seasonality and the growing chorus of participants calling for a bigger correction, we don’t want to ignore the possibility of some increased volatility this month. That doesn’t mean we start buying the JPY of course, it just means that if we do see some jitters creeping in for risk assets it is expected to be positive for the JPY, and with the biggest net-short for the majors there is a lot of downside in the JPY that can be unwound in such a scenario.
by thunderpips
1
GBPCHF LONG OPPORTUNITYPrice is currently consolidating, trading between resistance level at 1.28 and found support on major trendline at 1.25 level. The trendline we've found support on hasn't been broken since November 2015, so a good and strong bullish move. Strong level of support can be found on this trendline, retested several times. Unlike last time we've broken this trendline and we couldn't hold it for long, now we have a better and consolidation. Tehnically some more bullish momentum with a higher high on the RSI. Please note that this is not financial advice and we are just sharing our thoughts. We encourage anyone trading financial instruments to do their own analisys and trade responsably
Long
by HOUSEofTRADING
GBP JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSGBP FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH 1. Virus Situation The successful vaccination program has allowed the UK to open up faster and sooner than peers & provides a favourable environment for GBP. 2. The Monetary Policy outlook for the BOE The BoE meeting on 5 August provided a flurry of comments with something for both the doves and the hawks. The QE vote split was more dovish (7-1) with BoE’s Saunders the only dissenter, while upgrades to growth and inflation were positive, even though price pressures is still views as mostly ‘transitory’. Reasons for a patient stance was the uncertainty surrounding the virus at the time as well as waiting for the end of the furlough scheme to assess the impact on the labour market. Thus, the bank will be in wait-and-see mode until at least Oct or Nov. The other important change was the reduction in the bank’s QT threshold from 1.5% to 0.5%, with the bank looking at a bank rate of 0.5% to stop reinvesting maturing assets and a rate of 1.0% to start selling assets and reducing its balance sheet . Market participants are mixed about what this means (it’s positive since the bank has enough confidence to lower the balance sheet even while rates are low, but on the other hand it means rates can stay lower for longer which is a negative). However, all in all the most important take away was the continued optimism about the economy despite virus uncertainty and comments that modest tightening will be required. 3. The country’s economic developments Hopes of a fast economic recovery has seen the BOE and IMF upgrade GDP projections for the UK which has widened the growth differentials between other major economies and has been a positive input for GBP. However, a lot of these positives are arguably already reflected in the price which means a continuation of the recent misses in economic data could make further solid gains more difficult for the GBP to maintain. The incoming data has been mixed with CPI and the labour market pushing higher while consumer spending disappointed. This week’s incoming BoE has some room to disappoint in our view as the market might have gotten too optimistic about how the bank will respond after the recent CPI print. Remember, the bank’s own projections expected CPI to reach 4% before cooling off, which means just above 3% shouldn’t scare them into tightening, and furthermore the bank still needs to evaluate how the labour market keeps up after furlough ends. Even though we are still bullish on the currency and expect higher rates next year, the BoE might cool some of the optimism and pick a more patient stance this week. 4. Political Developments Even though a Brexit deal was reached at the end of last year, some issues like the Northern Ireland protocol remains, and with neither side willing to budge right now it seems like a never ending can kicking could see these issues drag on for a long time. For now, Sterling has looked through all the rigmarole and should continue to do so as long as the cans are kicked down the road. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +29314 with a net non-commercial position of +4790. Latest CFTC data showed a sizable positioning change after recent hawkish BoE comments which have taken positioning from a net-short back into net-long territory. Even though our bias remains to the upside, the move in spot and rates markets shows some caution has been thrown into the wind and means we want to take a more sober and patient approach to Sterling going into this week’s BoE. JPY FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH 1. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is the primary driver of JPY. Economic data rarely proves market moving; and although monetary policy expectations can prove highly market-moving in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically the more dominant factor. The market's overall risk tone has improved considerably following the pandemic with good news about successful vaccinations, and ongoing monetary and fiscal policy support paved the way for markets to expect a robust global economic recovery. Of course, there remains many uncertainties and many countries are continuing to fight virus waves, but as a whole the outlook has kept on improving over the past couple of months, which would expect safe-haven demand to diminish and result in a bearish outlook for the JPY. 2. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares an inverse correlation to strong moves in yield differentials, more specifically in strong moves in US10Y . However, like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y is not perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the type of market environment from a risk and cycle point of view. The rangebound price action in US10Y from July has meant our conviction in JPY shorts has reduced versus the US Dollar , and until US10Y can convincingly break higher and take out its recent range highs we will stay more patient with USDJPY longs. 4. CFTC Analysis Latest CFTC data (updated until 14 Sep) showed a positioning change of +2030 with a net non-commercial position of -60295. With positioning still, the largest net-short among the majors we want to be careful of the risks going into September which is historically the worse performing month for equities. That alone doesn’t mean we are expecting equities to push lower but given the frothy price action over recent weeks (haven’t seen a 5% correction in the S&P500 in 11 months) as well as seasonality and the growing chorus of participants calling for a bigger correction, we don’t want to ignore the possibility of some increased volatility this month. That doesn’t mean we start buying the JPY of course, it just means that if we do see some jitters creeping in for risk assets it is expected to be positive for the JPY, and with the biggest net-short for the majors there is a lot of downside in the JPY that can be unwound in such a scenario.
by thunderpips