Tag Archives: #BOE

Dire Straits

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The Vice-Chair explained he foresees
A time when the Fed, by degrees
Will taper their buying
Of bonds while they’re trying
To offset the spread of disease

Soon after they finish that deed
Most members already agreed
To raise interest rates
Unless dire straits
In markets don’t let them succeed

Fed Vice-Chair Richard Clarida certainly surprised markets yesterday with his speech as he laid out his reasoning that the tapering of the Fed’s current QE purchases will occur sooner than many had previously expected.  While he started out with the caveat that the Fed will not be responding to forecasts, but rather to actual economic outcomes, he then proceeded to forecast the exact sequence of events that will occur and create the proper environment for the Fed to first, taper bond purchases and second, eventually raise interest rates.  The market response was immediate, with the bond market selling off sharply, the dollar rallying and equity markets ceding early gains alongside most commodity prices.  After all, a tighter Fed is not nearly as supportive of risk assets, but neither does it imply lower interest rates.  It is also worth noting that coincident with the release of the text of his speech was the release of the ISM Services number which printed at a much higher than expected, and record level, 64.1.  So, a positive data print and a hawkish Fed speaker were sufficient to change a lot of opinions.

But not this author’s, at least not yet.  My baseline view continues to be that the Fed remains in an extremely difficult position where inflation continues at much higher levels than which they expected or with which they are comfortable, but the employment market remains far away from their restated goal of maximum employment.  As well, as Clarida noted yesterday, and as has been repeated by numerous other Fed speakers, they promise they are not going to move on forecasts or survey data, but instead wait for actual numbers (read the NFP data and core PCE) to achieve their preferred levels before altering policy.  This means that tomorrow’s NFP data will be scrutinized even more closely than usual, as Clarida’s comments yesterday imply that even more FOMC members are ready to move.

One problem with the early taper thesis is that the data may not meet the FOMC’s requirements, at least not in the near term.  For instance, yesterday’s ADP Employment release printed at 330K, less than half the expected 690K and basically one-third of the forecasts for NFP tomorrow.  While the month to month correlation between the two data points is not perfect (0.784 over the past 5 years) it is certainly high enough to imply a strong relationship between the two.  The point is that if tomorrow’s NFP number disappoints, which cannot be ruled out, and assuming that the Fed is true to their word regarding waiting for actual data to reach their preferred levels, it would certainly suggest a delay to the tapering story.  Keep in mind, as well, that the Citi Economic Surprise Index, which measures actual releases vs. forecasts, remains in negative territory, implying that the economy is slowing further rather than extending gains seen earlier in the year.  In fact, after the much worse than expected GDP print last week, it appears that growth is already slipping back toward pre-Covid trends of 1.5% – 2.0%.  Oh yeah, none of this includes the impact of the delta variant, which has resulted in numerous lockdowns around the world and augers still slower growth.

On the flip side, though, is the fact that we have seen an increasing number of FOMC members start to accept the idea that tapering will soon be appropriate.  In addition to Clarida, yesterday we also heard from SF Fed President Daly, an avowed dove, who said, “Fed will do something on asset purchases end ’21 / early ’22.”  By my count, that makes at least six different FOMC members who have indicated tapering is coming soon.  Of this group, Clarida is by far the most important, but if even the doves like Daly are coming round to that view, tapering cannot be ruled out.

To taper or not remains the $64 trillion question for all markets, and while the recent trend of the narrative seems to be pushing in that direction, without support from ongoing improvements in employment data (after all, inflation is well through their target), it will still come to naught.

One last thing on inflation.  As the Fed tries to retake the narrative from the market, be prepared for a new description of inflation.  No longer will it be transitory, but rather, perhaps, tolerable.  In other words, they will accept that it is running hotter than their target and make the excuse that it is far more important to get the nation back to work first, at which point they can use those vaunted tools they frequently mention to address rapidly rising prices.

With all this in mind, the next question is, how will these changes impact the markets?  Yesterday’s price action is likely to be a very good case study if the data continues to support an early tapering of purchases.  Any interruption in the flow of money into the capital markets will be felt by both equities and bonds in the same way, they will fall in price, while the dollar is very likely to find a lot of support vs. both G10 and EMG counterparts.  As to commodities, my inclination is that the past year’s rally will pause, at the very least, but given they remain massively undervalued vs. other asset classes, they likely still have some upside.

On to today.  Overnight price action was mixed with the Nikkei (+0.5%) rising somewhat while Chinese shares (Hang Seng -0.8%, Shanghai -0.3%) were under pressure as stories about the next sectors to feel the wrath of regulators (sin stocks) were rampant with those falling and dragging the indices with them.  fortunately, they represent a much smaller portion of the market than the tech sector, so will have a smaller negative impact if that is, indeed, the situation.  Europe is mixed this morning (DAX +0.1%, CAC +0.35%, FTSE 100 -0.2%) as the morning data was inconclusive and investors there are far more concerned with the Fed than anything else.  As to US futures, they are all modestly higher this morning, about 0.2%.

Bond markets are showing the difference between central bank policy this morning with Treasuries consolidating yesterday’s declines and unchanged on the day, while European sovereigns (Bunds -1.0bps, OATs -1.2bps) continue to see support from an ECB that is nowhere near tightening policy.  Gilts (+2.0bps) on the other hand, are selling off a bit as the BOE meeting, just ending, revealed several things.  First, they are prepared to go to negative interest rates if they need to.  Second, they will continue their current QE pace of £3.4 billion per week, and third, that they expect inflation to reach 4.0% in Q4 of this year.  They did, however, explain that if things proceed as expected, some tightening, read higher interest rates, may be appropriate.  while the initial move in the GBP was a sharp jump higher, it has already retraced those steps and at +0.2% is only modestly up on the day.

Commodity prices are mixed with oil consolidating after yesterday’s rout and unchanged on the day.  In fact, the same is true of precious and most base metals, as traders are trying to figure out their next move, so likely waiting for tomorrow’s data.

And the dollar, interestingly, is modestly softer vs. the G10 this morning, but that is after a strong rally yesterday in the wake of the Clarida speech.  The commodity bloc is leading the way (AUD +0.35%, NOK +0.3%, NZD +0.25%) despite the lack of commodity price action.  And this also sems to ignore the 6th lockdown in Melbourne since the pandemic began last year, as the delta variant continues to wreak havoc around the world.  The rest of the G10 though, has seen much less movement.  In the emerging markets, PHP (-1.0%) was by far the worst performer overnight as the covid caseload soared to record numbers and concerns over growth expanded.  After that, TRY (-0.6%) is the next worst, as President Erdogan came out with calls for a rate cut despite rampant inflation.  However, away from those two currencies, movement has been on the order of +/- 0.2%, indicating nothing very special.  Essentially, these markets have ignored Clarida.  One last thing to note here is yesterday, the central bank of Brazil raised its SELIC rate by 1.0% to 5.25%, as inflation is exploding there.  However while BRL has been modestly stronger over the past several sessions, this was widely priced in so there was no big movement.

Data-wise, today brings Initial Claims (exp 383K), Continuing Claims (3255K) and the Trade Balance (-$74.2B), none of which seem likely to change any opinions.  Rather, at this point, all eyes are on tomorrow’s NFP data.  We also hear from two Fed speakers, Governor Waller and Minneapolis President KashKari, who is arguably the most dovish of all.  certainly if he starts talking taper, then the die is cast.  We shall see.

As I said, if tapering is on the cards, the dollar will likely test its highs from March/April, so be prepared.

Good luck and stay safe
Adf

Progress, Substantial

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To everyone who thought the Fed
Was ready to taper, Jay said
‘Til progress, substantial,
Is made, no financial
Adjustments are reckoned ahead

If, prior to yesterday, you were worried that the Fed was getting prepared to taper its asset purchases, stop worrying.  It doesn’t matter what Dallas Fed President Kaplan, or even SF Fed President Daly says about the timing of tapering.  The only ones who matter are Powell, Clarida, Williams and Brainerd, and as the Chairman made clear once again yesterday, they ain’t going to taper anytime soon.

