Jay Barry and Srini Ramaswamy, Co-Heads of US Rates Strategy at JPMorgan, dive into the recent twists in the financial markets. They discuss the weak Payrolls report and its implications for potential interest rate cuts. The duo also analyzes the shifting dynamics in interest rates, driven by both domestic and international factors. They shed light on treasury market volatility and liquidity issues, while unpacking the intricacies of the repo market. Their insights on quantitative tightening reveal its significance for future monetary policies.
The weaker July payroll report and rising unemployment have led to expectations of more aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in the upcoming months.
Increased market volatility and reduced liquidity are impacting auction performance, particularly for longer-duration bonds, pending clearer guidance from the Federal Reserve.
Deep dives
Impact of Recent Employment Data on Federal Reserve Policy
Recent employment data significantly influenced market expectations regarding Federal Reserve policy. The latest payroll report revealed 60,000 fewer jobs than anticipated, contributing to a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%. Other data, including weaker claims from continuing employment and declines in the ISM survey, further underscored a cooling labor market. In light of this information, the Fed is now expected to implement interest rate cuts more aggressively, projecting cuts of 50 basis points in September and November, aiming for a target range of 3% by midsummer next year.
Auction Performance and Dealer Balance Sheets
Auction results this past week highlighted difficulties in the treasury market, revealing a transition from reliance on the Fed’s demand to more price-sensitive investors. As dealer balance sheets ballooned by 25% this year, a mismatch in supply and demand became apparent, leading to poor auction performances, particularly for longer-duration bonds. It was observed that while short-term notes were relatively well-received due to expectations of a Fed easing cycle, the longer durations faced tepid buyer demand. The future of dealer balance sheets and auction performance will depend on an increase in end-user demand when clarity about the Fed's path emerges.
Market Volatility and Liquidity Conditions
Market conditions have been marked by a notable decline in depth due to heightened volatility in the aftermath of the recent payroll reports. The uncertainty surrounding the potential pace and extent of Fed rate cuts has amplified jump risks, affecting liquidity levels negatively. As volatility rises, liquidity providers are compelled to reduce the scale of their operations to manage risk, resulting in thinner market conditions. The environment is expected to remain challenging for market depth in the near term, particularly given seasonal factors that typically diminish liquidity in August.
JPMorgan Interest Rate Strategists Jay Barry and Srini Ramaswamy discuss recent events in the markets and their views going forward. This discussion covers a lot of ground, from the weak Payrolls report and subsequent Fed-speak, to recent headlines about issuance in the 20Y sector, to carry trade unwinds, swap spreads, volatility and the Fed’s balance sheet normalization.