Arindam Sandilya, Lorenzo Ravagli, Ladislav Jankovic, and Juan Duran-Vara discuss FX Derivatives outlook for H2 2024, including forex market volatility, US elections pricing, Euro risk premium, Yen movements, and defensive relative value strategies.
FX volatility expected to remain stable in H2 due to global growth and PMI strength.
Yen volatility provides trading opportunities based on rate differentials, intervention risks, and carry trade unwinds.
Deep dives
Outlook on FX Volatility in the Second Half of the Year
The FX volatility landscape is expected to maintain a sideways pattern with limited changes in H2. Factors like global growth firmness and PMI strength suggest a lack of significant volatility spikes. The anticipation for the US election and its potential impact on FX markets is noted, with markets already pricing in the event. Strategies include owning local noise or gamma given the election uncertainty.
Yen Volatility Trends and Opportunities
Yen volatility presents opportunities for expressing views over H2, considering factors like rate differentials, intervention risks, and carry trade unwinds. Options are cost-effective for trading on yen movements, with vols aligned with historical averages. Strategies involve pure volatility plays and directional moves like owning downside vols and leveraging correlation patterns.
Defensive Relative Value Strategies in FX Options
Amid macroeconomic uncertainties, defensive relative value strategies are recommended, focusing on FXOL and SKU RVs. Tools like FXVOL mean reversion models help identify attractive spread opportunities. Defensive stances include bullish half-ball vs. Euro-ball and long-end Aussie vol positions for protection in risk-off events. Dollar long-end risk reversals are deemed expensive, while pairing with Kiwi skew offers a hedge against market risks.