A nervous beginning to the start of the week

Monday October 22: Five things the markets are talking about

Global equities remain better supported this Monday morning after Chinese stocks surged overnight on senior officials verbal intervention.

The ‘mighty’ U.S dollar has eased a tad along with treasuries, while Italian bonds have rallied.

The EUR had found some early support on the back of a ratings decision by Moody’s Investors Service late last Friday who removed the immediate threat of a downgrade to ‘junk.’ The market now awaits on S&P’s review this Friday.

Nevertheless, risks remain, from tension surrounding the Khashoggi murder and the ongoing Sino-U.S trade showdown to Italian budget fears and President Trump’s unpredictability ahead of U.S midterm elections.

On tap for this week, the Bank of Canada (BoC) is expected to increase its policy rate by +25 bps to +1.75% on Wednesday (Oct 24) despite last Friday’s disappointing inflation and retail sales readings.

Elsewhere, the European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to leave policy unchanged, but questions regarding Italy and its budget issues are expected to be front and center.

In Scandinavia, Sweden’s Riksbank and Norway’s Norges bank take center stage mid-week.

Stateside, earnings season gathers pace with notable highlights including Amazon, Alphabet, Intel, Verizon, Microsoft, Twitter, McDonald’s, and Caterpillar.

1. Stocks in the black

Japan’s Nikkei edged higher, supported by a rally in Chinese stocks on the promise of additional stimulus measures, triggering buying in firms exposed to China. The Nikkei share average rallied +0.37%, moving off a six-week low hit during last Friday’s session. The index is now down around -7.5% since hitting a 27-year high on Oct. 2. The broader Topix edged +0.15% higher.

Down-under, Aussie stocks ended lower on Monday, as political concerns rattled investors after the governing coalition looks set to lose its one-seat majority in parliament following a weekend by-election. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed -0.6% lower. In S. Korea, the Kospi stock index climbed on Monday supported by a strong Chinese market. The index rallied +0.5%.

In China, stocks surged overnight in the wake of coordinated statements of support by senior regulators, and as China prepares to overhaul its income tax law for individuals. The benchmark Shanghai Composite index was +4.2% higher, while the blue-chip CSI300 index jumped +4.4%.

The gains extended to Hong Kong, where the Hang Seng index added +2.3% and the China Enterprises Index ended +2.6% higher.

In Europe, indices trade higher across the board. Italy’s FTSE MIB outperforms after Moody’s cut the countries rating to the lowest investment grade, but put the outlook as stable, helping BTP futures rally.

U.S stocks are set to open in the ‘black’ (+0.1%).

Indices: Stoxx600 +0.22% at 362.02, FTSE +0.26% at 7,066.00, DAX +0.52% at 11,614.01, CAC-40 +0.24% at 5,096.82, IBEX-35 +0.73% at 8,957.30, FTSE MIB +0.66% at 19,205.50, SMI +0.30% at 8,892.50, S&P 500 Futures +0.18%

2. Brent oil back above $80 as Iran sanctions loom

Brent crude oil prices remain better bid as markets are expected to tighten once U.S sanctions against Iran’s crude exports come into effect in November.

Brent crude oil futures are at +$80.26 a barrel, up +48c, or +0.6%, above Friday’s close. U.S West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures are at +$69.60 a barrel, up +48c, or +0.7%.

Note: The U.S sanctions on Iran, the third-largest producer in OPEC, are set to start on Nov. 4.

OPEC agreed in June to boost supply to make up for the expected shortfall in Iranian exports, however, recent data suggests that OPEC is struggling to add barrels as an increase in Saudi supply was offset by declines elsewhere.

Nevertheless, relief may come from the U.S, where offshore drillers added four oilrigs in the week to Oct. 19, bringing the total count to 873, according to Baker Hughes data on Friday. After months of stagnation, U.S crude production is expected to rise.

However, undermining sentiment is weaker China growth data and the ongoing Sino-U.S trade dispute. The full impact of the trade war is expected to hit markets early next year and provide a considerable drag on oil demand.

Ahead of the U.S open, gold prices have edged higher overnight towards their three-month peak hit last week, as the ‘big’ dollar eased and worries over rising political tensions slowing global economic growth lent support to the ‘yellow’ metal. Spot gold is up +0.1% at +$1,226.52 an ounce, while U.S. gold futures are also up +0.1% at +$1,229.50 an ounce.

3. Italian yields drops by most in 4-months on Moody’s decision

Italian sovereign yields dropped across the curve after ratings agency Moody’s kept the country’s sovereign ratings outlook ‘stable’ while delivering an expected downgrade last week. The market was worried that the outlook would be ‘negative.’

Note: S&P’s review is expected this Friday (Oct 26). It now rates the country two notches above junk at BBB.

Italy’s five-year BTP yield dropped -36 bps to a two-week low of +2.63%, while the benchmark 10-year yield was -26.5 bps lower at +3.39%, its biggest daily drop in four-months. The BTP/Bund 10-year yield spread tightened to +284 bps.

Elsewhere, the yield on the U.S 10-year note rose +1 bps to +3.20%, while Germany’s 10-year Bund yield increased + 2bps to +0.48%. In the U.K, the 10-year Gilt yield climbed +1 bps to +1.588%.

4. Dollar quiet across the board

The EUR/USD is a tad lower at €1.1515 after testing a high of €1.1550 overnight on the back of a relief rally in the 10-year BTP/Bund spread. Nevertheless, event risk persists ahead of the deadline for Italy to respond to the E.U Commission’s initial objections over the 2019 budget plan.

Expect Thursday’s ECB meeting to be closely watched, especially Draghi’s press conference, where the market is looking for more color on how the ECB would reinvest maturing QE proceeds post December this year.

GBP/USD is -0.3% lower at £1.3030 as Brexit talks again reached an impasse. However, PM Theresa May believes that +95% of the Brexit withdrawal deal is “now settled.” It’s believed that the PM is facing a rebellion by more than 40 Tory MP’s if she does not back down to fresh demands from Brexiteers’

Note: 48 votes are necessary for a leadership challenge

5. Italy says it’s ready to discuss budget with E.U authorities

The Italian government is ready to sit and discuss its budget targets with E.U, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said this morning, restating that the “populist” coalition had no plan to leave the euro.

Italy has sent a letter to the commission explaining its reasons for sticking to the +2.4% goal, and that the government was ready to “sit at the table”.

Note: Italy wants to hike its budget deficit to +2.4% from this year’s +1.8%. Last week, the E.U Commission labeled Italy’s 2019 draft budget an “unprecedented breach of EU fiscal rules.”

Forex heatmap

Desperately seeking stability

US  Markets

From sandstorms in Riyadh to headwinds in Rome, escalating risk has effectively capped the recent swell in US Treasury yields, while the combination of Federal Reserve policy tightening and increasing debt supply should keep the trapdoor from giving way. But none the less, market participants will jostle between US growth momentum and the ever-threatening and escalating geopolitical risk, that could trigger a more significant flight to safe-haven currencies and assets.

