AUDUSD: RBA SOMP HIGHLIGHTS - NFP GUIDANCE FROM HEREThe RBA was relatively neutral on the margin, keeping their inflation targets the same at 1.5-2.5. However, unfortunately for aussie shorts the RBA didnt offer any forward guidence on sentiment towards further easing, or specific reference to the aussie FX level - despite there being a strong bid bias brewing in the aud$ cross post-25bps cut. Also their forecasts for underlying inflation imo were quite positive at 1.5% vs 1.0% currently - this infers the RBA perhaps even thinks that the 1.5% rate will be sufficient to reach their inflation target, and that another cut this year isnt being thought about given they predict on target inflation with current policy. Although this does then run the downside risk of inflation staying low (as i expect) which may force the RBAs hand to cut again at years end if inflation is below 1.% or another print that misses the 1.5% expected mark.
At these levels aussie looks attractive on the offer with a 0.74xx target - however USD supply has been strife since last week when rate expectations sold off amid poor GDP print to just p12% in september - down from 25% earlier in the week.. this week failed to improve, with little impetus for this to be the case, though the greenback now looks to NFP today for guidance. A beat/ firm print should help aussie offer well at these levels given we are right at the double top 0.766 level, so any USD strength arising from the NFP print has a bias to see AUD$ move lower, though as the macro landscape questionably is changing, it is uncertain if it will be enough to surpress yield seekers demand for aussie deposits for long/ a sustained period (if at all), which is expecially odd since we saw the rate brought down this week whihc should have set a bearish tone for the week, as we have seen with the BOE and GBP. After NFP we will have a clearer view.
From here i think aussie positioning should be sidelined until the NFP print is clear - a miss and i actually think Aussie is better to trade bid, with 0.78 a firm target. A NFP hit and that should offer aussie lower, though for some reason I see the risk asymmetrically skewed to aussie topside, given the very week reaction to what is/ should be the biggest fundamental driver possible - a rate cut. So much of this trade is being vigilant - an NFP miss, buy a 0.766 confirmed breakout, a NFP hit - ensure AUD$ is trading with a clear bid bias.. any 10-30pips movement lower will not suffice at these levels, aussie is still likely bidding.
RBA Minutes Highlights:
- Underlying Inflation To Remain Under 2% For Much Of Forecast Period, Reach 2 % By End 2018
- Prospects For Economy Positive, But Low Inflation Allows For "Even Stronger Growth"
- Judged Risks Associated With Rising House Prices And Debt Had Diminished
- A$ Remains Significant Source Of Uncertainty For Inflation, Growth Forecasts
- Economic Growth And Inflation Forecasts Little Changed Overall
- Forecasts Underlying Inflation 1.5% By End 2016, 1.5-2.5% End 2017, 1.5-2.5% End 2018
- Forecasts GDP Growth 2.5-3.5% End 2016, 2.5-3.5% End 2017, 3-4% End 2018
- Says Unemployment To Fall Only A Little Out To 2018, Employment Growth To Be Modest This Year
- Drag On GDP From Falling Mining Investment Looks To Have Peaked, Non-Mining Still Subdued
- Dwelling Investment To Stay Strong For Next Year Or So, But Raises Risk Of Oversupply
- GDP Growth Looks To Have Moderated In Q2 As Net Exports Added Less
- Wage Growth Expected To Remain Low, Rise Modestly Out To 2018
- Increasing Supply, China Steel Cutbacks To Put Downward Pressure On Iron Ore Prices
- Growth In China Expected To Slow Gradually Over Next Few Years, Housing A Risk
- Brexit To Have Limited Effect On Australia's Major Trading Partners
RBA
LONG USD VS AUD, GBP, NZD: FED EVANS SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSFed Evans was the third fed member this week to hint that at least one rate increase is on the cards, though more dovish in saying "one hike could be appropriate" vs saying "expect the fed to hike at least once this year" which we heard from Dudley/ Kaplan earlier in the week. Though in reality his speech was dovish on the margin and offered little help for the wiltering green back which has fallen 6 of the last 7 days. The most USD shunning comment was " Could See One More Rate Increase This Year 'Even Though I Prefer None'" which obviously offers no help for the USD.
