Global FX: Sticking to the funders over cyclicals FX view
Sep 20, 2024
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James Nelligan, a Global FX Strategist, joins Patrick Locke, who specializes in low-yielding currencies, and Junya Tanase, an expert in cyclical FX markets. They delve into the recent FX implications following a significant Fed rate cut. The trio discusses how U.S. and BoJ policies are shaping market expectations. Key insights include the challenges the dollar faces and the effects of central bank decisions in Europe on currency dynamics. Expect expert analysis on navigating the complexities of foreign exchange in a shifting economic landscape.
The Fed's rate cut led to increased market volatility, prompting a preference for a barbell strategy emphasizing lower-yielding assets amidst uncertain economic signals.
The Bank of Japan's cautious tone about future rate hikes indicates that the yen's strength will heavily depend on U.S. monetary policy adjustments.
Deep dives
Impact of the Fed's Rate Cut
The Fed's decision to implement a 50 basis point rate cut had significant volatility in the markets, despite expectations. Market participants showed mixed convictions on the outcome, debating between potential dovish and more aggressive signals. In response, a barbell strategy emerged that favored lower-yielding assets while maintaining some exposure to higher-risk currencies, indicating a complex market reaction. The overall sentiment suggests that while the dollar might experience volatility, it could trend weaker against low-yielding currencies like the yen in the coming period.
Bank of Japan's Stance and Currency Implications
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintained its policy rate while slightly upgrading its assessment of domestic consumption, signaling cautious optimism in Japan's economic progress. However, comments made by Governor Ueda about the speed of potential future rate hikes were interpreted as less hawkish, leading to a decline in market expectations for aggressive tightening. Despite this, there is still an expectation among analysts for a 25 basis point hike in December, which might keep the yen under pressure if the Fed continues its easing path. The correlation between U.S. and Japanese monetary policies suggests that the yen's trajectory will be closely tied to developments in U.S. interest rate expectations.
Evaluating Central Bank Dynamics in Europe
The central bank meetings in Europe reflected a mix of cautious approaches, particularly from the Bank of England (BOE) and Norges Bank, with both institutions maintaining a careful stance. The BOE's gradual approach has helped to support the British pound, although upcoming PMI data may influence its performance. On the other hand, Norges Bank's hawkish leanings have slightly shifted market expectations, leaving a more neutral outlook for the krone amid mixed catalysts. Additionally, further central bank meetings from the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and Riksbank are anticipated, with potential implications for respective currencies based on their policy decisions.
Our Global FX Strategists James Nelligan, Patrick Locke & Junya Tanase unpack the FX implications from a loaded week that featured the Fed and BoJ, and discuss implications for low-yielding currencies against more cyclical FX going forward.