In testimony to the House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jay sent a clear message; nothing is changing until the Fed (read the above-mentioned four) sees “substantial further progress” on their twin goals of maximum employment and an average inflation rate of 2.0%.  Obviously, they have moved a lot closer on the inflation front, with many pundits (present company included) saying that they have clearly exceeded their goal and need to address that issue.  But for as much vitriol as is reserved for our previous president, both the Fed and Congress are clearly all-in on the idea that the 3.5% Unemployment Rate achieved during his term just before the pandemic emerged, which was the lowest in 50 years, is actually the appropriate level of NAIRU.

NAIRU stands for the Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment and is the economic acronym for the unemployment rate deemed to be the lowest possible without causing increased wage pressures leading to rising inflation.  For the longest time, this rate was thought to be somewhere in the 4.5%-5.5% area, but in the decade following the GFC, as policymakers pushed to run the economy as hot as possible, the lack of measured consumerinflation, despite record low unemployment, forced economists to rethink their models.  Arguably, it is this change in view that has led to the fascination with MMT and the willingness of the current Fed to continue QE despite the evident froth in the asset markets.  Of course, now those asset markets are not just paper ones like stocks and bonds, but also housing and commodities.

But that is the situation today, despite what appears to be very clear evidence that inflationary pressures are not just high, but longer lasting as well, the Fed has their story and they are sticking to it.  They made this clear to everyone last year with the new policy framework that specifically explains they will remain behind the curve on inflation because they will not adjust policy until they see real data, not surveys, that demonstrate growth is overheating.  Yet, given the Fed’s history, where they have often tightened policy in anticipation of higher inflation and thereby reduced growth, or even caused recessions, the market has learned to expect that type of response.  While I personally believe prudent policy would be to tighten at this time, I take Mr Powell at his word, they are not going to change anytime soon.  I assure you that of the dots in the last dot plot, Jay Powell’s was not one of the ones expecting interest rates to be 0.50% by the end of 2023.

One of the things that makes this so interesting is the difference of this policy with that of an increasing number of other central banks, where recognition of rising inflation is forcing them to rethink their commitment to ZIRP.  Earlier this week, the RBNZ abruptly ended QE and explained rates may rise before the summer is over.  Yesterday, the Bank of Canada reduced its QE purchases by another C$1 billion/week, furthering the progress they started in June, and Governor Macklem made clear that if inflation did persist, they would react appropriately.  Last night it was the Bank of Korea’s turn to explain that economic activity was picking up quickly and inflationary pressures alongside that which would make them consider raising the base rate at their next meeting.  Finally, all eyes are turning toward the BOE as this morning’s employment report showed that the recovery is still picking up pace and that wage growth, at a 7.3% Q/Q rise, is really starting to take off.  Market talk is now focused on whether the Old Lady will be the next to start to tighten.

In truth, the only three central banks that have made clear they are not ready to do so are the big 3, the Fed, ECB and BOJ.  The BOJ meets tonight with no changes to policy expected as they seem to be focused on what they can do to address climate change (my sense is they can have the same success on climate change as they have had on raising inflation, i.e. none).  Next week the ECB will unveil their new framework which seems likely to include the successor to the PEPP as well as their already telegraphed new symmetrical inflation target of 2.0%.  And then the Fed meets the following week, at which point they will work very hard to play down inflation in the statement but will not alter policy regardless.

As you consider the policy changes afoot, as well as the trajectory of inflation, and combine that with your finance 101 models that show inflation undermines the value of a currency in the FX markets, it would lead you to believe that the dollar has real downside opportunity vs. many currencies, just not the euro or the yen.  But markets are fickle, so don’t put all your eggs in that basket.

Turning to today’s activities, while Chinese equity markets performed well (Hang Seng +0.75%, Shanghai +1.0%) after Chinese GDP data was released at 7.9% for Q2, just a tick lower than forecast, and the rest of the data, Retail Sales and Fixed Asset Investment all beat expectations, the rest of the world has been much less exuberant.  For instance, the Nikkei (-1.15%) stumbled along with Australian and New Zealand indices, although the rest of SE Asia actually followed China higher.  Europe has been under pressure from the start this morning led by the DAX (-0.9
%) although the CAC (-0.75%) and FTSE 100 (-0.7%) are nothing to write home about.  US futures are also under pressure (Dow -0.5%, SPX -0.3%) although the NASDAQ continues to power ahead (+0.2%).

In this broadly risk-off session, it is no surprise that bond markets are rallying.  Treasuries, after seeing yields decline 7bps after Powell’s testimony, are down another 2bps this morning.  Similarly, we are seeing strength in Bunds (-1.4bps) and OATs (-1.1bps) although Gilts (+1.4bps) seem to be concerned about potential BOE policy changes.

On the commodity front, oil fell sharply after the Powell testimony and has continued its downward move, falling 1.8% this morning.  Gold, which had been higher earlier in the session is now down 0.15%, although copper (+0.6%) remains in positive territory.  At this point, risk has come under pressure across markets although there is no obvious catalyst.

It should not be surprising that as risk is jettisoned, the dollar is rebounding.  From what had been a mixed session earlier in the day, the dollar is now firmer against 9 of the G10 with NOK (-0.5%) the laggard although the entire commodity bloc is suffering.  The only gainer is the pound (+0.1%) which seems to be on the back of the idea the BOE may begin to tighten sooner than previously expected.

EMG currencies that are currently trading are all falling, led by ZAR (-0.7%), PLN (-0.5%) and HUF (-0.5%).  The rand is very obviously suffering alongside the commodity story, while HUF and PLN are under pressure as a story about both nations losing access to some EU funds because of their stance on issues of judicial and immigration policies is seen as a negative for their fiscal balances.  Overnight we did see strength in KRW (+0.6%) and TWD (+0.4%) with the former benefitting from the BOK’s comments on tightening policy while the latter saw substantial equity market inflows driving the currency higher.

Data today includes Initial (exp 350K) and Continuing (3.3M) Claims as well as Empire Mfg (18.0), Philly Fed (28.0), IP (0.6%) and Capacity Utilization (75.6%).  Yesterday’s PPI was also much higher than forecast, but that can be no surprise given the CPI data on Tuesday.  In addition, Chairman Powell testifies before the Senate Banking Panel today, with the same prepared testimony but a whole new set of questions.  (I did reach out to my Senator, Menendez, to ask why Chairman Powell thinks forcing prices higher is helping his constituents, but I’m guessing it won’t make the cut!)

And that’s the day.  Right now, with risk under pressure, the dollar has a firm tone.  But the background of numerous other central banks starting to tighten as they recognize rising inflation and the Fed ignoring it all does not bode well for the dollar in the medium term.

Good luck and stay safe
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Nirvana Awaits

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While Powell and friends fail to see

Inflation rise dangerously

Down south of the border

They fear its disorder

And burden on society






So, Mexico shocked and raised rates





While Fedspeak back here in the States





Continues the story





It’s all transitory





And claiming Nirvana awaits





Mexico became the latest emerging market nation to raise interest rates when they surprised the analyst’s community as well as markets by raising their base rate by 0.25% yesterday afternoon to 4.25%.  The FX market response was swift and certain with the peso gaining more than 1.0% in the first minutes after the announcement although that has since slightly abated.  “Although the shocks that have affected inflation are expected to be of a transitory nature, given their variety, magnitude and the extended time frame in which they have been affecting inflation, they may pose a risk to the price formation process,” the Banxico board explained in their accompanying statement.  In other words, although they are paying lip service to the transitory concept, when CPI rose to a higher than expected 6.02% yesterday, it was apparently a step too far.  Expectations for further rate hikes have already been built into the markets while views on the peso are improving as well.





The juxtaposition yesterday of Mexico with the UK, where the BOE left policy rates on hold at 0.10% and maintained the QE program intact despite raising its inflation forecast to 3.0% for next year, is quite interesting.  Historically, it was the emerging market central banks who would seek growth at any cost and allow inflation to run hot while trying to support the economy and the developed market central banks who managed a more disciplined monetary policy, working to prevent inflation from rising while allowing their economy’s to grow without explicit monetary policy support.  But it seems that another symptom of the Covid-19 pandemic is that it has reversed the ‘polarity’ of central bank thinking.  Mexico is the 4th major EMG nation (Russia, Brazil and Poland are the others) to have raised rates and are anticipated to continue doing so to combat rising prices.  Meanwhile, when the Bank of Canada reduced the amount of its QE purchases, it was not only the first G10 bank to actually remove some amount of monetary largess, it was seen as extraordinary.  