Nonetheless from here and at these levels i continue to see alpha in long USD vs AUD above 0.76 and GBP above 1.33 as the RBA cut the interest rate on tuesday which imo will likely be priced into a imminent 0.74xx sell-off once this USD weakness fades, and as the BOE likely also eases tomorrow which should see cable trade into the low 1.30s if now 1.28s or beyond. NZD is also a good proxy short as the RBNZ is expected to ease by 25-50bps on the 10th which should see kiwi trade into 0.69xx or 0.67xx respectively.
Whilst USD weakness is likely exacerbated by Fed Evans dovish remarks - today the federal funds futures ticked higher, as the BOJ-miss induced safe haven demand eased today after several days of selling off and the implied prob of a sept hike steepened to 18% vs 12% yesterday.. if the Rates market can hold these gains into fridays NFP we will likely see USD trade with a bid bias vs the above. The risk going forward though in the next 1-2wks is a poor NFP print.. if we miss expectations considerably this could send USD into a selling spiral, though a firm or beat print i confidently believe will see DXY regain prowess as many of its crosses trade at attractive USD long levels e.g. EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD etc.
Fed Evans Speech Highlights:
Fed's Evans: One Rate Increase for 2016 Could Be Appropriate
Evans: Need More Confidence Inflation Headed to 2%
Evans: Could See One More Rate Increase This Year 'Even Though I Prefer None'
Evans: One More Increase Close Enough in Line With Views
Evans: Wouldn't Mind Waiting to Raise Rates Until Economy Stronger
Evans: Recent GDP Data Was Disappointing
Evans: Ability to Continue Growing Jobs A 'Pretty Good Sign'
Evans: Fed Isn't 'Behind The Curve' on Rates
Evans: Core Inflation Won't Reach 2% Until 2018
Evans: Brexit Risk Has 'Come Down'
Evans: Global Economy Growing More Slowly Than Would Have Hoped
Evans: U.S. Fundamentals Are 'Good'
Evans: Expects 2016 GDP of 2% to 2.5%
Evans: Labor Market Has Displayed Resilience
Fed's Evans: One Rate Increase for 2016 Could Be Appropriate
BUY USD VS AUD, NZD & GBP: FOMC MEMBER KAPLAN SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSMore of the same here - my USD view remains bullish against AUD, NZD, GBP from here and at these levels. Especially on the back of the RBA i still think we should see 0.745 in AUD$ today, 0.69 in kiwi on the 10th (RBNZ), and 1.28 for GBP on the 4th (BOE)
Fed Kaplan Speech Comments:
Kaplan: Expects Continued Oil Price Volatility Until Year-End
Kaplan: 1Q, 2Q GDP Figures Were Disappointing
Kaplan Expects to See More Bankruptcies, M&A and Restructuring In Energy Sector This Year DJ News
Kaplan: Dallas Fed Still Expects Full Year GDP of 2% Due to Solid Consumer Demand
Kaplan: 1Q, 2Q GDP Figures Were Disappointing
Kaplan: Dallas Fed Still Expects Full Year GDP of 2% Due to Solid Consumer Demand
Kaplan: Dallas Fed Expects Workforce Participation Rate To Go Down to 61% by 2024
Kaplan: Has Confidence Headline Inflation Will Reach 2% In The Medium Term
Kaplan: China Future GDP Growth Rates Likely to Decline
Kaplan: Brexit Impacts Will Take Time to Unfold
Kaplan: Removal of Accomodation Should Be Done in 'Gradual and Patient Manner'
Kaplan: There Has Been Significant Decline in Neutral Rate Of Interest Last Few Years
Kaplan: Expects to see one hike this year
Kaplan: Decline in Neutral Rates Makes Using Monetary Policy More Challenging
Kaplan: Structural Reforms, Fiscal Policy Should Be Used to Help Economies
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
AUDUSD: RBA BANK HIGHLIGHTS - CUT & SELL OR STAND PAT & LONG?Inline with the mixed information below, i too am undecided with what the RBA will do.
There are several arguments for a cut e.g. CPI falling at an alarming rate/ strong trend; strong aussie; 1.75% high yield and likely to maintain AUD strength. But several against e.g. some of the trimmed prints show stability at 1.7%; need for more data - aussie employment report etc, given the AUD only holds data reports quarterly.
That said, whilst im not certain on a RBA rate cut, i am certain on an RBNZ cut (more of a 25 or 50bps cut question), so going into RBA the lower conviction and risk trade is to play it through kiwi transmission e.g. short kiwi$ - an RBA cut will put downside pressure on kiwi$ too as it increases the chance of an RBNZ cut even more as the RBNZ will seek to drive their relative yield down and NZD currency appreciation down.