US equity markets struggled across the finish line on Friday as investors contiued to take profits after morning gains gave way when a report showed U.S. home sales fell for the sixth month in a row. US housing growth continues to disappoint on familiar themes and remains one of the few red lights and the most significant drag on the US economy.

China Markets

Although local Asia sentiment remains poor, the SHCOMP staged an impressive reversal of Friday after China rolled out a series of speakers and rule changes to stabilise markets, but the pace of reversion does suggest it was aided on by state-owned funds to add some vim.  But Chinese markets remain under pressure from every economic angle leaving more than a few investors extremely sceptical Friday’s recovery will have lasting legs.

Oil Markets 

It should be a hectic week ahead in oil markets anticipating colossal participation amidst escalating headline risk this week . Bullish sentiment is clearly under pressure as oil traders search for  the next equilibrium.

Brent crude oil probed back above the $80 per barrel on Friday after China reported record refinery throughput for September.Reuters But the critical benchmark still closed below that technically essential and psychologically significant level. ($80 per barrel)

West Texas Intermediate crude oil followed stronger performances in the Brent market, but like Brent, closed below a key level, $70 per barrel, which is a significant fail for bullish sentiment

In China, higher seasonal demand and suspected stockpiling are occurring, while similarly the US and the OECD continue building stockpiles ahead of potential supply disruptions this winter. But China demand is also surging due to Beijing ‘s enormous infrastructure projects and spends which are being used to stimulate the economy and is beefing up Oil demand.

However, concerns about demand growth slow down along with the prospect of more barrels  coming online has triggered a sizable reduction in bullish markets structures, the difference between bets on higher prices and wagers on falling priced — dropped  14 per cent to 242,855 futures and options in the week ended Oct. 16, according to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

But there’s a loud level of headline noise that seems to pop up like clockwork, where on the one hand views suggest OPEC can quickly cover the Iran shortfall while conspicuously well-timed documents continue to surfacing claiming that OPEC and its allies are having difficulty boosting production by 1 million bpd as it had promised in June. Sifting through the market noise will present its challenges none the less.

From various industry insider reports, Iran exports have fallen from 2.2- a million barrels per day (m b/d) in 1H’18 down to an expected 1.5-m b/d in October. Saudi Arabia has reportedly ramped production to 10.7-m b/d though. They could go to 11-m b/d and draw down 0.5-m b/d from inventories or even more if needed. (3-m b/d just boosted Saudi export capacity at Aramco’s Red Sea Yanbu terminal. Ras Tanura capacity is well above current export levels.) And Russia still has ~0.2-m b/d spare capacity to reach 11.5-m b/d.

According to industry reports, Canada’s crude production was ~4.6-m b/d in August, with Jan-Aug growing ~280-k b/d y/y, even with Syncrude upgrader problems, which has since recovered. Oversupply and US refinery maintenance have put WCS and Syncrude into a massive   discount WTI  pipeline bottlenecks meaning more and more WSC needs to be shipped by rail with new longer-term rail shipping contracts agreeing to at ~$20/bbl to the USGC

And with Trump’s acknowledging that Saudi Arabia’s findings behind the Khashoggi death were credible, this could offer more opportunity for the US administration to pressure the kingdom to tap its spare capacity resources before the Iran sanctions take effect in November. So, there will be an intense focus on the Saudi Royal family’s relations with the Whitehouse this week, while US Congress will face increasing pressures to block all arms sales and deliveries. All the while  global business leaders continue to shun “Davos in the Desert.”

US-Saudi relationships are vital to maintaining peace in the middle east and must continue, however, the Khashoggi case will give the US leverage and which will likely cause Saudi Arabia to increase oil production if possible. But you know this is not going to leave the headlines anytime soon as most everyone considers the official Saudi explanation as a complete fabrication.

While the supply-demand equilibrium remains fragile, the anticipated impact from Iran sanctions is diminishing as prompt Brent remains in good short-term supply despite growing uncertainty about supply disruptions continue to build down the road.

Gold Markets

Investor sentiment is much-improved from even a week ago on increased portfolio hedges against more sustained equity market drawdown which over the short term,  should give rise to haven demand and boost Gold prices.

But China has rolled out some rule changes to stabilise markets. And while the longer-term effects from these changes amount to little more than putting a band-aid on a broken leg, the generally usually work and have some influence over the short term. Since  China equities are deep in oversold territory, there is lots of room for a bounce in local markets which has clipped momentum in Gold markets as even headlines around Brexit, and the Italian budget was more positive heading into the weekend. heading into the weekend although most traders remain a bit cynical on those fronts

While the upcoming US election will offer up many challenges on US political risk front and support Gold, ultimately however past Nov 6 USD and Fed hiking cycle are likely back in the driver’s seat for bullion pricing. While mainly priced in, the USD could strengthen ahead of December rate as higher US interest rates and a stronger USD could discourage gold investors from pushing the envelope higher unless of course, the equity market rout continues.

Currency Markets

From sandstorms in Riyadh to headwinds in Rome, escalating risk has effectively capped the recent swell in the US in Treasury yields, while the combination of Federal Reserve policy tightening and increasing debt supply should keep the bottom from giving way. But none the less we will bond, and currency traders are left to jostle between US growth momentum and tightening global risk, that should trigger a more significant flight to safe-haven currencies and assets.

Last weeks FOMC minutes reaffirmed the Fed’s hawkish lean and should keep the dollar supported. Markets remain in pins and needles of the Italy budget and Brexit stalemate, but with equity markets volatility on the rise, traders will continue to assess China policy adjustments on Friday to see if the moves will have a sticky effect.

Traders will soon factor in US midterm elections where the tail risk clearly, is a Democratic sweep. Mind you; its anyone’s guess just how economically active GOP tax cuts will be in 2019 while facing a massively ballooning debt. But it is while is more clear-cut that  a Blue Wave tsunami would dent market sentiment and likely push the dollar lower

The Euro

So far ECB policymakers have remained somewhat mute on Brexit, but one would think this divorce will not play out pretty for either the EU or UK economies which might influence ECB policy guidance. But EURUSD is back above 1.1500, reflecting quietening in alarm bells over equities & Italy. Moody’s finally cut Italy’s ratings to Baa3 as expected. Italy’s banks are vulnerable because of the high proportion of the country’s bonds they own, but this was widely expected so no major surprise.

The Canadian Dollar

The CAD miss on CPI has overwhelmed whatever remnants of bullishness I had in the CAD. The shocking miss on the CPI has shattered my confidence on next week’s BoC. Given there are no significant data releases between now and the BoC meeting, its time to stop being so unabashedly bullish on the loonie.