In the States, yesterday we heard from six more Fed speakers and it has become evident that there are two distinct views on the FOMC as to the proper course of action, although to a (wo)man, every speaker exclaimed that inflation was transitory.  Several regional Fed presidents (Bullard, Bostic and Kaplan) are clearly in the camp of tapering QE and potentially raising rates by the end of next year, but the Fed leadership (Powell, Clarida, Williams) are adamantly opposed to the idea of tightening policy anytime soon.  And the thing is, the hawks don’t even have a vote this year, although they do get to participate in the conversation.  The upshot is that it seems highly unlikely that the Fed is going to tighten policy anytime at all this year regardless of inflation readings going forward.  While ‘transitory’ has always been a fuzzy term, my take has always been a 2-3 quarter view, but yesterday we started to hear it could mean 2 years or more.  If that is the case, then prepare for a much worse ultimate outcome along with a much weaker dollar.





As markets and investors digest the latest central bank dogma, let us peruse the latest price action.  Yesterday’s equity market price action led to yet another set of new all-time highs in US indices and even Mexico’s Bolsa rose 0.75% after the rate hike!  Overnight saw a continuation of that view with the Nikkei (+0.65%), Hang Seng (+1.4%) and Shanghai (+1.15%) all rallying nicely.  Perhaps a bit more surprisingly this morning has seen a weaker performance in Europe (DAX -0.15%, CAC -0.1%, FTSE 100 +0.1%) despite slightly better than expected Confidence data out of Germany and Italy.  As vaccinations proceed apace on the continent, expectations for a renewed burst of growth are rising, yet today’s stock markets seem unimpressed.





At the same time, despite all the Fedspeak and concern over inflation, the 10-year Treasury yield has basically been unchanged all week and seems to have found a new home at 1.50%, right where it is now.  Since it had been a harbinger for markets up until the FOMC meeting last week, this is a bit surprising.  As to Europe, bonds there are actually under some pressure this morning (Bunds +1.7bps, OATs +2.9bps, Gilts +1.2bps) although given equity market performance, one is hard-pressed to call this a risk-on move.  Perhaps these markets are responding to the better tone of data, but they are not in sync with the equity space.





In commodity markets, prices are mixed this morning.  While oil (-0.25%) is softer, gold (+0.5%) and silver (+1.0%) are looking awfully good.  Base metals, too, are having a better session with Cu (+0.4%), Al (+1.5%) and Sn (+0.2%) all performing well.  Crop prices are also rising, between 0.25% and 0.5%.  Fear not for oil, however, as it remains firmly ensconced in its uptrend.





And lastly, in FX markets, the dollar is under modest pressure across most of the G10, with the bulk of the bloc firmer by between 0.1% and 0.2%, and only GBP (-0.2%) softer.  While we did see a slightly weaker than expected GfK Consumer Confidence number for the UK last night (-9 vs. expected -7) we also just saw CBI Retail Sales print at a much better than expected level.  In the end, it is hard to ascribe the pound’s movement, or any of the G10 really, to data.  It is far more likely positions being adjusted into the weekend.





In the emerging markets, the dollar is having a much tougher time with ZAR (+1.0%) and KRW (+0.6%) the leading gainers, but a number of currencies showing strength beyond ordinary market fluctuations.  While the rand’s move seems outsized, the strength in commodity prices is likely behind the trend in ZAR lately.  As to KRW, it seems that as well as the general risk on attitude, the market is pricing in the first policy tightening in Seoul and given the won’s recent mild weakness, traders were seen taking advantage to establish long positions.





We have some important data today led by Personal Income (exp -2.5%), Personal Spending (0.4%) and Core PCE (0.6% M/M, 3.4% Y/Y).  Then at 10:00 we see Michigan Confidence (86.5).  I want to believe the PCE data is important, but I fear that regardless of where it prints, it will be ignored as a product of base effects and so not a true reflection of the price situation.  Yesterday, Claims data was a bit worse than expected as was Durable Goods.  This is not to say things are collapsing, but it is growing more and more apparent, at least based on the data, that the peak in the economy has already been seen.  In fact, the Atlanta Fed GDPNow model has fallen back below 10.0% and appears to be trending lower.  The worst possible outcome for the economy would be slowing growth and rising inflation, and I fear that is where we may be heading given the current fiscal and monetary policy settings.  





That combination will be abysmal for the dollar but is unlikely to be clear before many more months have passed.  For now, I expect the dollar will revert to its risk profile, where risk-on days will see weakness and risk-off days see strength.  Today feels far more risk-on like and so a little further dollar weakness into the weekend seems a reasonable assumption.





Good luck, good weekend and stay safe





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			Feeling Upbeat
		


				

			Posted on  by 		

			


		

		

The last central bank set to meet





This month is on Threadneedle Street





No change is expected





Though some have projected





The hawks there are feeling upbeat





Market focus this morning will be on the Bank of England’s policy meeting as it is the last of the major central banks to meet this month.  We have already had a tumultuous time between the ECB’s uber dovishness and the Fed’s seeming turn toward the hawkish side of the spectrum.  Of course, the Fed has largely tried to walk that idea back, but it remains firmly implanted in the market dialog.  As to the UK, growth there, despite more draconian lockdown measures still being imposed in the face of the delta variant of Covid, has been expanding rapidly according to the GDP readings while PMI data points to a continuation of that trend.  Not surprisingly, given the supply side constraints that are evident elsewhere in the world, the UK is also dealing with that issue and so prices have been rising apace.  In fact, the CPI data released last week showed the highest print in more than two years.  Of course, that print was 2.1%, hardly a number to instill fear in anyone’s heart.





And yet, the amount of talk about the need to tighten monetary policy in the UK is remarkable.  At least in the US, we are looking at exceptionally high CPI data, with numbers not seen in decades.  In contrast, CPI in the UK averaged nearly 3.0% for all of 2017, well above the most recent reading.  Not only that, but it was only at the last meeting that the BOE reaffirmed that QE was necessary to support the economy.  The idea that in 6 weeks things have changed that much seems fanciful.  That’s not to say that the committee won’t be discussing potential tightening down the road, especially if recent economic trends continue, but I find it hard to believe that given the ongoing disruptions that are still extant, there can be any serious considerations of change.  As it stands, the market is currently pricing a 15 basis point hike by next June, which would take the base rate back up to 0.25%.  





Arguably, the fact that the market is this focused on what should be a non-event is a good indication of the lack of interesting stories at the moment.  With the ECB and Fed behind us, and with both central banks furiously trying to drive the narrative to their preferred story of transitory inflation and no reason to worry, traders are looking for any opportunity to make a buck.  Some of the previous ideas, whether Bitcoin or meme stocks, have largely lost their luster.  The inflation trade, too, is having a harder time as so many commodity prices have retreated from their early Spring highs.  In this situation, it is not unusual for traders to focus on any potential catalyst far in excess of its importance.  I would contend, that is exactly what we are seeing here and that when the BOE announcement comes, it will have nothing to add to the story.





It can be no surprise, then, that market activity overnight has been extremely quiet overall.  As traders and investors look for the next big thing, volumes tend to decrease, and volatility can abate for a short period of time.  For instance, equity markets in Asia showed almost no pulse with both the Nikkei and Shanghai indices unchanged on the day while the Hang Seng managed to eke out a 0.25% gain.  Europe, on the other hand, is having a go of it, with gains in the DAX (+0.8%) and CAC (+1.0%) after much stronger than forecast confidence data was released.  The FTSE 100 (+0.3% ahead of the BOE) seems to want to join the party but is awaiting the BOE release before really moving.  And, after several desultory sessions with very limited movement in the US, futures this morning are higher by 0.5% across the board.





Bond markets are similarly quiet with modest price declines in Treasuries (+0.8bps), Bunds (+0.9bps) and OATs (+0.9bps) seen at this hour.  Gilts are essentially unchanged, clearly awaiting the BOE meeting before traders are willing to get too involved.