The release is expected at AM5:30GMT - I expect aussiedollar will lose 100-200pips from market on a 25bps cut and if they stand unchanged i expect a topside rally into the 767 resistance graveyard but terminally, with a no rate cut i think we will likely see an end of week close at the 0.782 12m high resistance level assuming the USD employment report is average.
Central bank confidence trades relatively low these days in the "disappointment era! however we have seen some strong conviction with bullish bets on RBA cut positioning so far with AUD$ down 100pips+ from yesterday - the lower we move pre-RBA the nastier a disappointment rally with be but also the short downside returns diminish - we could end up only seeing 100pip dropp if we move to 745 pre-decision.
BAML ON THE RBA:
- We expect the RBA to cut rates this week in response to a weak inflation pulse and spare capacity in the labour markeT.
- A cut should lend support to the rates curve above 40bp. We await better levels to reset AU US spread compression trades.
- The AUD is benefiting from the global search for positive yield and a rate cut is unlikely to deter this supportive inflow.
RBA to hold due to spot on CPI? - TDS
- Analysts at TD Securities explained that the recent AUD Q2 underlying CPI was spot-on the RBA’s expectations so they don’t think this will be a trigger for the Bank to cut.
RBA to cut tomorrow - MUFG
-Derek Halpenny, European Head of GMR at MUFG, suggests that the Australian dollar is one of those currencies that is currently much stronger than what is implied by the 2-year swap yield spread with the US.
RBA to cut 25bps at its August meeting – RBC CM
-Research Team at RBC Capital Markets, expects the RBA to cut 25bps at its August meeting.
RBA: Not enough grounds to cut rates in August - Commerzbank
- Antje Praefcke, analyst at Commerzbank notes that even though the market widely expects the RBA to cut the interest rate by 25 basis points from 1.75% to 1.50% next Asian session, they do not see enough grounds to lower the key interest rate in August.
RBS - RBA to be on hold
AUD/USD : Is 0.76104 the key to the deadlock?AUD/USD has been trading within range (0.742-0.764) all July. Some fierce resistance was at 0755, 0.761 and 0.764 levels. Meanwhile, 0.742 was July's major support with 0.749 acting as a front line support that kept bears from taking over.
Friday trading saw the pair failing its last attempt to break the 0.749 levels before it spiked towards 0.76104 (23rd June resistance level) after a disappointing US GDP reading. The pair closed below the 76c mark ahead of a week that carries a tough interest rate decision from RBA on Tuesday afternoon.
Interestingly, it appears that the classic two heads and a shoulder pattern was in formation on Friday, with the shoulders at exactly 0.76104 (23rd June - 29th July) and the head at 15th of July high at 0.76765 !
Obviously, that pattern will be invalidated if the 23rd of June high of 0.76474 is broken. However, the RSI descending trendline suggests that we are due for a bearish corrective action with 0.755 is the first support to be tested, followed by 0.752 level. A break below 0.752 would facilitate the bearish takeover of the 0.749 (which I believe won't be fighting any longer) and take us towards lower 74c levels.
My positioning:
I'm bearish on AUD/USD
SL 0.765
TP1 0.742
TP2 0.733
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
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
SELL AUDUSD - JUNE RBA MINUTES HIGHLIGHTS - DOVISH/ CUT POSSIBLEOn 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
AUDNZD: Ready to go back upAUDNZD has reached an extremely low level as you can see in the quarterly chart, and as is typical in cross pairs, they tend to revert back to the long term mean when this happens.
The best way to know when it'll turn is when fundamentals favor outperformance of one of the currencies over the other, specially when technicals align.
In the weekly chart you can observe my 'pair trader' indicator, which shows the spread between AUDUSD and NZDUSD. Interestingly enough, it's at record low levels, similar to the one before the steep rally that started in April 2015.
Since both economies are fairly similar, this pair tends to range in a very wide and volatile range in the long term as you can see. I favor longs in this pair. If price were to drop below the 'Brexit key level' on chart, I'd doubt the advance.
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Ivan Labrie
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Risk disclaimer: My analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.