Australian Dollar
There were around $A10B of Australian government bonds redemption on October 21 and given much better yields away, unless so governed to buy Australian Bonds, most of those maturing investments likely funnelled into US or other much higher yielding bonds. Thus, the AUD is holding up well despite a lot of selling pressure last week and could outperform this week provided China volatility continues to ease after mainland regulators policy tweaks on Friday.
Been avoiding trading AUD vs the USD like the plague but given shifting sentiment on BoC policy next week, the long AUDCAD trade could see some appeal early this week.

On the energy front, multiple news sources have confirmed that Australia’s colossal and much delayed Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant has started shipments in recent weeks. But comes at a favourable time and could offer some much-needed respite to Australia’s dwindling heavy sweet crude oil production.

The Malaysian Ringgit

It still feels like risk off but with a less weak Yuan and the monetary policy easing story in China playing out well on the SHCOMP. While the mainland equity recovery was positive on the surface, other regional bourses barley blinked as the China market reversal was little more than it a short covering.

In what could best be described as hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Malaysia slashed its economic growth targets and deserted its plans to balance its budget by 2020, not exactly a ringing endorsement for the financial in Malaysia. And with capital gains taxes and other consumption taxes on the horizon, it’s not to difficult to figure out why Malaysia equity markets remain under pressure.

The combination of macro risk off as well as on-shore danger around the upcoming budget will keep the Ringgit trading defensively.

The leak on oil prices notwithstanding, regional risk sentiment remains ever so fragile as any sliver of optimism from US earnings gave way to that reality that trade tension and geopolitical unrest continues to gurgle. There were around $A10B of Australian government bonds redemption on October 21 and given much better yields away, unless so governed to buy Australian Bonds, most of those maturing investments likely funnelled into US or other much higher yielding bonds. Thus, the AUD is holding up well despite a lot of selling pressure last week and could outperform this week provided China volatility continues to ease after mainland regulators policy tweaks on Friday.
Been avoiding trading AUD vs the USD like the plague but given shifting sentiment on BoC policy next week, the long AUDCAD trade could see some appeal early this week.

Asia market update: a busy session is unfolding

The Yuan

USD bullish sentiment post FOMC minutes outweighs Treasury to report the CNH playbook remains intact and should not provide any is a significant short-term relief for local EM currencies. High US bond yields and a rebounding US dollar continue to pose substantial headwinds.

The Yuan fix came in at 6.9275 vs 6.9235 but +30 higher than market estimates. Given the focus on all things Yuan, it has triggered a call to action for Yuan bears who have promptly paid the USDCNH market above 6.935 level during the opening salvo. The higher fix combined with no bounce in China risk sentiment post US Treasury FX Report does provide some ammunition for CNH traders to push the USDCNH envelope higher. Expect the near-term battle line to get drawn between the critical USDCNH 6.94-95 level.

Regional equities market

Taking their lead from an unsettled close in US equity markets, local markets are trading with a negative bias as risk aversion continues reverberating across ASEAN bourses. President gone postal, escalating US-China tensions and a stronger USD will pose considerable headwinds to local equity markets. Unlike yesterday rally where participation was relatively light, early volumes are looking robust suggesting investors continue to probe markets downside where more significant tail risk remains.

Australia jobs report

AUD jobs data far from a game changer +5K offset by fall in participation but UE rate still decent so confident on the margin. But given the volatile nature of this report, the data will carry a limited impact on RBA policy. With US-China tension staying on the boil AUDUSD markets remain better offered than bid.

Malaysian Ringgit and Oil prices

Oil prices are leaking lower; the Malaysian Ringgit should underperform at the margin today or at minimum trade with a defensive posture. We do not see any discernable bounce in local risk sentiment as the markets prepare for capital gains and consumption taxes.

Bank of Korea 

The Bank of Korea leaves 7-day Repo rate unchanged at 1.50, but we wait in vain to see if this is indeed a hawkish hold. But USDKRW has moved back above the 1130 level as fast money speculators pile in after the BoK decision to hold rates. We wait to see if the central bank will provide an evident signal for a hike in the next 1-2 months. The press conference begins at 10:45 SG time.

Gold

Gold continues to find a bid in early trade as local traders are a much better seller or risk. But with the dollar breaking below the critical 1.1500 EURUSD level near-term bullish sentiment will be tempered but given equity weakness gold is looking increasingly attractive as a defensive hedge.

The buck cannot find a bid

Tuesday October 16: Five things the markets are talking about

The ‘big’ dollar came under pressure yesterday and is finding it difficult to gain much traction this morning as investors taking profit on U.S assets outweighs concerns about Italy, Brexit and a Sino-U.S trade war. Furthermore, twin U.S deficits and prospects of a halt in Fed’s rate hike cycle are also weighing on the dollar.

Elsewhere, it has been mixed picture across regional stock markets overnight as investors await the next wave of corporate earnings and further developments across the aforementioned geopolitical issues.

Note: Any hint of a slowdown or stronger growth could affect the pace of Fed’s rate hikes.

Oil prices continue to fluctuate within striking distance of recent highs amid tensions between Saudi Arabia and the U.S over the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent journalist with U.S citizenship, while the precious ‘yellow’ metal holds its gains.

On tap: FOMC minutes are due Wednesday (02:00 pm EDT), with investors focused on projections for further interest rate rises.

1. Stocks mixed results

In Japan, the Nikkei rebounded overnight, supported by short covering in index heavyweights (automakers and SoftBank), but retailers came under pressure on worries about domestic personal consumption and slowing demand from China. The Nikkei share average closed +1.3% higher, after tumbling -1.8% yesterday. The broader Topix rallied +0.7%.

Down-under, Aussie shares rebounded overnight, as mining and financials bounced back from Monday’s -1% drop and six-month low, but rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the West and weaker PPI data in China capped broader market gains. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose +0.6%. In S. Korea, the Kospi stock index closed flat on Tuesday as global uncertainties capped gains during the day.

In China, stocks ended lower overnight, after data showed factory-gate inflation had cooled for a third consecutive month in September amid lean domestic demand. The blue-chip CSI300 index ended -0.8% weaker, while the Shanghai Composite Index also closed -0.8% lower. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng was up +0.1%.

Note: Chinese inflation was boosted by food while prices were mostly subdued elsewhere. China Sept CPI y/y came in as expected at +2.5% vs. +2.5%e (a seven-month high): PPI y/y was +3.6% vs. +3.5%e.

In Europe, regional bourses trade mostly higher across the board with the Italian FTSE MIB outperforming following the submission of its draft budget to the E.C, while the U.K’s FTSE underperforms on Brexit uncertainty.

U.S stocks are set to open in the ‘black’ (+0.3%).

Indices: Stoxx600 +0.4% at 361, FTSE -0.2% at 7012, DAX +0.2% at 11638, CAC-40 +0.1% at 5099, IBEX-35 +0.9% at 9004, FTSE MIB +1.1% at 19500, SMI +0.3% at 8678, S&P 500 Futures +0.3%

2. Oil dips on expectations of higher U.S stocks, gold unchanged

Oil prices have eased a tad amid expectations of an increase in U.S crude inventories, but signs of a fall in Iranian oil exports for October are limiting losses.