Commodity prices started the session with a mix of gainers and losers, but at this hour, most have turned lower.  Oil (-0.2%) is just backing off slightly but remains in a strong uptrend.  While precious metals (Au +0.2%, Ag +0/6%) stick out for being a bit higher on the day, we are seeing weakness in Copper (-0.2%), Aluminum (-0.4%) and most of the ancillary metals as well as the agricultural space with the three main crops all lower by at least 1.0%.





As to the dollar, it is a bit softer this morning with NOK (+0.4%) the leading gainer despite oil’s reversal from early morning gains.  But there is strength in SEK (+0.3%), NZD (+0.25%) and essentially the entire G10 bloc, albeit only modest in size.  It is difficult to point to specific catalysts for this movement, although Sweden’s PPI data did print much higher than forecast leading to some speculation, they too would soon be tightening policy.





***BOE leave policy unchanged, rates on hold***





The first reaction to the BOE news is a modest decline in the pound (-0.2%) although I expect it will remain choppy for now.





Quickly turning to the EMG bloc, the dollar is softer here almost universally with RUB (+0.45%) the leading gainer and PLN (+0.4%) right behind it.  The latter is benefitting from talk that rising inflationary pressures will lead to tighter monetary policy, while the ruble, along with the krone, seems to be maintaining its early gains despite oil’s pullback.  





On the data front, this morning brings the usual weekly Initial Claims (exp 380K) and Continuing Claims (3.46M) as well as Durable Goods (2.8%, 0.7% ex transport).  We also get the final look at Q1 GDP (6.4%) which is forecast to be unchanged from the previous reading.  Tomorrow we will see Core PCE, which is the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, but we can discuss that then.





Overall, it is shaping up to be a dull day.  Further comments from the BOE are highlighting the transitory nature of inflation there, with a statement indicating that while 3.0% inflation will be coming, it will not last very long.  As I continue to type, the pound continues to slide, now down 0.3%, and interest rate markets are adjusting as well, with the rate hike scenario being pushed further into the future.  





The one area where we could get some movement is from the Fed speakers, with six on today’s calendar.  Yesterday, Atlanta Fed president Bostic was the first since the FOMC meeting last week, to reiterate that tapering would be appropriate soon as well as higher rates.  But the preponderance of evidence remains that the Fed is uninterested in doing anything for a long while yet.  I think things will get more interesting for them later in the year if inflation figures continue to run hot, but for now, they remain confident they are in control.





As to the dollar, unless we start hearing a lot more hawkish rhetoric from the Fed speakers, my sense is that it will continue to drift slightly lower in its current trading range.





Good luck and stay safe





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			A Kettle of Hawks
		


				

			Posted on  by 		

			


		

		
There once was a kettle of hawks

Who regularly gave earnest talks

When prices would rise

They would then surmise

T’was time to forget Goldilocks


But now they’re a bevy of doves

The type every borrower loves

Who, if prices rose

Would never propose

That they would give rates, up, a shove


While today’s activity roster includes the Bank of England rate decision (no change) and QE target (possible change), I want to review yesterday’s Fedspeak as I believe it is crucial to continue our understanding of the policy evolution.


Three Fed regional presidents spoke; Chicago’s Mike Evans, a known dove; Boston’s Eric Rosengren, historically slightly more hawkish than centrist; and Cleveland’s Loretta Mester, historically one of the most hawkish Fed members.  All three made clear that they are unconcerned over the almost certain rise in inflation in the short-term, with all three convinced this is a ‘transitory’ phenomenon that will work itself out by the end of 2022.  Rosengren was particularly colorful in his description as he compared his view of general price increases upcoming to the situation right at the beginning of the pandemic shutdowns regarding toilet paper.  “My view is that this acceleration in the rate of price increases is likely to prove temporary,” he said.  He continued, “Toilet paper and Clorox were in short supply at the outset of the pandemic, but manufacturers eventually increased supply, and those items are no longer scarce.  Many of the factors raising prices this spring are also likely to be similarly short-lived.”


Now, I don’t know about you, but I would beg to differ with his assessment, specifically on the two items he mentioned, toilet paper and Clorox.  While there is no question that both items are readily available today as opposed to the situation twelve months ago, it is also very clear that the prices of both items have risen substantially.  In fact, my anecdotal evidence from the local Shop-Rite is that prices of these two items have risen at least 35% in the past twelve months, and there is no evidence that these prices are going to decline anytime soon.  After all, as a manufacturer, why would you reduce prices if customers are still buying your product?  So, while supply has improved, it has done so at the expense of higher prices.  In my book, this is the very definition of inflation.


Regarding the topic of tapering, Evans was dismissive of the idea at all and surprisingly, Mester showed no interest in the discussion in the near term.  Rosengren, however, did indicate that it was possible the situation by the end of this year could warrant a discussion, although he would sooner halt purchases of mortgage bonds than Treasuries as he mentioned the possibility that housing prices could get ‘frothy’.  Ya think?  A quick look at the recent Case Shiller House Price Index shows it has risen by nearly 12% in the past year nationwide, the fastest level since March 2006, right in the middle of the housing bubble whose bursting caused the GFC.  Perhaps this is what is meant by “frothy” in Chairman Powell’s eyes.


From London, the market’s awaiting

The Old Lady’s econ re-rating

While wondering if

She’ll offer a sniff

Of when QE might start abating


The UK’s post-pandemic growth trajectory has been far closer to the US than of the EU as PM Johnson’s government has done an excellent job of getting a large proportion of its population inoculated allowing for a reopening of the economy.  Recent data has been strong and as more restrictions are eased; prospects continue to be relatively bright.  Not dissimilar to the Fed’s situation, the Bank of England will find themselves raising their GDP growth forecasts while maintaining their ongoing monetary policy support.  Or will they?  There is talk in the market that the BOE may well discuss the initial timing of tapering purchases while they upgrade their forecasts.  Precedent was set last week when the Bank of Canada did just that, not merely discussing tapering, but actually cutting the amount of purchases by 25%.  Will the BOE follow suit?


Analyst expectations are that they will not change policy at all and explain it in the same manner as the Fed, that while inflation in the near-term may rise above their 2.0% target, this will be a temporary phenomenon and is no cause for concern.  However, any hint that tapering may be coming sooner than the current program’s target end date later this year is likely to be quite supportive of the pound, so keep that in mind.  That said, ahead of the meeting, the pound is essentially unchanged on the day at 1.3900.


Stronger growth forecasts, as well as strong earnings numbers, continue to support equity markets, although while they are not falling, rallies have been modest at best.  In fact, there is growing concern that the tech sector, which has clearly been the leader in the post pandemic equity rally, is starting to falter more seriously.  Last night saw gains in the Nikkei (+1.8%) and Hang Seng (+0.8%) but a modest decline in Shanghai (-0.2%) on its return from Golden Week.  Europe, despite strong German Factory Orders (+3.0%) and Eurozone Retail Sales (+2.7%) has been unable to make any real headway (DAX 0.0%, CAC 0.0%, FTSE 100 +0.2%).  US futures are similarly lackluster, with all three major indices higher by 0.1% at this hour.  Could it be that economic and earnings strength is fully priced in at these levels?


**BOE leaves policy unchanged, as expected**


Bond markets, on the other hand, are holding their own overall.  While Treasury yields are unchanged on the day, they slid 2.5bps yesterday and are now closer to their recent lows than highs.  In Europe, sovereigns are showing the smallest of rallies with yields in both Bunds and OATs lower by 0.5bps while Gilt yields are unchanged.  At this point, it appears that bond traders and investors are starting to believe the central banks regarding the idea of transitory inflation.  While that would be a wonderful outcome, I fear that there is far more permanent inflation scenario unfolding.


Commodity prices are mixed this morning with oil (-0.75%) soft but metals, both base and precious firmer.  In fact, iron ore has reached record high levels, rising 6.5% this week, and approaching $200/ton.  Again, rising input prices are not disappearing.


As to the dollar, it is generally softer this morning, albeit not substantially so.  In the G10, CHF (+0.4%) is the leading gainer but the European currencies are all solidly higher, between 0.2% and 0.3%, although the pound’s move occurred just since the BOE announcement.  However, commodity currencies have underperformed here and are little changed on the day.