LONG DXY/ USD VS GBP: HAWKISH FOMC LOCKHART SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSFOMC Lockhart was the 4th Fed this week to imo be relatively Hawkish with his words, most notably reinforcing with the others brexits near-term stability saying "Doesn't Expect 'Brexit' to Have Near Term Impact on Economy" and " So Far 'Brexit' Reaction Largely Orderly".
Most interestingly though was Lockharts view on the FOMC's positioning for future rate increases, saying "Won't Rule Out Two Rate Rises This Year" - which is extremely hawkish given most expect 1 at the most.. Back up this sentiment by insisting that the Fed is "Fed Not Behind Curve, Has Time to Decide on Next Rate Move".
Nonethless Lockhart did somewhat contradict his "rate expectations" by saying "Time for 'Cautious and Patient Approach' to Rate Policy" which surely shouldn't be the case if 2 hikes are coming - that would be on the aggressive side.
All in all, Lockharts comments go hand in hand with my Bullish medium term USD/ DXY view (see previous articles) - I like the USD vs EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, NZD in the medium term so long DXY/ USD is favoured, even more so if 2 rate hikes were to be realised this year. At current levels short GBPUSD is my favourite expression
FOMC RATE HIKE IMPLIED PROBABILITIES
- On the likelihood of rate increases, in the past 24 hours, from the Federal Funds Rate implied probability curve we have seen rates/ probabilities firm after yesterdays "risk-break" recovery, with a 25bps September/ Nov hike steepening to 17.2% from 11.7%(Wed), and Dec setting new highs at 35.9% from 29.5% (Wed) - Dec also went on to double the probability of a 50bps hike to 5.1% vs 2.8%(Wed), giving Lockharts comments some weight.
FOMC Lockhart Speech Highlights:
-Fed's Lockhart: Fed Not Behind Curve, Has Time to Decide on Next Rate Move
-Lockhart: Time for 'Cautious and Patient Approach' to Rate Policy
-Lockhart: So Far 'Brexit' Reaction Largely Orderly
-Lockhart: 'Brexit' Will Increase Long Term Uncertainty
-Lockhart: Doesn't Expect 'Brexit' to Have Near Term Impact on Economy
-Lockhart: Bond Market Yields Largely Reflect Flight-To-Quality Buying
-Lockhart: Too Soon to Say 'All Clear' for Financial Markets
-Lockhart: 'Brexit' Not a 'Leman Moment'
-Lockhart: Still Expects U.S. to Grow by 2%, Expects More Job Gains
-Lockhart: Economy is 'Performing Adequately'
-Lockhart Says Fed Has Time to Decide on Next Rate Move
-Fed's Lockhart: Presidential Election May Be Boosting Economic Uncertainty
-Fed's Lockhart: Won't Rule Out Two Rate Rises This Year
SELL NZDUSD - RECONFIRMED BY 12M HIGHS? CPI PRINT EYED CLOSELYAlso as additional technicals to support the short NZD$ view:
1. On the daily and NU currently Trades close/ at to its +2 standard deviation lines, these are highly resistive.
- Assuming NU trades mean reverting +2SD means there is a 95% chance of a price reversal/ 95% of all prices should be below the +2SD channel lines (e.g. NU highly likely lower from here).
-- And as you can see by the Yellow circle highlights NU has held this +/- 2SD discipline in the past so is highly likely to maintain these levels in the future.
2. Also NU trades significantly above its 60, 120, and 250 Moving Averages on 1h, 4h, 1D, 1wk - this also signals strong overbought prices, where selling has a higher probability of success.
3. NZD$ looks to have confirmed the 0.73 12 month high level as resistance - strong pivot point.
4. The strong 100k+ print beat from NFP last week imo didnt price much into NZD$ downside at the time, however given the reaction in the Fed Funds rates market, it may be pricing now as the market now implies a 25bps hike at 5.9% Sept/ Nov vs 0% prev, 22.5% Dec vs 18.5% prev - 50bps hike 1.1% vs 0% - also the probabilities of cuts all fell significantly across the curve.
5. Risks to the view continue to be a hawkish RBNZ - as we saw last week the short played well but was undermined at 0.70 when RBNZ speaker highlighted the HPI issue and inferred the cut may not happen in Aug as a result (Hence the recovery back to 0.73).
- The rate cut went from 80% to 50% on the back of these comments imo - now NZD CPI inflation and employment readings in the coming 30 days serve as the determinant of their Aug decision, a flat or miss CPI print will likely mean the RBNZ will cut 25bps (CPI is the no.1 target), so beyond the 0.73 level resistance we look for certain confirmation in the CPI reading, though it will be difficult to know what the market is thinking/ to get ahead of the market in the lead up, where the short was a giveaway before the RBNZ's new comments were on the table.
