GBP
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoE hiked rates by 25bsp as expected at their March meeting but delivered what was seen as a bearish hike as it was not a unanimous decision with BoE’s Cunliffe voting to leave rates unchanged. This was a very stark change from February where 4 members voted for a 50bsp hike. Cunliffe noted the negative impacts of higher commodity prices on real household incomes and economic activity as the main reason for his dissention, while the remaining members thought a 25bsp hike was appropriate given the tight labour market and risks of second round effects. Even though inflation forecasts were upgraded to 8% in Q2 (previous 7.25%), the negative view that GDP was expected to slow to subdued rates once again showed growing concern of stagflation risks. For us, the most bearish element of the statement was a change in language regarding incoming rates where the bank said they judge that some further modest tightening MIGHT be appropriate where previous guidance said more tightening was ‘likely to be’ appropriate, which was a very clear push back against the overly aggressive rate path that has been priced in for the bank. The bank further pushed back by noting that the current rate path implied by markets would mean inflation would be below their target in three years’ time, in other words saying they won’t hike as much, and confirms our estimates that policy reached peak hawkishness in February. The 100% odds of a 25bsp for May has drifted to just above 80% on Friday, and markets will pay very close attention to incoming BoE speak, where a further push back against higher rates could be enough to see markets pricing out some of the 4 hikes still priced for the rest of the year.
2. Economic & Health Developments
With inflation the main reason for the BoE’s recent rate hikes, there is a concern that the UK economy faces stagflation risk, as price pressures stay sticky while growth decelerates. That also means that current market expectations for rates continues to look way too aggressive even after the BoE’s recent push back. This means downside risks for GBP if growth data push lower and/or the BoE continue to push their recent dovish tone.
3. Political Developments
Political uncertainty is usually GBP negative, so the fate of PM Johnson remains a focus. Fallout from the Sue Gray report was limited but as distrust grows the question remains whether a vote of no-confidence will happen (if so,short-term downside is likely). Focus will then be on whether the PM can survive a no-confidence vote (a win should be GBP positive and a loss GBP negative). The Northern Ireland protocol remains a focus with the UK threatening to trigger Article 16 and the EU threatening to terminate the Brexit deal if they do. For now, markets have rightly ignored this as posturing, but any actual escalation can see sharp downside for GBP.
4. CFTC Analysis
Recent CFTC data showed GBP positioning continues to deteriorate across market participants with net-short increases for large specs and net-long reductions for leveraged funds. After the more dovish than expected BoE last week (and since it took place Thursday) incoming CFTC data should see this trend continue.
5. The Week Ahead
In the week ahead the main focus for Sterling will be incoming PMI data, the UK annual budget release and geopolitics. On the data side, with stagflation risks continuing to grow, markets will be keenly watching the PMI data to see how fast growth sentiment has deteriorated after recent geopolitical tensions. Keep in mind that the BoE has been concerned about the slowing growth environment from before the war, and a bigger than expected drop could add to those fears. Remember that PMIs are diffusion indexes based on the subjective inputs from purchasing managers. It’s basically asking businesses whether they think the outlook is better or worse than it was the previous month and given the war in Ukraine we should not be surprised by a bigger than expected miss. On the geopolitical front any key developments will be especially important for the GBP and EUR given their proximity and the impact of sanctions. On the budget side, markets will want to see whether Chancellor Sunak is able to ease some of the growth concerns by alleviating some of the pressure on consumers where real incomes have been a concern given rising food and energy prices. Given the one-side downside in Sterling recently, the GBP will arguably be more sensitive to positive news compare to negative.
USD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH
1. Monetary Policy
At their March meeting the Fed delivered on a 25bsp hike as expected with Fed’s Bullard the only dissenter voting for a 50bsp hike. The Dot Plot saw a big upgrade from 3 hikes (Dec) to 7 hikes for 2022, with the FFR seen reaching 2.75%-3.0% in 2023 before falling in 2024. The Fed did however lower their neutral rate from 2.5% to 2.4% which were a bit of a negative. Inflation forecasts for 2022 were raised to 4.1% (previous 2.7%) but med-term inflation saw less aggressive upgrades. Even though the overall message and projections were definitely hawkish, the fact that GDP estimates were lowered to 2.8% from 4.0% shows a Fed that expects their actions to impact demand and could also be incorporating some of the recent geopolitical uncertainties. The Fed didn’t provide any new details on QT but did note that the decision to start selling assets will be made at a coming meeting (markets consensus sees a July start as likely) but did add that the FOMC made good progress in their QT discussion with a May announcement very likely. During the presser the Chair expressed his view that the economy is doing really well and, in his view, will be more than able to withstand the incoming rate hikes (a very similar situation like we had in 4Q18). When asked whether 50bsp hikes could be on the table, the chair explained that the FOMC has not made decision to front-load hikes and will keep an eye on incoming inflation data to determine their policy actions going forward, but of course added that every incoming meeting was live. Overall, the Fed was
hawkish, but due to very strong pre-positioning and close to peak hawkishness priced for STIR markets the meeting saw a ‘sell-the-fact’ reaction across major asset classes.
