FX Update: USD choppy on Fed jawboning, US yield reversal
Summary: The USD rally was capped and reversed yesterday as US yields retreated sharply from new highs, Fed officials weighed in against any tapering urgency, and risk sentiment stabilized. This sets up the USD high from early Monday as the key line in the sand, or tactical pivot for USD bears as we await more Fed guidance after a confusing couple of weeks, as well as the last days of the Trump presidency.
FX Trading focus:
USD: rally capped as yields peak and reverse lower
The USD rally/consolidation peaked out yesterday and reversed yesterday due to a number of developments, including three regional Fed presidents (Bullard, George, Rosengren, all non-voters) weighing in against any sense of urgency on sending any shift in the Fed’s guidance on asset purchases, the recovery from the dip in risk sentiment, and a US auction of 10-year treasuries that went off without drama and saw yields retreating after the recent spike. Note: plenty of Fed speakers up later today, especially the influential Vice Chair Richard Clarida, who will be out discussing the Fed's new policy framework late today.
The return of USD selling yesterday may signal the end of the consolidation phase of USD strength, though that phase didn’t feel particularly satisfactory in terms of washing out some of the weak hands before the resumption of the trend, as it was awfully shallow. And today’s Also wondering how quickly we can return to a positive narrative until we get to the other side of the Biden inauguration as one wild card is the risk of significant unrest across the US in demonstrations set for this weekend and possibly on Inauguration Day on the 20th as well. So, treading with light feet here – cognizant of strong background trend of USD weakness but not satisfied we are ready to rejoin the trend tactically.
Incoming: US CPI and China trade data
Data incoming today includes the US December CPI. The Fed uses the PCE series as its key input, but the official CPI comes out several weeks ahead – no drama expected here, though we did see quite a run-up in gasoline prices in December. The year-on-year comparisons get far more interesting starting in April due to basing effects of the collapse in everything last March/April. For December, expectations are running for a headline CPI of 1.3% year-on-year versus 1.2% in November and for core to stay at 1.6% year-on-year.
China’s December trade numbers are up tonight as well and expected to show a slightly moderating surplus after the record 75B number in November. Stimulus from the pandemic response has supercharged Chinese exports since mid-last year. But keep in mind that stimulus filters through to everything, including the commodity imports, in food, energy, metals, etc. that China requires to manufacture its value-added exports. The run-up in oil prices is a case in point and our commodities strategist Ole Hansen points out that the bitter cold of late has spiked natural gas import prices (LNG) so badly that diesel demand is soaring as an alternative. Over time, China’s oil imports have soared and its import volumes are some twice of what they were about six years ago, while LNG imports are at triple the levels of only five years ago. Watching the Chinese PPI in coming months will be an important gauge of inflation as well.
Chart: EURGBP
The most pronounced mover within G10 is sterling, where a new rally was kicked off yesterday by BoE Governor Bailey’s pushback against any guidance for a negative rates policy. Given the terrible current reality on the ground in the UK, with Covid-19 total lockdowns and concerns linked to post-Brexit red tap for customs declarations, not to mention the cloud of uncertainty still hanging over the financial services industry, it is hard to imagine what would prompt the BoE governor to signal negative rates. It is also a signal that sterling is very resilient and then some here. Besides the recent 1.3700+ top in GBPUSD, we are also watching the sub 0.8900 lows in EURGBP for a possible extension to the next areas of range support into 0.8300 eventually, although perhaps 0.8600 is a more reasonable target if this move lower sticks – we’ve had a couple of treacherous head-fakes recently.
The G-10 and CNH rundown
USD – trying to mount another comeback this morning after yesterday’s sharp retreat – only likely to succeed on a deeper bout of deleveraging/risk-off across asset classes and/or another sharp move higher in US long yields.
CNH – not a lot of differentiation here relative to other currencies, recently stronger than the euro but near the top of the range versus the Aussie.
EUR – EURUSD struggling for air this morning after yesterday’s sharp comeback – with a more satisfactory consolidation target after the recent run higher down into 1.2065 and maybe even the psychological support at 1.2000.
JPY – the JPY consolidated quickly with the backdown in yields yesterday, and USDJPY importantly stayed within the downward sloping channel – keeping that the regime unless a new rally takes out the pivot high, which could squeeze the pair significantly higher, given how well-defined the channel is.
GBP – sterling is on a roll – is this another head fake or are we set for a further solid surge. Yes, the BoE’s Bailey steering guidance away from negative rates helps, but the strength must also be based on real inbound investment flows as well. Watching the 1.3705 level in GBPUSD and 0.8865 area in EURGBP for whether this triggers more momentum.