- Also on this point it is worth noting that given many of the worlds CBs have shifted to a dovish tone in light of the brexit vote (e.g. RBA BOE BOJ FOMC) this indirectly puts pressure on RBNZ to cut as Kiwi/ NZD will continue to appreciate causing disinflationairy pressures/ brakes to continue on the nzd economy, thus we also carry positive upside given the worlds policy positioning at the moment.
Trading Strategy
1. Sell @0.726 TP 0.702 SL 0.732 - More aggressive shorts may be added if confidence in a cut is higher - a cut will send NU down to 0.67 at least for example.
*Be sure to check the attached post "SELL NZDUSD @0.73 - TP 700PIPS: BREXIT, RBNZ, FED & USDJPY HEDGE" for NZDUSD short fundamentals*
RISK-ON RISK-OFF POSITIVE CORRELATION? SPX VS GOLD, JPY & UST P1The Paradoxical Risk-on/ Risk-off Asset positive correlation:
1. Risk off assets have outperformed to date, with Gold leading the gains at 28%, JPY following at 18% and US 10y treasuries Trading 16% up in 2016 - average at 20.5%.
2. Meanwhile, SPX trades 5% up since 4.1.2016 but more importantly, since 20th January lows SPX is up 15%.
3. this is significantly paradoxical, as fundamentally, Risk-on assets shouldnt trade well when safe havens do and the reverse can be said about Risk-off bull markets - Equities shouldn't trade higher.
- the reason this positive correlation of both risk and safe haven assets rallying at the same is problematic is that in the long-run it is not sustainable - one MUST adjust to the downside as markets in the short-run trade as a zero sum game, liquidity is inelastic and non-infinite i.e. they cannot both keep gaining capital as there is a limit when all available liquidity is allocated. Consequently, at this point investors then have to forgo investing in one asset, if they want to speculate on another, as they dont have any new cash to invest - this is why we normally see safe havens and risk assets trade negatively correlated and price action is "seesaw" like most of the time as investors take money out of risk, for example, so they can allocate it to risk-off, as perceptions and market environment changes.
Cause of the paradox:
1. An Unusual even split in investor risk sentiment e.g. in the immediate term, some believe the environment is stable enough to offer risk higher (CB easing/ support driven views), whilst others believe global risks are heightened enough to offer safe havens higher (Brexit, US election, China). Hence we see both SPX and Risk-off grow. Normally, the markets trade like herds e.g. behaviours skew to risk on or off, grouping with a strong bias to one side at the same time. This more "evenly distributed" sentiment we are experiencing rarely materialises as usually there is consensus on market risk e.g. all investors rationally agree that "now" is a highly uncertain time or the other way, given the same information is available.
2. Most likely imo , however, is that there is a short-term imbalance/ artificial risk inflation, where risk assets yet again are buoyed by central bank impetus. Following the brexit result a cascade of global CB dovishness/ support was injected into the markets providing the perfect artificial rise in equities - whilst the underlying market sentiment continues to follow the 2016 risk-off trend (as is shown by the 2016 outperformance of off (+21%) vs on (+5%), CBs have provided sufficient support to mask the risk-off bias - however it is unlikely to continue for long.
SHORT AUDUSD TP 800PIPS: BREXIT, RBA, FED & USDJPY HEDGEShort AUDUSD is in my top 3 FX Trades for several reasons:
1. AUD is considered a riskier G10 currency cross, so AUD trades weaker in risk-off markets, or when equities/ SPX trade lower (you can see the high correlation with SPX at the bottom of the graph).
- With Brexit concurring last week, global risk has increased, this is especially the case for AUD due to commonwealth connections. Therefore AUD is likely to come under pressure in the future as risk-off sentiment continues to dominate, as the US Election nears, Global growth worries continue (Japan, Europe, China) and Brexit/ uncertainty about further Euro Area exits continues to intensify - we can see Gold and US Treasuries continue to gain supporting the risk-off view and thus supporting selling AUD. Also, risk-off encourages $ buying as a safe haven deposit on the Brexit backdrop.