In the emerging markets, THB (-0.45%) was the laggard after the central bank left rates on hold amid a surge in reported Covid infections.  KRW (-0.25%) was next worst as there were a surprisingly large amount of equity outflows from the KOSPI.  On the positive side, IDR (+0.8%) was the biggest mover as Indonesia saw significant equity inflows as well as increased interest in the carry trade.  ZAR (+0.7%) is benefitting from the rise in gold (+0.25%) as well as the metals complex generally.  Otherwise, while gains have been broad-based, they have been shallow.


This morning’s data brings Initial Claims (exp 538K), Continuing Claims (3.62M), Nonfarm Productivity (4.3%) and Unit Labor Costs (-1.0%).  However, all eyes are turned to tomorrow’s NFP report, which despite a slightly softer than expected ADP Employment number yesterday (742K, exp 850K), has seen the forecast rise to essentially 1.0 million.


Treasury bond yields have lost their mojo for now and have been able to ignore any signs of imminent inflation.  It seems that the Fed chorus of transitory inflation is having the desired impact and preventing yields from running away higher.  As long as Treasury yields remain under control, especially if they drift lower, then the dollar will remain under modest pressure.  So far, nothing has occurred to change that equation.


Good luck and stay safe

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			The Specter of Growth
		


				

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The specter of growth’s in the air

So, pundits now try to compare

Which central bank will

Be next to instill

The discipline they did forswear


In Canada, they moved last week

On Thursday, Sir Bailey will speak

Now some pundits wonder

In June, from Down Under

The RBA will, easing, tweak


But what of Lagarde and Chair Jay

Will either of them ever say

Our goals are achieved

And so, we’re relieved

We’ve no need to buy bonds each day


On lips around the world is the question du jour, has growth rebounded enough for central banks to consider tapering QE and reining in monetary policy?  Certainly, the data continues to be impressive, even when considering that Y/Y comparisons are distorted by the government-imposed shutdowns last Spring.  PMI data points to robust growth ahead, as well as robust price rises.  Hard data, like Retail Sales and Personal Consumption show that as more and more lockdowns end, people are spending at least some portion of the savings accumulated during the past year. Meanwhile, bottlenecks in supply chains and lack of investment in capacity expansion has resulted in steadily rising prices adding the specter of inflation to that of growth.


While no developed market central bank head has yet displayed any concern over rising prices, at some point, that discussion will be forced by the investor community.  The only question is at what level yields will be sitting when central banks can no longer sidestep the question.  But after the Bank of Canada’s surprise move to reduce the amount of weekly purchases at their last meeting, analysts are now focusing on the Bank of England’s meeting this Thursday as the next potential shoe to drop.  Between the impressive rate of vaccination and the substantial amount of government stimulus, the UK data has been amongst the best in the world.  Add to that the imminent prospect of the ending of the lockdowns on individual movement and you have the makings of an overheating economy.  The current consensus is that the BOE may slow the pace of purchases but will not reduce the promised amount.  Baby steps.


Last night, the RBA left policy on hold, as universally expected, but the analyst community there is now looking for some changes as well.  Again, the economy continues to rebound sharply, with job growth outstripping estimates, PMI data pointing to a robust future and inflation starting to edge higher.  While the inoculation rate in Australia has been surprisingly low, the case rate Down Under has been miniscule, with less than 30,000 confirmed cases amid a population of nearly 26 million. The point is, the economy is clearly rebounding and, as elsewhere, the question of whether the RBA needs to continue to add such massive support has been raised.  Remember, the RBA is also engaged in YCC, holding 3-year yields to 0.10%, exactly the same as the O/N rate.  The current guidance is this will remain the case until 2024, but with growth rebounding so quickly, the market is unlikely to continue to accept that as reality.


These peripheral economies are interesting, especially for those who have exposures in them, but the big question remains here in the US, how long can the Fed ignore rising prices and surging growth.  Just last week Chairman Powell was clear that a key part of his belief that any inflation would be transitory was because inflation expectations were well anchored.  Well, Jay, about that…5-year Inflation breakevens just printed at 2.6%, their highest level since 2008.  A look at the chart shows a near vertical line indicating that they have further to run.  I fear the Fed’s inflation anchor has become unmoored.  While 10-year Treasury yields (+2.3bps today) have been rangebound for the past two months, the combination of rising prices and massively increased debt issuance implies one of two things, either yields have further to climb (2.0% anyone?) or the Fed is going to step in to prevent that from occurring.  If the former, look for the dollar to resume its Q1 climb.  If the latter, Katy bar the door as the dollar will fall sharply as any long positions will look to exit as quickly as possible.  Pressure on the Fed seems set to increase over the next several months, so increased volatility may well result.  Be aware.


As to today’s session, market movement is mostly risk-on but the dollar seems to be iconoclastic this morning.  For instance, equity markets are generally in good shape (Hang Seng +0.7%, CAC+0.5%, FTSE 100 +0.6%) although the DAX (-0.35%) is lagging.  China and Japan remain on holiday.  US futures, however, are a bit under the weather with NASDAQ (-0.4%) unable to shake yesterday’s weak performance while the other two main indices hover around unchanged.


Sovereign bond markets have latched onto the risk-on theme by selling off a bit.  While Treasuries lead the way, we are seeing small yield gains in Europe (Bunds +0.5bps, OATs +0.6bps, Gilts +0.5bps) after similar gains in Australia overnight.


Commodity markets continue to power higher with oil (+1.9%), Aluminum (+0.4%) and Tin (+1.0%) all strong although Copper (-0.1%) is taking a breather.  Agricultural products are also firmer but precious metals are suffering this morning, after a massive rally yesterday, with gold (-0.5%) the worst of the bunch.


Of course, the gold story can be no surprise when looking at the FX markets, where the dollar is significantly stronger across the board.  For instance, despite ongoing commodity strength, and the rally in oil, NZD (-0.9%), AUD (-0.6%) and NOK (-0.5%) are leading the way down, with GBP (-0.25%) the best performer of the day.  The pound’s outperformance seems linked to the story of a modest tapering of monetary policy, but overall, the dollar is just quite strong today.


The same is true versus the EMG bloc, where TRY (-1.0%) is the worst performer, but the CE4 are all weaker by at least 0.4% and SGD (-0.5%) has fallen after announcing plans for a super strict 3-week lockdown period in an effort to halt the recent spread of Covid in its tracks.  The only gainer of note is RUB (+0.4%) which is simply following oil higher.


Data this morning brings the Trade Balance (exp -$74.3B) as well as Factory Orders (1.3%, 1.8% ex transport), both of which continue to show economic strength and neither of which is likely to cause any market ructions.


Two more Fed speakers today, Daly and Kaplan, round out the messaging, with the possibility of Mr Kaplan shaking things up, in my view.  He has been one of the more hawkish views on the FOMC and is on record as describing the rise in yields as justified and perhaps a harbinger of less Fed activity.  However, he is not a current voter, and Powell has just told us clearly that there are no changes in the offing.  Ultimately, this is the $64 trillion question, will the Fed blink in the face of rising Treasury yields?  Answer that correctly and you have a good idea what to expect going forward.  At this point, I continue to take Powell at his word, meaning no change to policy, but if things continue in this direction, that could certainly change.  In the meantime, nothing has changed my view that the dollar will follow Treasury yields for the foreseeable future.


Good luck and stay safe

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			No line in the Sand
		


				

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The story from Janet and Jay

Continues to point to a day

In two years, nay three

That both can foresee

A rate hike could be on the way


Until then, while growth should expand

No policy changes are planned

If prices should rise

Though, we’ll recognize

There’s simply no line in the sand


With a dearth of new news overnight, the market appears to be consolidating at current levels awaiting the next big thing.  With that in mind, market participants continue to parse the words of the numerous central bank and financial officials who have been speaking lately.  Atop this list sits the second day of testimony by Fed Chair Powell and Treasury Secretary Yellen, who yesterday were in front of the Senate Banking Committee.  While several senators tried to get a clearer picture of potential future activities from both Powell and Yellen, they have become quite practiced at not saying anything of note in these settings.