Brent crude for December delivery has fallen -6c, or -0.07%, to +$80.72 per barrel, while U.S West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for November delivery is down -14c at +$71.64 a barrel.

U.S crude stockpiles are forecasted to have risen last week for the fourth consecutive week, by about +1.1M barrels, ahead of reports from the API (data is due at 4:30 pm today) and the U.S DoE’s EIA (will be released at 10:30 am EDT tomorrow).

In the first two weeks of October, Iran has exported +1.33M bpd of crude to countries including India, China and Turkey. That is down from +1.6M bpd during the same period in September.

Note: October exports are a sharp drop from the +2.5M bpd in April before President Trump withdrew from a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran. In May Trump ordered the re-imposition of economic sanctions on the country. The sanctions will come into force on Nov. 4.

Also supporting prices is today’s comments from OPEC’s Secretary General Barkindo who said, “global spare oil capacity was shrinking,” adding “producers and companies should increase their production capacities and invest more to meet current demand.”

Ahead of the U.S open, gold prices are holding steady near yesterday’s three-month high as a number of risk-averse investors seek refuge in the metal amid rising political tensions and economic uncertainty.

Spot gold was little changed at +$1,226.71 an ounce - it touched +$1,233.26 yesterday, its highest print since mid July, as global equities slid on rising tensions between the Saudi’s and the West. U.S gold futures are flat at +$1,230.40 an ounce.

3. German Bund yields edge higher

A cautious, risk-on mood currently prevails in eurozone sovereign bond markets so far this morning, with yields of German Bunds and of other core eurozone bonds up, and Italian bond yields down.

This would suggest that market risk sentiment may be improving following last week’s sudden correction, but the balance remains a tad precarious in the current political environment. German 10-year Bund yield has backed up +1.4 bps to +0.51%.

Note: The +0.50% level in Bund yields remains pivotal and with more debt product coming to market today (Germany offers +€4B in the September 2020-dated Schatz) should be able to back up sovereign yields a tad more.

Elsewhere, the yield on 10-year Treasuries has backed up +1 bps to +3.17%, the highest in a week. In the U.K, the 10-year Gilt yield has decreased -1 bps to +1.603%, the lowest in almost two-weeks, while in Italy, the 10-year BTP yield has declined -2 bps to +3.522%.

4. G7 currency pairs are little changed

Major currencies (€, £, ¥ and C$) are relatively unchanged ahead of the U.S open.

Dealers and investors have little technical or fundamental data to work with at current levels. In fact, the market is looking for guidance, which may come in the shape of the U.S Treasury forex report, which is likely to be released this week and where the U.S could name China a currency manipulator.

If the U.S were to name China a currency manipulator it would further pressure China on trade and add to the Sino-U.S trade tensions.

EUR/USD is flat at €1.1579 and other major currency pairs are not moving by much either. GBP/USD is up slightly at £1.3163 as leaders struck a conciliatory tone a day after Brexit negotiations broke down and USD/JPY is up +0.3% at ¥112.07

Elsewhere, the performance of several petro-forex (NOK, CAD, RUB) has been held back due to various unique factors that have not translated into a growth boost for these currencies. The ruble has been driven by U.S sanctions, and the Canadian dollar has been held back by NAFTA re-negotiations.

TRY (-0.20% at $5.7865) has retreated after seven days of gains after the country released U.S pastor Andrew Brunson on Friday.

5. U.K wage growth fastest in a decade

U.K data this morning showed that wage growth quickened over the summer at the fastest pace in almost a decade, adding to signs of inflationary pressure.

The ONS said that average weekly earnings in Britain, ex-bonuses, grew +3.1% in the three-months through August.

The figures will likely reinforce market expectations that the BoE remains on course tighten monetary policy over the next 24-months to keep overall price-growth in check, assuming the U.K.’s exit from the E.U goes well.

Other data showed that U.K unemployment in the three-months through August was unchanged on the previous three-months at +4%, while the number of people in work, +32.4M, remained close to its record high.

Note: The BoE hiked interest rate in August and signalled that they expect to do so again two or more times over the next couple of years to bring inflation back to their +2% annual goal.

A weaker pound since the Brexit referendum has to push up the price of imports, squeezing U.K citizens’ purchasing power.

Forex heatmap

Geopolitical risks and yields dominate proceedings

Monday October 15: Five things the markets are talking about

Following a weekend of warnings on global economic fragility from G10 finance leaders at an IMF meeting in Bali, has global equities starting this new week on the back foot, with regional bourses in Asia and Europe seeing red, while U.S equity futures are pointing to deep declines.

Sovereign yields are lower in this cautious climate, while yen has pushed higher along with gold. Crude oil has advanced as tensions rise between the U.S and Saudi Arabia over a missing journalist.

Politics and data are never a good mix and this week is awash with both.

Italy is to submit its contentious budget to the E.C. Already; the proposed budget has potentially broken specific thresholds, which would require a lot of debating from both parties. Expect Italian BTP yields again to come under pressure, backing up towards the psychological +4%.

The E.U meets on Wednesday and will get an update on the status of negotiations with the U.K’s Brexit. Expect the Irish border to be the ‘hot topic du jour. If there is insufficient progress, the possibility of a special summit next month to finalize an agreement looks dead in the water. Dealers expect the pound to remain volatile in the short-term.

The U.S Treasury report about the international economy and the FX market is to be released Tuesday. To neutral observers, China does not meet the threshold of “manipulation.” However, Trumps interpretation may be very different.

On the data front, the U.S releases retail sales this morning (08:30 am EDT) and FOMC minutes on Wednesday.

Across the pond, the U.K presents its labour report tomorrow, (Oct 16) inflation Wednesday (Oct 17) and retail sales Thursday (Oct 18).

In Canada, Friday’s upcoming data includes retail sales, and CPI – neither of the reports are expected to dissuade the market of pricing in a +25 bps rate hike at next weeks Bank of Canada (BoC) monetary policy decision.

1. Equities see red

In Japan overnight, the Nikkei closed at a two month low as automakers and other manufacturers were hit by news that the Trump administration would seek a provision about currency manipulation in future trade deals. The Nikkei share average ended down -1.8%, the weakest closing point since mid-Aug, while the broader Topix dropped -1.6%, the lowest close in seven-months.

Down-under, the ASX 200 fell to a six-month low overnight, led by the banking sectors growing concerns about the hit to earnings from an inquiry into misconduct. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell -1%. In S. Korea, the Kospi stock index fell -0.77% as institutions cut their exposure to riskier assets. The country’s biggest automaker Hyundai Motor slipped -1.7%, marking its lowest trading level in eight-years.

In China and Hong Kong, stock markets again slipped overnight following last week’s deepest dive in eight-months, as investors await the latest twist in the Sino-U.S trade dispute. The Shanghai Composite index closed lower by -1.5%, while in Hong Kong the Hang Seng closed -1.4% lower.