- Further, going into earnings season next week, historically risk currencies (AUD) perform poorly as investors seek safer assets to hedge against earning surprises, thus this helps AUD selling and USD buying. Plus, most investors will want to hold some $ cash in order to fulfil their earnings based equity trading, so this also helps the short AU trade by increasing $ demand relative to AUD.
2. The RBA Meeting on Tuesday the 5th is likely to be dovish, as 1) Brexit risks are weighed in on again, after supportive/ dovish statements from RBA members following the Brexit decision and 2) AUD Macro Environment has performed poorly since the last meeting and the May Rate cut e.g. Retail sales 0.2% vs 0.3%, Unemployment flat at 5.7%.
- However, I dont expect an RBA rate cut, as they cut last just 2 months ago in May by 25bps to 1.75% and their GDP print was firm at 3.1% v 2.8% yoy and 1.1% v 0.8% with Unemployment also stable (yet to see inflation), so I expect them to provide reassurance to markets with a strong dovish tone, with possible hints to a August rate cut - citing Brexit and looking forward to their end of July Inflation print as a gauge for further rate cuts. Nonetheless the dovish rhetoric should be strong enough to put pressure on AUD and tip the scales south supporting the AU short.
3. From a USD demand point of view, last week we saw USD lose 160pips against the AUD as Brexit Uncertainty negatively hit the Feds Rate hike cycle expectancy, flattening the curve in the front end which ruled out any hikes until Dec or 2017, fewer hikes = less USD strength.
- However, since the beginning of the week where brexit risks ruled out hikes in the near term, the end of the week managed to turn rate hike expectations around as Brexit likelihood decreased/ shifted into 2017. This helped the Fed fund futures curve recover/ steepen somewhat in the front end, with the implied probability of a hike increasing from 0% to 5.9% for both September and November, whilst the probability of a hike in December also steepened significantly from 13.3% to 22.3% with the probability of a 50bps hike being priced for the first time at 1.1%. This trend of Fed Hike recovery is likely to continue as long as Brexit risks remain subdued, so we can expect USD to begin to price stronger in the coming days/ weeks.
4. Technically, AUDUSD trades 100pips away from a key handle at 0.76xx which is a double top and may provide the ideal short area. Further, higher than that at 0.78xx is the 12 month high which is also potentially a great level to get short from as a double top
5. Volatility - 1wk, 2wk and 1m (-1.52, -1.57, -1.60) AUDUSD Risk Reversals all trade with a downside bias indicating put/ downside demand is higher than upside, so the option market net expects AUDUSD to come down over the above tenors.
- Out through the 5th, 6th, and 7th (post RBA) we see large notional OTM put options and open interest at 0.7365, 0.7440 & 0.7445 which supports the view that the RBA will be dovish and that AUDUSD is likely to hairpin around the 0.76xx double top level.
AUDUSD Rallies But Remains Technical ShortOn May 9, MacroView issued a short idea on AUDUSD and highlighted the strong correlations with copper and gold, which we would see the trifecta fall 2.93 percent, 4.90 percent and 6.68 percent respectively.
We've seen all three etch out bottoms in early June, yet copper is retesting those lows on unexpected increases in inventories. The AUDUSD went big following the Reserve Bank of Australia holding their key benchmark to 1.75 percent. Unfortunately, this will be short-lived. The central bank's policy will strongly be tethered to the economic performance of China.
Technically, we see price resistance at .7520 with a breakout potential to .7645 since the move does have relative strength in momentum. However, the weekly technicals still show a picture of lackluster upside potential.
Intermediately, the z-score is at a very high 2.6 (+/- 2 are a great contrarian indicator).
Trade posted on chart. Updates will be provided.
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AUDUSD CrumblingAfter the FED Announcement on Friday it seems that the pair has made its gradual retracement back near the 50% of the 3rd wave after a final rally in favour of the Australian Dollar. We have a good resistance structure holding the pair from heading any higher in order for it to start its final 5th wave down towards the Feb lows. As you can see the 4th is more of a gradual retracement compared to its predecessor (The 2nd wave which was a sharp retracement)
I will probably wait for the RSI to hit its own trend resistance before going on short as it may just continue to rally a bit further just before RBA Rate Decision on Tuesday morning . The technicals and fundamentals of this trade seems to line up correctly and this may just be a great shorting opportunity so Im thinking of getting in a bit earlier with a good money management. Stay tuned.