Perhaps the most interesting thing to be learned was, when Yellen was being questioned about her change of heart on the growth of the Federal debt load (in 2017 she publicly worried over a debt/GDP ratio of 75% vs. today’s level of 127%), she repeated her new belief that the Federal government has room to borrow trillions of more dollars to fund their wish list.  “My views on the amount of fiscal space that the United States [has], I would say, have changed somewhat since 2017.  Interest payments on that debt relative to GDP have not gone up at all, and so I think that’s a more meaningful metric of the burden of the debt on society and on the federal finances.” She explained.  It is remarkable what a change of venue will do to one’s opinions.  Now that she is Treasury Secretary, and wants to spend more money, it appears much easier for her to justify the new borrowing required.


At the same time, Chair Powell explained that the rise in bond yields was of no concern and that it represented a vote of confidence in the growth of the economy.  We heard this, too, from Atlanta Fed President Bostic yesterday, and this is clearly the new mantra.  So, while 10-year yields have backed off their recent highs by a few basis points, be prepared for further movement higher as positive data gets released.  The bond market has a history of testing the Fed in times like this, and remember, history also shows that when the 2yr-10-yr spread starts to steepen, it doesn’t stop until it reaches 250-275 basis points, which is more than one full percent higher than its current level.  I expect to see that test sometime this summer, as inflation rises.  Beware the impact on risk assets in that scenario.


But other than that, and of course the fact that the Ever Given remains wedged side-to-side in the Suez Canal, there is very little happening in markets today. (Apparently, the economic cost to the global economy of this incident is $400 million per HOUR!  And consider what it is doing to the concept of just-in-time delivery for supply chains.  We have not yet felt the full impact of this event.)


A quick tour of markets shows that Asian equity markets were mixed, with the Nikkei (+1.1%), by far the best performer, while the Hang Seng (0.0%) and Shanghai (-0.1%) essentially tread water.  European markets are mostly red, but the movement has been minimal.  The DAX (-0.2%), CAC (-0.2%) and FTSE 100 (-0.3%) are perfectly representative of pretty much the entire European equity space.  Meanwhile, US futures are edging higher (NASDAQ +0.4%, SPX +0.25%, DOW +0.2%) after yesterday’s late day sell-off.  Anecdotally, one of the things I have noticed lately is that the US equity markets tend to close nearer their trading lows than highs, which is a far cry from their behavior up through January, where late day price action almost always pushed prices higher.  The other thing that is changing is that the huge retail push into single stock options has been fading lately.  Perhaps it’s not as easy to make money in the stock market as it was claimed several weeks ago.


As to the bond market, we continue to see modest strength in the European sovereign market, where the ECB’s impact is clear to all.  This morning, in contrast to Treasury yields edging slightly higher (+0.5bps), we are looking at yield declines of between 1.3bps (OATs) and 2.5bps (Gilts) with Bunds in between.  There is no question that the ECB’s purchase numbers this week will be close to last week’s rather than near their longer-term average.  As an aside, we heard from BOE chief economist Haldane this morning and he explained that the UK economy could be set for a “rip roaring” move higher in Q2 given the amount of savings available to spend as long as the vaccine roll-out continues apace.


On the commodity front, despite the ongoing disruption in the Suez, oil prices have slipped back by 1.3%, although continue to hold above the psychologically important $60/bbl level.  As to metals prices, they have drifted down as well, along with most agricultural products.  Again, the movements here are not substantial and are indicative of modest position adjustments rather than a new trend of any sort.


Lastly, turning to the dollar, it too has had a mixed session, with both gains and losses across the spectrum.  In the G10, AUD (+0.4%) is the leader, followed by the GBP (+0.3%) and then lesser gains amongst most of the rest.  Meanwhile, JPY (-0.35%) has been the laggard in the group.  Aussie was the beneficiary of short covering as well as exporter interest taking advantage of its recent declines, while the pound seems to have been responding to the Haldane comments of potential strong growth.  As to the yen, while there are some concerns the BOJ may cut back on its JGB purchases, it appears the yen was a victim of some importer selling ahead of the Fiscal year end next week.


EMG currencies are also mixed, with gainers led by RUB (+1.0%), ZAR (+0.7%) and MXN (+0.45%) while the laggards have a distinctly Asian flavor (THB -0.35%, MYR -0.35%, TWD -0.3%).  The ruble appears to be benefitting from a trading bounce after a 3-day losing streak, while the rand is gaining ahead of a central bank meeting today, although expectations are for no policy change given the still low inflation readings in the country.  On the downside, the Bank of Thailand left policy on hold, as expected, but forecast a narrowing of the current account surplus, thus weakening the baht.  Meanwhile, both the ringgit and the Taiwan dollar are suffering from concerns over continued USD strength in combination with some technical moves.  Overall, the bloc remains beholden to the dollar, so should the buck start to gain vs. the G10, look for these currencies to suffer more acutely.


As it is Thursday, we start the day with Initial Claims (exp 730K) and Continuing Claims (4.0M), but also see a Q4 GDP revision (4.1%, unchanged) along with some of the ancillary GDP readings that tend to be ignored.  In addition, we hear from five more Fed speakers, but it is hard to believe that any of them is going to have something truly new to tell us.  We already know they are not going to raise rates until 2023 at the earliest and that they are comfortable with higher inflation and higher bond yields.  What else is there?


With all this in mind, I keep coming back to the Treasury market as the single key driver of markets overall.  If yields resume their rising trend, look for the dollar to rally and equities to fade.  If yields edge back lower, there is room for modest dollar weakness.


Good luck and stay safe

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			To Sell or To Buy
		


				

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As markets await CPI

For signals to sell or to buy

The Fed looks for ways

This reading to raise

But not for an outcome too high


Overnight activity in the markets has been fairly dull as investors and traders await a series of events that will unfold as the day progresses.  On the data front, Jan CPI readings are due with expectations as follows:






CPI (M/M)
0.3%




CPI (Y/Y)
1.5%




-ex food & energy (M/M)
0.2%




-ex food & energy (Y/Y)
1.5%






Source : Bloomberg


The one consistent thing about CPI readings since the nadir last May is that the outcome has been higher than forecast in 7 out of those 8 readings.  Perhaps it is time for economists to reconsider the variables in their forecasting models.  The implication is that inflation, which the Fed continues to avow is far too low, may not be as low as they say.


Now, despite the fact that the Fed (and pretty much every major central bank) has decided to ignore inflation readingsa until they get too high, instead focusing on supporting economic activity, the market still cares about inflation.  This is made clear by the ongoing discussion on real interest rates which are simply the result of the nominal interest rate less the inflation reading.  For example, while 10-year Treasury yields have risen to 1.15%, the real rate, using the December core CPI reading of 1.6%, is -0.45%.  When applied to the current 2-year Treasury yield of 0.115%, the real yield falls to -1.485%.


And this is where it starts to get interesting.  It turns out that investors are extremely focused on real yields as demonstrated by their correlation to different assets, notably the dollar and gold, but also stocks.  It is these negative real yields that continue to drive the search for yield which has resulted in non-investment grade (aka junk) bonds to be in such demand.  In fact, these less creditworthy instruments now yield less than 4.0%, a historic low, and not nearly enough to compensate for the risk of default.  But for investors, the real yield is +2.35%, far higher than they can receive elsewhere, and so worthy of the risk.  (When you read about those worrywarts who claim that central banks have distorted markets beyond recognition, this is the type of thing they are highlighting.)


But it is not just fixed income investors who focus on the real yield.  These yields impact virtually every investment.  Consider, for a moment, gold, an asset which pays no dividend and has no cash flow.  When real interest rates are high, there is a significant opportunity cost to holding the precious metal.  But as real yields decline below zero, that opportunity cost converts into a benefit which is why the correlation between real yields and gold is strongly negative (currently -0.31% with strong statistical significance).