In Europe, regional bourses trade lower across the board, tracking U.S futures and Asian indices lower. The FTSE and sterling (£1.3140) trade a tad lower after the E.U and U.K paused Brexit talks until after this week’s mini-summit.

U.S stocks are set to open deep in the ‘red’ (-0.8%).

Indices: Stoxx600 -0.6% at 356.8, FTSE -0.3% at 6976, DAX -0.4% at 11474, CAC-40 -0.6% at 5066, IBEX-35 -0.3% at 8876, FTSE MIB -0.2% at 19225, SMI % at -0.8%, S&P 500 Futures -0.8%

2. Oil prices rise on Saudi tensions, gold higher

Oil prices remain bid this Monday morning as tension over the disappearance of a Washington post journalist and Saudi critic, Jamal Khashoggi, fuelled supply worries, although concerns over the long-term demand outlook dragged on sentiment.

Brent crude oil jumped +$1.49 a barrel to a high of +$81.92 before easing to +$81.13, up +70c. U.S crude (WTI) was last up +40c at +$71.74.

Saudi Arabia has been under pressure since Khashoggi, a U.S. resident, disappeared on Oct. 2 after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

President Trump has threatened “severe punishment” if it is found that the journalist was killed in the consulate.

On Sunday, the Saudi’s said it would retaliate to any action taken against them over the Khashoggi case. The market is tentatively concerned that the Saudis may use oil as a tool for retaliation.

Despite prices starting the week better bid, there are still lower that last week’s high print.

Also limiting price gains is a report from the IEF last Friday stating that the market looked “adequately supplied for now” and cut its forecasts for world oil demand growth this year and next.

Ahead of the U.S open, gold prices have jumped +1% to hit a three-month high as global stocks resumed their fall and investors wrestled with the impact of the ongoing Sino-U.S. trade war and higher U.S interest rates. Spot gold is up +0.9% at +$1,228.24 an ounce, while U.S gold futures are up +0.8% at +$1,231.80 an ounce.

3. Italian and Portugal yields fall

Portuguese and Italian government bond yields have fallen this morning, with prices outperforming euro zone peers after ratings agency Moody’s upgraded Portugal’s credit rating back to investment grade.

Portugal’s 10-year bond yield fell -4 bps to +2.01% after Moody’s lifted its credit rating to Baa3 on Friday.

The positive periphery sentiment from Portugal has spilled over into Italy’s battered bond market. Italian 10-year BTP yields are down -4.5 bps to +3.53%.

Note: Expect Italian yields to trade rather volatile this week as Italy presents its budget to the E.C.

Elsewhere, the yield on U.S 10’s fell -1 bps to +3.15%. In Germany, the 10-year Bund yield has dipped -1 bps to +0.49%, the lowest in more than a week. In the U.K, the 10-year Gilt yield has eased -2 bps to +1.614%, the lowest in more than a week.

4. Dollar’s safe haven flows ease

Risk aversion flows initially provided a bid for the traditional safe-haven currencies of JPY (¥111.75) and ‘big’ USD, however, market sentiment has eased a tad ahead of the U.S open.

GBP (£1.3147) opened below the psychological £1.31 handle on concerns that a Brexit agreement might be slipping away after the U.K and E.U negotiators were said to have called ‘a pause’ in their Brexit talks and would now wait for the outcome of a summit mid-week (Wed) before any resumption.

TRY ($5.8208) is firmer by over +1% outright for its seventh session gain on optimism that relations between Turkey and U.S would improve following the release of U.S Pastor Brunson.

Bitcoin prices have spiked +6.5% this morning, jumping above +$6,600. While the catalyst behind the move higher is not clear and with few ready to label bitcoin a “true store of value” in turbulent times, BTC has held up better than most of late.

5. Embarrassing losses in Bavarian election shake Merkel’s coalition

Germany’s grand coalition could become even further unstable after coalition members suffered humiliating results in an election in the southern state of Bavaria.

Chancellor Merkel’s Bavarian allies slumped to their worst election results in almost 70 years and her junior coalition partners, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), saw support in Bavaria halved.

The SPD had hoped that infighting over immigration between Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CDU) allies would give them a boost in Bavaria.

But instead, the party saw support fall to just under +10%, prompting a discussion over the sustainability of its alliance with Merkel’s conservatives at the national level.

Note: SPD members are still bitter over their leaders’ decision to join a Merkel-led government.

Merkel’s authority may be called into question as soon as in two-weeks in an election in the western state of Hesse - the state is ruled by Merkel’s CDU in a coalition with the Greens, but polls suggest she is losing further support.

Forex heatmap

Rethinking it

Rethinking it

Risk sentiment stabilised primarily on the back of reports that the Treasury Department will NOT recommend China be labelled a currency manipulator along with headlines that Trump and Xi will meet on trade seems to be enough reason for the equity sell-off to cool. But indeed never has so much been riding on the contributions of so few. 

Once again market sentiment is being driven by rhetoric from US administration and Trump himself who has been quick to point fingers at just about anyone and everyone. Whether its the Fed has gone crazy, OPEC is causing an oil spike, China at fault for trade tension and declaring his policies are hurting China.  But from my chair, the message is loud and clear,  all designed to stir his support base into a frenzy ahead of the November midterms.

It ain’t over till it’s over

Initially, the market was interpreting higher US rates as a signal to deleverage given that most of the economic expansion was assisted by QE, both in the US and globally. So draining the punch bowl and tightening rates were weighing on sentiment. Ok, we get that! But gradually moving interest rates higher in themselves are not necessarily a bad thing for markets especially coming off historically low rates. Most market participants have never traded a rate hike cycle, and for some of the dinosaurs, it appears they have forgotten what rate hike cycle is. When in fact it’s the moment the Feds shift toward a dovish defensive stance after a period of tightening is the time to worry! Presumably, the Federal Reserve Board tightens when the economy is on hot, and the eases when it’s not.

Maybe and just maybe investors are waking up to the fact that much of this market frothiness is a result of financial engineering aided by the intravenous drip of seemingly endless supplies of cheap money. The result could very end up being a stock market built on a leveraged House of Cards which is about to topple after the US tax cuts have run there course. Indeed, credulousness may be giving way to the facts on the ground.

The possible Fed implication

If the equity markets continue to fall into December, the Fed will most certainly consider pausing raising interest rates. You can imagine what type of signal that will suggest to investors who in the face of soaring equity valuations, escalating global trade tensions and divergence in the whole growth narrative especially now that their fingers are glued to the sell button after last weeks carnage. And while the bar is exceedingly high for the Fed to pause in December, it’s not as high this morning as it was a week ago!

Oil Markets

WTI prices have shot higher at the NYMEX futures open after Saudi Arabia warned Sunday it would respond to any “threats” against it as its stock market plunged following President Donald Trump’s warning of “severe punishment” over the disappearance of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi.