AUDUSD: Uptrend continuation finally confirmedWe have reentered as per my latest update in my previous publication, see related ideas. Price has expanded the daily range today, so it's clear bulls are active, and we can expect to see a very nice move to the upside.
If not in, I'd reccomend rushing in with longs, stops can be under the swing low, or even under today's open.
Sentiment is extremely bearish for copper and it has hit a huge support level, which translates into AUDUSD rallying as well.
If interested in my trading signals, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers!
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We discuss setups like this often there. Feel free to stop by and subscribe to his indicator pack. If you have any questions ask.
Bearish May aftermathAfter retesting the descending May trendline on Friday, the pair closed near the 0.618 levels (0.78351-0.68270) standing at 0.72121, leaving some room for speculations over the next two weeks.
Possible scenarios:
1- A continuation of the bearish May movement with 0.7110 as first target with a possible break leading to further decline towards the Grand monthly trendline (somewhere around the 0.7 mark)
2- A corrective break above the 0.7245 levels would take us to the Grey area. Short term traders would benefit from a long entry on the break with 0.73-0.733 as targets. Mind you, 2016 descending line from 0.7835 highs would be at test and it won't be safe to enter long term trades. A break above the trendline (0.733 levels) would signal an upward movement towards 0.38 fibo levels at 0.745. Failure to break above the 0.733 levels would force a retest of the broken trendline and a possible decline towards 0.7 levels.
I'm bearish on AUDUSD until RBA's next meeting or a break above 0.733, whichever happens first.
GBPAUD: Pound/Aussie has bottomedAfter an extended decline since the 2015 high, it appears like GBPAUD has hit rock bottom.
I'm long from 1.85243, and added today at 1.85526.
I expect price to retest the low volume resistance at 2.00 in the intermediate term, and possibly aim for new highs if we break this level in time.
If you're not in the trade, try to enter at market with a 3 times the daily ATR stop loss, and add the remaining half position if we get a retracement next week (unlikely).
This type of trend reversal trade, usually involves no retracement, and people eager to 'long the trendline break retest' get left behind eating the pioneer's dust.
So, be brave and buy strength!
If interested in my trading signals, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers,
Ivan Labrie.
Copper, AUDUSD and USDCLP: intermediate term top in placeWe can look for shorts (in the case of AUDUSD might be better for wait to enter on a retracement) in these instruments.
It's evident we have failed to break resistance in AUDUSD and that USDCLP is forming a nice turn at the lows in the daily, which nicely correlates to Copper forming a double top here, with plenty of downside to be seen.
Clearly, bears are involved and we can take a nice position at market, with stops 1 tick above 2.301 ideally.
Today's price action justifies assuming AUDUSD and its crosses have reversed for the time being, at least in the intermediate term, and it's safe to fade the recent advances in them.
If interested in my trading signals, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers,
Ivan Labrie.
AUDUSD: Strong uptrendThis is an update to my previous charts on AUDUSD (see the one where I shared a long entry for this pair in particular). The newer charts have been sharing analysis on it, and other Asian and Oceanic currencies, which I see as having amazing signs of strength, suggesting we have long term trend reversals, or at least major retracements in play.
There is a new mode forming as we speak, and if we close the week above 0.77102, the prospect of further uptrend continuation becomes more likely. I'm long AUD, and also long it against a variety of currencies (euro, pound, swiss franc), and I don't reccomend playing the short side in such a massive uptrend.
The level above is the next 'make or break' resistance, which will open the gate for the upper 0.8-0.9 range, possibly even parity during this year.
Each red line, is a vital level, that must see a close above, and then lows finding support there as we move forward, since these levels are where the sellers actively drove the pair down on multiple occasions.
If not long AUDUSD, you can enter any of the pairs I listed with a 3 ATR stop loss, or look to enter with your preferred strategy. I'm in with a conservative (3 atr stop) and a more aggressive stop loss position on each of them, which suits my risk profile, and lets me keep a core position, and add, without going overboard on the initial entries.
Keep in mind that the fundamentals favor a decisive moment ahead too, with a host of Chinese data coming out, as well as the IMF meeting tomorrow.
Remember that a stop loss is mostly, a way of measuring your position sizing, don't disregard the importance of position sizing strategies and you'll live a happy and healthy life as a trader. The main thing is knowing when you're wrong about the trade, to exit, and knowing when you're right, to add to it and let it run.
If interested in my trading signals, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers,
Ivan Labrie.