Or consider the dollar.  There are many things that go into determining the dollar’s value at any given time, but clearly, interest rates are one of them.  After all, interest rates are a key feature of every currency discussion and define the activity in the carry trade.  Now, the dollar’s historic haven status along with that of Treasury bonds means that when things get bad, investors flock to both dollars and Treasuries which drives nominal, and therefore real, yields lower.  But in more benign circumstance, when there is no panic, relative real yields is a key driver in the FX market, with negative real US yields associated with a weaker dollar.  In fact, this is my main thesis for the second half of 2021, that inflation will continue to rise while the Fed will cap Treasury yields (because they have to) and the dollar will suffer accordingly.


Which brings us back to this morning’s CPI reading.  My sense is that we are reaching the point where the market will take higher inflation readings as a dollar negative, so beware any surprise in the data.


Adding to today’s mix, and arguably a key reason that overnight markets have been so dull, is that we are set to hear from three major central bank heads, starting with Madame Lagarde this morning, the BOE’s Andrew Bailey at noon and then our very own Chairman Jay at 2:00 this afternoon.  Keep in mind the following themes when listening: the ECB is carefully monitoring the exchange rate; the BOE has instructed banks to prepare for NIRP although claims this is not a policy change, and the Fed remains unconcerned if inflation were to rise to 2.5% or 3.0%.  All of this points to the idea that real yields, around the world, are going to decline further.  Sorry savers!


Now to the markets this morning.  While Asian equity markets performed well (Nikkei +0.2%, Hang Seng +1.9%, Shanghai +1.4%), the same is not true in Europe, where there is a mixture of red and green on the screen.  Here we see the FTSE 100 (+0.3%) as the leader, while both the CAC (-0.1%) and DAX (-0.2%) can find no traction today.  Finally, US futures are all higher by about 0.3% after consolidating yesterday at their recent closing highs.


Bond markets are under very modest pressure this morning with Treasury yields higher by 1 basis point and similar moves seen in Europe.  The one exception is Italy, which has seen 10-year yields decline to a new record low of 0.499% as investors anticipate great things from Mario Draghi’s turn as Prime Minister.


In the commodity markets, oil (+0.5%) continues to grind higher in its drive for $60/bbl, while gold is little changed on the day.  Base metals are all modestly higher but agriculturals are actually backing off a bit this morning.  Again, the picture is best described as mixed.


Finally, the dollar is also themeless today, with G10 currencies seeing modest strength from Europe (CHF +0.1%, GBP +0.1%, EUR flat) while NZD (-0.4%) leads the way lower for the Asian bloc.  However, there has been no data, or comments, yet, that would explain the movement.  This smacks of position adjustments as the recent dollar rebound tops out.


EMG currencies have similarly shown no general direction with both gainers and losers about equally split.  KRW (+0.9%) is the big winner after short positions were closed out ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday that begins tonight.  But beyond that, the winners saw gains of 0.2% or less, hardly the stuff of dreams.  Meanwhile, on the negative front, BRL (-0.6%) is opening in the worst spot as concerns grow over the fiscal situation as the country seems set to increase Covid related expenditures with no plans on how to pay for them.  The next worst performer is CZK (-0.5%) but this is more difficult to discern as there has been neither news nor data to drive the market.  This has all the earmarks of a significant flow that the market has not yet fully absorbed.


And that’s really it for the day.  The big picture remains that the dollar has bounced from its correction highs but has not yet been able to convincingly turn back down.  This argues for a few more sessions of choppiness unless we receive new news.  Perhaps CPI will be much higher (or lower) than expected, either of which can drive movement.  Or perhaps we will hear something new from one of the three central bank heads today which will change opinions.  But for now, choppy with nowhere to go seems the most likely outcome.


Good luck and stay safe

Adf

			

	
	



				
					


	

		

			Contracted, Not Grown
		


				

			Posted on  by 		

			


		

		
There once was a continent, grand

Whose culture and history fanned

Both science and art

Which helped to jumpstart

Expansion across all the land


But lately the data has shown

That Europe’s contracted, not grown

This bodes ill for those

Who purchased euros

As markets take on a new tone


Entering 2021, one of the highest conviction trades amongst the analyst and investment community was that the dollar would decline sharply this year.  After all, it fell broadly and steadily in 2020 from the moment it peaked in mid-March on the initial pandemic fears.  But the narrative that developed was that the Fed would be the king of all monetary easers, pumping so much liquidity into markets that the surfeit of dollars would simply drive the value of the greenback lower vs. all its main counterparts.  Adding to the tale was the election of Joe Biden as president, and the belief that he would be able to enact massive stimulus to help reflate the economy, thus adding fiscal stimulus to the Fed’s already humongous monetary efforts.  The pièce de résistance was the Georgia runoff elections, when the Democrats gained effective control of the Senate, and so all of these dreams seemed destined to come true.


However, there was always one conundrum that never made sense, at least to me, and that was the idea that the dollar would decline while the US yield curve steepened.  The thesis was that all the fiscal stimulus would result in massive Treasury issuance (check), which would result in higher yields as the market had trouble absorbing all that debt (partial check) and then the dollar would decline sharply (oops).  The problem is that historically, as the US yield curve steepens, the dollar typically rallies.


The other quibble with this narrative was that it seemed to ignore the facts on the ground in Europe.  It was never realistic to believe that the ECB would sit back and allow the euro to rally sharply without responding.  And of course, that is exactly what we have seen.  In the past three weeks, we have heard from numerous ECB speakers, including Madame Lagarde, that the exchange rate is quite important in their deliberations.  The proper translation of that comment into English is, if the euro keeps rallying, we will directly respond via further easing or even intervention if necessary.  Remember, Europe can ill afford a strong euro from both a growth and inflationary perspective, and they will do all they think they can to prevent it from coming about.


At the same time, there is another issue that the dollar bears seemed to neglect, the pathetic state of affairs in the Eurozone economy, as well as the vast incompetence displayed throughout the continent with respect to the inoculation of their populations with the new Covid vaccines. Based on current trends, the US and UK will have vaccinated 75% of their respective populations by the end of 2021.  Italy, Germany and France are looking at 2024 at the earliest to achieve the same milestone.  Ask yourself how beneficial that will be for the Eurozone economy if the current lockdowns remain in place for the next 2-3 years.


The one possible saving grace for this view is that the Fed responds more aggressively to any steepening of the yield curve.  While Europe cannot afford for the euro to rise, the US cannot afford for interest rates to rise, at least not very much.  While yields have clearly risen from their summer lows, they remain extremely accommodative.  However, if yields should start to rise further, say because inflation starts to accelerate, the Fed seems destined to stop that move, either explicitly, via YCC, or tacitly via extending and expanding QE such that they absorb all the new Treasury issuance and prevent yields from rising.  Of course, this will result in much deeper negative real yields which, in my view, will be what leads to the dollar’s eventual decline.  Given Europe’s much duller inflationary pulse, it will be much harder for the ECB to drive real yields in Europe as low as in the US.  But that is a story for the second half of 2021, not the first.


Which brings us to today’s activity.  The discussion above was prompted by the much weaker than expected Eurozone Retail Sales data released this morning, with December’s monthly growth at 2.0% and the Y/Y number at just 0.6%, half of expectations.  And this was before the extended and expanded lockdowns in January.  It is increasingly evident that the Eurozone is in its second recession in just over a year, again, hardly a rationale to buy its currency.  Which makes it completely unsurprising that the euro has declined yet again, -0.4%, and breaking below the psychological 1.20 level.  For those keeping track, this is he fourth consecutive day of declines and it is pretty easy to look at a chart and see a downtrend developing.  In fact, since its peak on January 7, the euro is down a solid 3%.


But the dollar is performing well against all its G10 brethren, and most EMG counterparts as well.  SEK (-0.6%) and NOK (-0.5%) are the worst performers with the latter somewhat surprising given that oil (+0.75%) continues to rally.  It seems that both these countries are seeing doubts over their ability to inoculate their populations from Covid similar to the Eurozone, so it should not be surprising that their currencies decline.  The same is true of CAD (-0.25%) where the current trend for vaccinations shows it will take a full ten years to vaccinate 75% of Canada’s population!  I imagine the pace will increase, but it does demonstrate the futility so far.  CAD, however, has not been as weak as the euro given the benefits from the rising oil price seem to be offsetting some of its other problems.