Given that oil supply is Saudia Arabia ‘s” ace in the hole” The Kingdom has motioned it could use oil supply as leverage against any sanctions.  Another geopolitical hotspot for the US administration to navigate but this one extremely testy given that President Trump has been pressuring Saudi to up supply to counter the US-led Iran oil sanction

Despite oil prices making a fast retreat last week and e global growth downgrades at this week IMF in Bali.  The spare production capacity argument should continue to support oil over the short term. The IEA pegged spare capacity at around 2 million barrels per day. But the markets know these reserves have never been tested raising the questing how much spare capacity can be brought online immediately But in the meantime until additional supplies are made available, that crimp in supply should be enough to support OIl prices until proven otherwise.

Oil Bears came out of hibernation last week even despite falls in Libya’s crude output. But price actions were driven primarily by an Oct. 8 report from the IMF, in which it downgraded global economic growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019 to 3.7 per cent per annum, from 3.9 per cent, which would consequently lower oil demand. Then pandemonium was unleashed across global markets as the worldwide stock markets tanked triggering an exit from riskier assets.  And while the  S &P stabilised well and continued to roll with the punches, but Oil markets were so eager to snap back. Oil prices initially struggled to follow the equity market lead, after the International Energy Agency monthly Market Report adjusted demand lower by 110,000 bpd for both 2018 and 2019, reported an increase of 100,000 bpd in September OPEC production while pointing out OECD data suggest oil stocks are at the highest level since February. While advising the markets are adequate supplies which again highlights uncertainty of supply once the US sanctions on Iran take effect. Lordy Lordy, it’s a noise market

Despite managing to eek out a win on the day, Brent was lagging WTI on Friday highlighting the lack of fundamental deficit in the oil market, with the International Energy Agency monthly Oil Market Report demand lower and terming supplies “adequate for now”.And  WTI could still be drawing support from Hurricane Micheal induced outages.

Drillers added eight oil rigs in the week to Oct. 12  according to Baker Hughes. Mainly attributed to the November 1 Plains All American Pipeline Project which is set to start flowing on Nov 1 and should ease pipeline bottlenecks that have lower crude prices in the Permian Basin. The Sunrise Pipeline has a reported capacity of about 500,000 barrels per day.

Oil COT report 

The Commitment of Traders data, HEDGE FUND net position changes in the week to Oct 9:
Brent -6mn
WTI -37mn

Gold Markets

The precious complex is trading of the intersession highs as one would expect after the larges jump in years. In reflection, the move was a combination of a haven and full short covering. But this would leave the current landscape extremely shaky if both stocks and US rates markets recovered significantly in the days ahead. But with geopolitical noise ratcheting higher in Saudi Arabia

Currency Markets 

EURO
Given all these tectonic shift in market sentiment, currency markets have this air of unpredictability about them, not more so then the EURO as its completely unclear if Friday’s move was confirmation of the downtrend or nothing more than weekend position squaring. Talking to my circle of G-10 traders this morning I get the feeling that more are coming to a conclusion ahead of the US midterms and wobble equity markets, the USD is there for the taking. After the market’s reaction to Nikki Halley resignation when the USD sold off, its probably a sign of things to come as the pendulum swings between the GOP keeping or losing control of Congress

Japanese  Yen

Kuroda and company have been floating trial balloons the IMF conference in an attempt to gauge market sentiment and prepare currency traders for the inevitable rate hike. The BoJ   desperately wants to help Japan’s  banking sector and improve the monetary transmission mechanism channels to allow the banks to raise the cost of borrowing, after a decade of struggling

The Malaysian Ringgit 

Traders are awaiting US Treasury Department’s currency report on Monday/ Tuesday, where it rumored they won’t classify China as a currency manipulator which could avert an EM Asia currency meltdown and would forestall an escalation of the U.S.-China trade war. Oil prices look supportive in early trade but the overhang from fiscal concerns around the upcoming budget should temper any strengthening in the local note.

The IMF Bash in Bali

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde doubled down on the messaging.

“Our message was very clear: de-escalate the tensions,” she told Bloomberg Television in an interview, about US-China tensions. But with no hints of a resolution or fixed purpose for that matter, the parties are no closer than they were before the soiree.

 

 

Friday’s relief rally in full swing

Friday October 12: Five things the markets are talking about

Volatility, in particular, for equities, has notched aggressively higher this week, now that sovereign bond yields are beginning to price out cheap money.

Stronger than expected U.S economic data and weak European underlying inflation in key countries is being blamed as the specific trigger for this week’s ‘bearish’ bout.

However, Chinese trade data released earlier this morning showed better-than-expected growth in Chinese exports has, at least temporarily, helped ease investor concerns about the damage to China’s economy from U.S tariffs and other trade friction.

China’s trade surplus with the U.S widened to a record +$34.1B in September as exports to the American market rose by +13% y/y, despite a worsening tariff war.

Global equities have staged a robust recovery; the ‘big’ dollar trades steady, U.S Treasury yields back up and crude oil prices recover while still heading for the biggest weekly drop in three-months.

Nevertheless, a gradual Fed rate increase remains the order of the day, especially after yesterday’s muted U.S CPI data - the market is pricing in a +25 bps move in December.

Since the Fed’s last meeting in September all data has been in line with the Fed’s depiction of an economy in which low unemployment will be coupled with inflation running near +2% for the foreseeable future.

1. Stocks sell off ends in Asia

Chinese stocks, among the biggest losers in a global market selloff this week, rallied overnight, as investors reassessed the impact of the Sino-U.S trade spat on the country’s economy and its markets.

In Japan, the Nikkei ended higher on Friday as investors took heart from gains in Chinese equities on upbeat export data, which generated buying in manufacturers exposed to China. The Nikkei share average gained +0.5%. On Thursday, the index slid -3.9% and for the week the index was down -4.6%, its biggest weekly drop since March. The broader Topix traded flat.

Down-under, Australia’s ASX 200 lagged most of Asia Pacific overnight as the heavily weighted energy and financial sector held the index back. It ended +0.2% higher, but fell -4.7% for the week. In S. Korea, its stock market rebounded from one of its biggest drops in seven-years. The Kospi rallied +1.5%, its first gain this month. The index fell -4.7% for the week.

In China, the main stock indexes bounced higher overnight after suffering massive losses this week, as investors went bargain hunting on the back of stronger Chinese exports data. At the close, the Shanghai Composite index was +0.9% higher, after touching near four-year lows yesterday. The index was down -7.6% for the week, its worst weekly performance in eight months. The blue-chip CSI300 index closed +1.49% higher.

In Europe, regional indices trade higher across the board rebounding from multi-month lows following a rebound in U.S index futures and Asian Indices.

U.S stocks are set to open deep in the ‘black’ (+0.8%).

2. Oil rebounds, but pares gains on adequate supply, gold lower

Oil has rallied overnight; rebounding after two-days of heavy declines, though prices pared gains after an IEA report deemed supply adequate and the outlook for demand weakening.