2. Global & Domestic Economy
As the reserve currency, the USD’s global usage means it’s usually inversely correlated to the global economy and global trade. The USD usually appreciates when growth & inflation slow (disinflation) and depreciates when growth & inflation accelerates (reflation). Thus, current expectations of a cyclical slowdown (and possible stagflation) are good for the Dollar. Incoming data will be watched in relation to the ‘Fed Put’ as there are many similarities between now and 4Q18, where the Fed were also tightening into a slowdown. If growth data slows and the Fed stays hawkish it’s a positive for the USD, once the Fed pivots dovish that’ll be a negative for the USD.
3. CFTC Analysis
Overall net-long positioning was a risk for the USD going into the FOMC, where due to very strong performance in recent weeks, it was a very high bar for a hawkish Fed to see a sustained move higher in the USD before seeing a bit of a correction. Leveraged funds now hold a net-short in the USD, but unless geopolitics offer meaningful safe haven inflows or stagflation fears jump higher, some short-term downside is possible.
4. The Week Ahead
The week ahead will be one the quietest ones we’ve had in a while on the economic data side. The main highlights will be incoming Fed speak after last week’s hawkish FOMC policy decision, with focus on whether we get any additional insights and opinions on the rate path, inflation and of course QT. With a lack of key data to give further insights into how fast growth is slowing, the stagflation narrative will probably get most of its cues from commodity prices. Keep in mind that the Dollar has an inverse correlation to global growth and usually has a positive expected return during periods of disinflation and stagflation. We’ll also be keeping an eye on further geopolitical developments, where the USD’s safe haven status will play a role in possible short-term directional moves as well. However, if we don’t see any major trending moves in commodities , and we don’t have any major geopolitical developments, the USD is still close to cycle highs and means it remains vulnerable to some profit taking and additional short-term corrective price action. Watching key support at 97.70 will be key as a break and close below that support arguably opens up room for a dive towards 97.00. Just keep in mind that the bias for the USD remains bullish in the med-term , so any moves lower are expected to be more tactical in nature, unless driven by specific catalysts of course.
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoE hiked rates by 25bsp as expected at their March meeting but delivered what was seen as a bearish hike as it was not a unanimous decision with BoE’s Cunliffe voting to leave rates unchanged. This was a very stark change from February where 4 members voted for a 50bsp hike. Cunliffe noted the negative impacts of higher commodity prices on real household incomes and economic activity as the main reason for his dissention, while the remaining members thought a 25bsp hike was appropriate given the tight labour market and risks of second round effects. Even though inflation forecasts were upgraded to 8% in Q2 (previous 7.25%), the negative view that GDP was expected to slow to subdued rates once again showed growing concern of stagflation risks. For us, the most bearish element of the statement was a change in language regarding incoming rates where the bank said they judge that some further modest tightening MIGHT be appropriate where previous guidance said more tightening was ‘likely to be’ appropriate, which was a very clear push back against the overly aggressive rate path that has been priced in for the bank. The bank further pushed back by noting that the current rate path implied by markets would mean inflation would be below their target in three years’ time, in other words saying they won’t hike as much, and confirms our estimates that policy reached peak hawkishness in February. The 100% odds of a 25bsp for May has drifted to just above 80% on Friday, and markets will pay very close attention to incoming BoE speak, where a further push back against higher rates could be enough to see markets pricing out some of the 4 hikes still priced for the rest of the year.
2. Economic & Health Developments
With inflation the main reason for the BoE’s recent rate hikes, there is a concern that the UK economy faces stagflation risk, as price pressures stay sticky while growth decelerates. That also means that current market expectations for rates continues to look way too aggressive even after the BoE’s recent push back. This means downside risks for GBP if growth data push lower and/or the BoE continue to push their recent dovish tone.
3. Political Developments
Political uncertainty is usually GBP negative, so the fate of PM Johnson remains a focus. Fallout from the Sue Gray report was limited but as distrust grows the question remains whether a vote of no-confidence will happen (if so,short-term downside is likely). Focus will then be on whether the PM can survive a no-confidence vote (a win should be GBP positive and a loss GBP negative). The Northern Ireland protocol remains a focus with the UK threatening to trigger Article 16 and the EU threatening to terminate the Brexit deal if they do. For now, markets have rightly ignored this as posturing, but any actual escalation can see sharp downside for GBP.