In the Emerging markets, ZAR (-0.8%) is the worst performer today, falling on a combination of broad dollar strength and concerns over the possibility of a debt crisis as the nation’s debt/GDP ratio has climbed rapidly to 80%, and with its still high yields, debt service ability is becoming a bigger problem.  Of course, there is also a new strain of Covid, first identified there, that has increased virulence and is working against the economy.  With the euro lower, it is no surprise that the CE4 have followed it down, and we are also seeing weakness in MXN (-0.6%), again, after central bank comments indicating possible rate cuts in the future.  On the flipside, TRY (+0.5%) is the star performer today, continuing to gather interest given its world-beating interest rate structure and promises from the central bank to maintain those yields.


While I skipped over both equity and bond markets today, it is only because there was precious little movement in most cases and certainly no discernible trend.


On the data front, yesterday saw better than expected ADP Employment and ISM Services prints, once again highlighting the differences between the US and Europe.  This morning brings a raft of data as follows: Initial Claims (exp 830K), Continuing Claims (4.7M), Nonfarm Productivity (-3.0%), Unit Labor Costs (4.0%) and Factory Orders (0.7%).  With Payrolls tomorrow, all eyes will be on the Initial Claims number, but it is hard to believe any print will change market sentiment.


Finally, the BOE met this morning and left policy unchanged, as expected.  However, they did tell banks to start preparing for negative interest rates going forward.  While they claim the policy is not imminent, it seems unlikely that they are asking banks to prepare for a low probability event.  Despite significant evidence that negative rates do not help the economy, although they do help stock prices, the BOE looks like it is going to ignore that and go there anyway.  The only analyses that showed NIRP was beneficial was produced by the central banks that are operating under NIRP.  This cannot be good for the pound over time.


For the day, the dollar is starting to gain momentum to move higher, and I think a slow continuation of this move is likely.


Good luck and stay safe

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			The UK’s Current Plight
		


				

			Posted on  by 		

			


		

		
In England, the doves are in flight

Explaining that NIRP is alright

But hawks keep maintaining

That zero’s restraining

Despite the UK’s current plight


What we’ve learned thus far in 2021 is that Monday is risk-off day, at least, so far.  Yesterday, for the second consecutive week, risk was under pressure as equity markets everywhere fell, while the dollar rallied sharply.  But just like last week, where risk was avidly sought once Monday passed, this morning has seen a rebound in many equity markets, as well as renewed pressure on the dollar.


But aside from a very early assessment of a potential pattern forming, this morning brings a dearth of market-moving news.  Perhaps the most interesting is the battle playing out inside the BOE, where Silvana Tenreyo, one of the more dovish MPC members, has been making the case that in the current situation, the UK should cut the base rate into negative territory.  Her analysis, as well as that of other central banks like the ECB, SNB and Danish central bank, have shown that there are many benefits to the policy and that it has been quite effective.  Of course, those are three of four central banks (the BOJ is the other) that currently maintain negative rates, so it would be pretty remarkable if those studies said NIRP was a failure.  The claim is that NIRP increases the amount of lending that banks extend, thus encouraging spending and investment as well as weakening the currency to help the export industries in the various countries.  And the studies go on to explain that all these factors help drive inflation higher, a key goal of each of those central banks.


Now, there is no question that those are the theoretical underpinnings of NIRP, alas, it is hard to find the data to support this.  Rather, these studies tend to give counterfactual analyses, that indicate if the central banks had not gone negative, things would have been worse.  For instance, let’s look at CPI in the Eurozone (-0.3%), Switzerland (-0.8%) and Denmark (+0.5%).  Not for nothing, but those hardly seem like data that indicate inflation has been supported.  In fact, in each of these countries, inflation was going nowhere fast before the pandemic, although I will grant that Covid has depressed the numbers further to date.  And how about the currency?  Well, one of the biggest stories of the past six months has been how the dollar has declined nearly 10% against these currencies.  Once again, the concept of a weaker currency seems misplaced.


The point here is that the discussion is heating up in the UK, with the independent MPC members pushing for a move below zero, while the BOE insiders are far more reluctant, explaining that the banking system would see serious harm.  (I think if one looks at the banking system in Europe, it is a fair statement that the banks there are not performing all that well, despite (because of?) 6 years of NIRP.  The BOE counterpoint was made this morning by Governor Bailey who explained there were still many issues to be addressed and implied NIRP was not likely to be implemented in the near future.  With all this as background, it should be no surprise that the pound has been the best performer in the G10 today, rising 0.6%, after Bailey’s comments squashed ideas NIRP was on its way soon.


But the dollar, overall, is softer today, not nearly reversing yesterday’s gains (except vs. the pound), but generally under pressure.  However, there is precious little that seems to be driving markets this morning, other than longer term stories regarding fiscal stimulus and Covid-19.


So, a quick tour of markets shows that Asian equity markets shook off the weakness in the US yesterday and rallied nicely.  The Nikkei (+0.1%) was the laggard, as the Hang Seng (+1.3%) and Shanghai (+2.1%) showed real strength.  Europe, on the other hand, is showing a much more mixed picture, wit the DAX (+0.1%) actually the best performer of the big 3, while the CAC (0.0%) and FTSE 100 (-0.6%) are searching for buying interests.  The FTSE is likely being negatively impacted by the pound’s strength, as there is a narrative that the large exporters in the index are helped by a weak pound and so there is a negative correlation between the pound and the FTSE.  The problem with that is when running the correlation analysis, over the past two years, the correlation is just 0.08% and the sign is positive, meaning they move together, not oppositely.  But it is a nice story!  And one more thing, US futures are green, up about 0.25% or so.


Bond markets are selling off this morning as yields continue to rise on expectations that the future is bright.  10-year Treasury yields are up to 1.16%, which is a new high for the move, having rallied a further 1.2bps this morning.  But we are seeing the same type of price action throughout Europe, with yields higher by between 1.7 bps (Bunds) and 4.0bps (Italian BTP’s), with Gilts (+2.3bps) and OATs (+2.0bps) firmly in between.  What I find interesting about this movement is the constant refrain that H1 2021 is going to be much worse than expected, with the Eurozone heading into a double dip recession and the US seeing much slower than previously expected growth as many analysts have downgraded their estimates to 1.0% from 4.0% before.  At the same time, the message from the Fed continues to be that tighter policy is outcome based, and there is no indication they are anywhere near thinking about raising rates.  With that as background, the best explanation I can give for higher yields is concerns over inflation.  Remember, CPI is released tomorrow morning, and since the summer, almost every release was higher than forecast.  As I have written before, the Fed is going to be tested as to their tolerance for above target inflation far sooner than they believe.


The inflation story is supported, as well, but this morning’s commodity price moves, with oil higher by 1.3% and gold higher by 0.8%.  In fact, I believe that inflation is going to become an increasingly bigger story as the year progresses, perhaps reaching front page news before the end of 2021.


Finally, as mentioned above, the dollar is under broad-based, but generally modest pressure this morning.  After the pound, AUD (+0.35%) and CAD (+0.25%) are the leading gainers, responding to the firmer commodity prices, although NOK (0.0%) is not seeing any benefit from oil’s rise.  In the EMG space, it is also the commodity linked currencies that are leading the way, with ZAR (+0.9%), RUB (+0.8%) and MXN (+0.5%) topping the list.  Also, of note is the CNY (+0.3%) which is back to levels last seen in June 2018, as the strengthening trend their continues.


On the data front, the NFIB Small Business Optimism index showed less optimism, falling to 95.9, well below expectations, again pointing to a slowing growth story in H1.  The only other data point from the US is JOLT’s Job Openings (exp 6.4M), which rarely has any impact.  I would like to highlight, in the inflation theme, that Brazilian inflation was released this morning at a higher than expected 4.52% in December, which is taking it back above target and to levels last seen in early 2019.  If this continues, BRL may become a high yielder again.


Finally, we hear from 6 different Fed speakers today, but again, unless they all start to indicate tighter policy, not just better economic outcomes, in H2, while the dollar may benefit slightly, it will not turn the current trend.  And that’s really the story, the medium-term trend in the dollar remains lower, but for now, absent a catalyst for the next leg (something like discussion of YCC or increased QE), I expect a bit of choppiness.


Good luck and stay safe

Adf