Brent crude has rallied +76c to +$81.02 a barrel, having dropped by -3.4% yesterday. U.S crude (WTI) has added +71c to +$71.68.

Note: Brent is still on course for a -3.7% decline this week, the biggest weekly fall in about four-months.

Oil found support from data showing that China’s daily crude imports last month hit their highest in four-months and from a rebound in equities.

Gains were pared, after a monthly report by the IEA said the oil market looked “adequately supplied for now” after a big rise in production and trimmed its forecasts for world oil demand growth this year and next. “This is due to a weaker economic outlook, trade concerns, higher oil prices and a revision to Chinese data,” said the IEA.

Ahead of the open, gold prices are under pressure as global equities rally, but the ‘yellow’ metal trades within striking distance of its 10-week high print in yesterday’s session. Spot gold is down -0.4% at +$1,218.86 an ounce, after rallying +2.5%yesterday, as this weeks equity rout sent investors rushing to safe-havens. U.S gold futures are down -0.4% at +$1,222.30 an ounce.

3. Yields back up on relief

Eurozone government bond markets show signs of relief as equity markets rebound. The 10-year Bund yield is trading +2.3 bps higher at +0.54%, pulling the yields of other core and semi-core issuers higher.

Note: Bunds yields are down from five-month highs reached earlier this week at +0.58%.

Eurozone periphery government bond yields trade lower, indicating a lower level of concern, at least for the day. Italy’s 10-year BTP yield is trading -4.5 bps lower at +3.53%.

Note: Italian 10-year bond yields rose to five-year highs earlier this week on tension between Rome and the E.U over Italy’s expansionary budget plans.

Elsewhere, the yield on 10-year Treasuries has backed up +3 bps to +3.18%, the biggest advance in a week. In the U.K, the 10-year Gilt yield has gained +2 bps to +1.694%. In Japan’s 10-year JGB yield has climbed less than +1 bps to +0.15%.

4. Dollar stable, EM pairs rally

USD initially tested multi-week lows as a weak Wall Street soured its recent bullish sentiment. Nevertheless, the greenback is off its worst levels as the equity sell-off has eased.

After jumping to an 11-day high of €1.1611 overnight, the dollar has stabilized and EUR/USD trades slightly higher, last by +0.1% at €1.1593. However, expect Italian fiscal risks and the direction of U.S yields to continue to drive the EUR/USD.

Emerging-market currencies are having another good day after weathering the global equity selloff this week. The South African rand is up +1.1% at $14.483, and the Mexican peso has gained +1.5% at $18.8718. The Turkish lira has paired some of its gains, but its trading +2% at $5.9451 – up +5% on the week.

The PBoC set yuan at weakest level since March 2017, a day after U.S Treasury staff advised Secretary Steven Mnuchin that China was not manipulating its the exchange rate. The midpoint for the dollar was ¥6.9120.

GBP/USD (£1.3215) is trading within striking distance of its three-week highs on hope for a Brexit agreement at the upcoming E.U leader summit next week. There is speculation that PM May is close to an agreement, but obstacles remain, as she requires the DUP Party ally and rebel Tory members support.

5. Eurozone factory output rebounds

Data this morning showed that industrial production in the eurozone rebounded strongly in August, as surges in Italy and the Netherlands offset weakness in Germany to suggest economic growth across the currency bloc continues at a modest pace.

The E.U’s statistics agency said industrial production was +1% higher in August than in July, and up +0.9% on year. The market was looking for a monthly gain of just +0.2%.

It was the first rise in production since May, following two straight months of decline.

Today’s healthy rebound will likely reassure the ECB that the economy is on course to grow more slowly this year than last, but still at a rate that will lead to new jobs being created, thereby pushing wages and inflation higher.

Note: The IMF trimmed its eurozone growth forecast for this year to +2% from +2.2%, noticeably downgrading its growth projection for Germany to +1.9% from +2.2%.

Forex heatmap

Asia market update

Oil update
After hitting a massive speedbump over the past 48 hours or so, Oil investors are dipping their toes back into the no less certain waters as risk has tentatively stabilised. But prices remain very firm even after DOE reported a larger-than-expected build suggesting a bit of discount in the numbers as refinery maintenance work continued to limit demand. Regardless it’s hard to sugar coat this week’s inventory report, and tumultuous week, traders are more apt to pare rather than increase risk. So, in the absence of significant headlines, we could see consolidating into the week, but with oil prices holding firm above$ 80.00, the bulls haven’t completely lost the plot just yet

Excellent trade data from China for September.
The trade balance has come at USD31.7bn versus 19.2bn expected. Exports are substantial at 14.5% YoY versus 8.2% expected, and imports have done well coming at 14.3% versus 15.3% expected. but I wouldn’t get too excited as dealers will buy this dip below 6.90 based on today fix view

Risk

There’s a semblance of sanity returning to the markets, but we are no nearer a significant recovery, but the Politico article which stated the internal report to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did not recommend that Beijing is labelled a currency manipulator has eased tension although we are not out of the weeds just yet. On the flipside, the Pboc continues to offer up confusing smoke signals as its yet another day when USDCNY and USDCNH see a big move higher. Mixed messages are confusing the landscape as again today we got another higher than expect fix which is greenlighting CNH bears to jump into the position with more belief after last night sell-off. And with the unpredictable nature of commander and chief, Donald Trump does raise the level of uncertainty; there is nothing inevitable about an escalation of his long-standing China is currency manipulator themes.

This market is exhausted from all after the most significant sell-off in global equities since Feb. Its large shake out the landscape remains no less uncertain and while the current narrative is likely to rage on until Novembers G20 summit at least, prudence suggesting keeping one’s powder dry on the recovering Friday and live to fight another day after yesterday most unpleasant experiences.

Gold Comes Alive In Biggest Jump Since ‘16 After Equities Roiled Bloomberg

Gold gains most in more than two years

Daily Markets Broadcast 2018-10-12

Not quite Goldilocks

Not quite Goldilocks

Not to state the apparent but markets are finding themselves in a total state of discombobulation as we mercifully head towards the weekend. There have been multiple train wrecks over the past 24 hours, and the continuous wall of worry around US yields and US-China tension still weighs on equity sentiment.

Goldilocks? Yes and No

Not quite the Goldilocks narrative that we are so accustomed to after a weaker than expected inflation print (CPI) as those three bears are not so good-natured or harmless and are forever prowling looking for the opportunity to drive risk lower. The more moderate inflation prints only provided a modicum of repose and far from the antacid “plop- plop fizz-fizz ” oh what a relief it is, the market so desperately needed. Wall Street recorded its second day of steep declines. But there is one positive, however, as the overnight session came to a gruelling finale, New York traders could finally catch their breath. !!