4. CFTC Analysis
Recent CFTC data showed GBP positioning continues to deteriorate across market participants with net-short increases for large specs and net-long reductions for leveraged funds. After the more dovish than expected BoE last week (and since it took place Thursday) incoming CFTC data should see this trend continue.
5. The Week Ahead
In the week ahead the main focus for Sterling will be incoming PMI data, the UK annual budget release and geopolitics. On the data side, with stagflation risks continuing to grow, markets will be keenly watching the PMI data to see how fast growth sentiment has deteriorated after recent geopolitical tensions. Keep in mind that the BoE has been concerned about the slowing growth environment from before the war, and a bigger than expected drop could add to those fears. Remember that PMIs are diffusion indexes based on the subjective inputs from purchasing managers. It’s basically asking businesses whether they think the outlook is better or worse than it was the previous month and given the war in Ukraine we should not be surprised by a bigger than expected miss. On the geopolitical front any key developments will be especially important for the GBP and EUR given their proximity and the impact of sanctions. On the budget side, markets will want to see whether Chancellor Sunak is able to ease some of the growth concerns by alleviating some of the pressure on consumers where real incomes have been a concern given rising food and energy prices. Given the one-side downside in Sterling recently, the GBP will arguably be more sensitive to positive news compare to negative.
USD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BULLISH
1. Monetary Policy
At their March meeting the Fed delivered on a 25bsp hike as expected with Fed’s Bullard the only dissenter voting for a 50bsp hike. The Dot Plot saw a big upgrade from 3 hikes (Dec) to 7 hikes for 2022, with the FFR seen reaching 2.75%-3.0% in 2023 before falling in 2024. The Fed did however lower their neutral rate from 2.5% to 2.4% which were a bit of a negative. Inflation forecasts for 2022 were raised to 4.1% (previous 2.7%) but med-term inflation saw less aggressive upgrades. Even though the overall message and projections were definitely hawkish, the fact that GDP estimates were lowered to 2.8% from 4.0% shows a Fed that expects their actions to impact demand and could also be incorporating some of the recent geopolitical uncertainties. The Fed didn’t provide any new details on QT but did note that the decision to start selling assets will be made at a coming meeting (markets consensus sees a July start as likely) but did add that the FOMC made good progress in their QT discussion with a May announcement very likely. During the presser the Chair expressed his view that the economy is doing really well and, in his view, will be more than able to withstand the incoming rate hikes (a very similar situation like we had in 4Q18). When asked whether 50bsp hikes could be on the table, the chair explained that the FOMC has not made decision to front-load hikes and will keep an eye on incoming inflation data to determine their policy actions going forward, but of course added that every incoming meeting was live. Overall, the Fed was
hawkish, but due to very strong pre-positioning and close to peak hawkishness priced for STIR markets the meeting saw a ‘sell-the-fact’ reaction across major asset classes.
2. Global & Domestic Economy
As the reserve currency, the USD’s global usage means it’s usually inversely correlated to the global economy and global trade. The USD usually appreciates when growth & inflation slow (disinflation) and depreciates when growth & inflation accelerates (reflation). Thus, current expectations of a cyclical slowdown (and possible stagflation) are good for the Dollar. Incoming data will be watched in relation to the ‘Fed Put’ as there are many similarities between now and 4Q18, where the Fed were also tightening into a slowdown. If growth data slows and the Fed stays hawkish it’s a positive for the USD, once the Fed pivots dovish that’ll be a negative for the USD.
3. CFTC Analysis
Overall net-long positioning was a risk for the USD going into the FOMC, where due to very strong performance in recent weeks, it was a very high bar for a hawkish Fed to see a sustained move higher in the USD before seeing a bit of a correction. Leveraged funds now hold a net-short in the USD, but unless geopolitics offer meaningful safe haven inflows or stagflation fears jump higher, some short-term downside is possible.
4. The Week Ahead
The week ahead will be one the quietest ones we’ve had in a while on the economic data side. The main highlights will be incoming Fed speak after last week’s hawkish FOMC policy decision, with focus on whether we get any additional insights and opinions on the rate path, inflation and of course QT. With a lack of key data to give further insights into how fast growth is slowing, the stagflation narrative will probably get most of its cues from commodity prices. Keep in mind that the Dollar has an inverse correlation to global growth and usually has a positive expected return during periods of disinflation and stagflation. We’ll also be keeping an eye on further geopolitical developments, where the USD’s safe haven status will play a role in possible short-term directional moves as well. However, if we don’t see any major trending moves in commodities , and we don’t have any major geopolitical developments, the USD is still close to cycle highs and means it remains vulnerable to some profit taking and additional short-term corrective price action. Watching key support at 97.70 will be key as a break and close below that support arguably opens up room for a dive towards 97.00. Just keep in mind that the bias for the USD remains bullish in the med-term , so any moves lower are expected to be more tactical in nature, unless driven by specific catalysts of course.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.