However, some of my colleagues are suggesting EM FX rallied in response to the CPI data – implying that at least for some, the read on the data did that confirm markets are in the so-called Goldilocks zone where the US economy is – not too hot or cold, and just right. But I think the improving EM sentiment has more to do with the RMB complex.

Chinese Yuan
USDCNH sprung a leak through 6.88 overnight triggered by a Politico article which stated the internal report to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did not recommend that Beijing is labelled a currency manipulator and continued to place China on a monitoring list.

But adding to the momentum f China’s Ministry of Commerce issuing some comments regarding the arrest a technology spy, reports that China-US trade talks will resume and chatter that Xi and Trump will indeed be meeting at the G-20 sidelines next month. Trump is willing to meet with Chinese President Xi, but Beijing needs to show openness to compromise.

The moves lower on USDCNH have eased some anxiety, especially for EM Asia FX that that had been building in worst case scenarios that China could let the Yuan fall. But even more significantly for global markets is that the US Treasury Department’s staff has advised Secretary Steven Mnuchin that China isn’t manipulating the yuan as the Trump administration prepares to issue a closely watched report on foreign currencies, according to two people familiar with the matter. So, if Trump and Munichin accept these finding at face value, which the market agrees with, it could avert an EM Asia currency meltdown and would forestall an escalation of the U.S.-China trade war.

Positioning was heavy long USDCNH in Asia yesterday, and a cascade of stops losses have triggered on the move lower. At least this should offer a glint of relief for Asian capital markets.

USD Asia was under intense focus overnight Overall FX interbank volumes were approximately 45% higher across spot G10 & EM, as the upshot of US CPI, CNH headlines and continued cross-asset volatility and vital focal points USDJPY, EURJPY USDCNH and HKD experienced a two-fold increase in trading volumes. But none the less US-China relations remain to be the focal point for markets. There is some nervousness about the US Treasury Currency Report due to be released the week, but sentiment has thankfully improved for regional investors.

A Bullish Glint?
The overnight chatter does suggest that at a minimum there will be a softer tone on the currency manipulator theme, although the unpredictable nature of commander and chief Donald Trump does raise the level of uncertainty, and there could be more risk-reduction into the weekend as investors position more defensively. But this does offer a significant window of opportunity for the not so meek of heart.

Oil Markets
In the near term, crude oil traders will likely focus on global equity markets looking for any signs stability to conceivably mount a recovery for the current headwinds.

But oil markets are indeed going through an inflexion point of their own. OPEC’s Monthly Oil Market Report has followed the DOE Short-Term Energy Outlook reporting supplementary non-OPEC production growth, with a 200,000 bpd increase from a month ago which lessens demand for OPEC barrels.

The oil markets are sagging as more bullish bets performed a ” cut and run ” after Energy Information Administration showed Crude inventories rose by 6 million barrels in the week to Oct. 5, as analysts again wholly missed the dartboard expecting a build 2.6 million barrels. The EIA data came in lower than the eye-watering API build but its still a larger-than-expected increase for last week as refinery runs continue to fall due to seasonal maintenance work as another increase in Cushing WTI NYMEX delivery hub just added to the negativity.

With supply worries now gripping markets after this bearish EIA report, supply-side anguish has slinked into the equation as oil traders remain on the defence. Indeed, it’s hard to sugar coat this week’s inventory data, but for perpetual bulls like my self, if risk stabilises around improving US-China tension, there are some very cheap entry points on offer. And given positions are much cleaner after the latest ” Porthole” effect, there should be good support near and around $80 prompt Brent.

Gold Markets
This global market tumult was the opportunity that gold Bulls had been waiting for since last Wednesday when nascent sings of and impending equity market meltdown started to ferment as both US -Yields and US-China trade tensions were creating some significant headwinds. As the playbook suggested Gold markets finally showed some of life, but it took an absolute pummeling on equity markets to trigger demand as market lolloped towards critical l $1200 level. But on the break, buying accelerated as near-term stop-loss triggers came into play once the 50-day moving average gave way. But it was the softer than expected CPI print and with risk aversion remaining front and centre, it provided the catalyst to test the significant resistance level at $1225.

Currency Markets

Granted there’s always that initial shock factor when the Presidents preaches Tumpanomics especially when his views challenge the world’s most powerful central bank. But these types of outlandish remarks tend to have few lasting effects from my seat.

The Euro

The EURUSD has been driven by USD sentiment more than EUR itself. Both of Italy’s houses of parliament have voted in favour of the government’s fiscal outline, so it is only a matter of time before it goes to the EU. Political uncertainty and Italian politics that usually runs at a heightened emotional state, there enough uncertainty around this Budget that should keep the Euro lower view attractive.

The Malaysia Ringgit

Weaker oil prices will be offset by lower USDCNH. However, traders remain incredibly defensive on the MYR due to the escalating budget noise. While the could be some topside USD reprieve, the next big hurdle for regional currencies is the US Treasury report regarding currency manipulation on Monday as everyone is focusing on the US treasury view about China.

U.S producer prices increase for first time in three months

U.S. producer prices rose for the first time in three months amid a surge in gauges reflecting airfares and rail-transportation costs, a Labor Department report showed Wednesday in Washington.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRODUCER PRICES (SEPTEMBER)

  • Producer-price index rose 0.2% m/m (matching est.) after a 0.1% drop in prior month; up 2.6% y/y (est. 2.7%) after 2.8% gain
  • Excluding food and energy, core gauge rose 0.2% m/m (matching est.); up 2.5% y/y (matching est.) after 2.3%
  • PPI excluding food, energy and trade services, a measure some economists prefer because it strips out the most volatile components, rose 0.4% m/m, most since Jan.; up 2.9% y/y, same as Aug.
  • Key Takeaways

    The monthly increase in the broad index stemmed partly from a 1.8 percent rise in transportation and warehousing services, a record in data back to 2009. That reflected a 5.5 percent jump in the category of airline passenger services, also a high in figures dating to 2009, while rail transportation of freight and mail was up 1.4 percent, the most since 2012.

    Overall, services prices increased 0.3 percent while the cost of goods fell 0.1 percent, reflecting declines in both food and energy. The decrease in goods prices was the first since May 2017.

    While the figures — which highlight wholesale and other selling prices at businesses — are less prominent in investors’ minds than the consumer price index out Thursday, they illustrate how changes in input costs are feeding into inflation. PPI reports have limited usefulness in predicting the monthly CPI reports, JPMorgan Chase & Co. economists said in a recent note.

    Amid trade tariffs and retaliatory levies, inflation pressures are being closely watched, particularly for signs of how likely they filter through production pipelines and on to businesses and consumers. Benchmark Treasury yields have climbed to multi- year highs this month amid investor expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue raising interest rates to the point of eventually restricting growth.

    Other Details

  • Energy prices fell 0.8 percent from the prior month, biggest drop since March; food costs dropped 0.6 percent, same decline as prior month
  • One-third of advance in final demand services stemmed from airline passenger services, which mostly reflects airfares
  • BLOOMBERG