CHF – paint is drying here, but there is an interesting resistance line now and arguably an upside down head and shoulders situation in USDCHF around the 0.8920 that bears watching if the USD strength returns
AUD – the Aussie pulled back sharply from the sell-off, but looks a bit extended broadly and have a hard time that this is all we are going to get out of a consolidation attempt. That being said, would need a push back down below 0.7700 and the 0.7666 pivot established Monday to argue for a more profound test of the up-trend.
CAD – the rush higher in oil driving CAD back up against the US dollar. The medium term momentum picture in USDCAD looking a bit tired here – may need to bounce around in the range back to 1.3000 before next steps.
NZD – the Aussie pulling ahead of the NZD and finally getting separation from the 200-day moving average. I like the longer term prospect of the pair higher, starting with a shift into the 1.10-1.1300 region.
SEK – all momentum has been knocked out of SEK in EURSEK, but the SEK bulls only getting into trouble there on a back-up above 10.12-15, although NOKSEK is banging on multi-month highs after a sharp correction on the strong recent surge in oil prices.
NOK – the NOK enjoying a fresh spring higher in oil, with the move below 10.50-40 in EURNOK theoretically opening for a test toward the massive 10.00 level eventually.
John Hardy
Head of FX Strategy
Disclaimer
The Saxo Bank Group entities each provide execution-only service and access to Analysis permitting a person to view and/or use content available on or via the website. This content is not intended to and does not change or expand on the execution-only service. Such access and use are at all times subject to (i) The Terms of Use; (ii) Full Disclaimer; (iii) The Risk Warning; (iv) the Rules of Engagement and (v) Notices applying to Saxo News & Research and/or its content in addition (where relevant) to the terms governing the use of hyperlinks on the website of a member of the Saxo Bank Group by which access to Saxo News & Research is gained. Such content is therefore provided as no more than information. In particular no advice is intended to be provided or to be relied on as provided nor endorsed by any Saxo Bank Group entity; nor is it to be construed as solicitation or an incentive provided to subscribe for or sell or purchase any financial instrument. All trading or investments you make must be pursuant to your own unprompted and informed self-directed decision. As such no Saxo Bank Group entity will have or be liable for any losses that you may sustain as a result of any investment decision made in reliance on information which is available on Saxo News & Research or as a result of the use of the Saxo News & Research. Orders given and trades effected are deemed intended to be given or effected for the account of the customer with the Saxo Bank Group entity operating in the jurisdiction in which the customer resides and/or with whom the customer opened and maintains his/her trading account. Saxo News & Research does not contain (and should not be construed as containing) financial, investment, tax or trading advice or advice of any sort offered, recommended or endorsed by Saxo Bank Group and should not be construed as a record of our trading prices, or as an offer, incentive or solicitation for the subscription, sale or purchase in any financial instrument. To the extent that any content is construed as investment research, you must note and accept that the content was not intended to and has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such, would be considered as a marketing communication under relevant laws.
FX Trading focus:
USD: rally capped as yields peak and reverse lower
The USD rally/consolidation peaked out yesterday and reversed yesterday due to a number of developments, including three regional Fed presidents (Bullard, George, Rosengren, all non-voters) weighing in against any sense of urgency on sending any shift in the Fed’s guidance on asset purchases, the recovery from the dip in risk sentiment, and a US auction of 10-year treasuries that went off without drama and saw yields retreating after the recent spike. Note: plenty of Fed speakers up later today, especially the influential Vice Chair Richard Clarida, who will be out discussing the Fed's new policy framework late today.
The return of USD selling yesterday may signal the end of the consolidation phase of USD strength, though that phase didn’t feel particularly satisfactory in terms of washing out some of the weak hands before the resumption of the trend, as it was awfully shallow. And today’s Also wondering how quickly we can return to a positive narrative until we get to the other side of the Biden inauguration as one wild card is the risk of significant unrest across the US in demonstrations set for this weekend and possibly on Inauguration Day on the 20th as well. So, treading with light feet here – cognizant of strong background trend of USD weakness but not satisfied we are ready to rejoin the trend tactically.
Incoming: US CPI and China trade data
Data incoming today includes the US December CPI. The Fed uses the PCE series as its key input, but the official CPI comes out several weeks ahead – no drama expected here, though we did see quite a run-up in gasoline prices in December. The year-on-year comparisons get far more interesting starting in April due to basing effects of the collapse in everything last March/April. For December, expectations are running for a headline CPI of 1.3% year-on-year versus 1.2% in November and for core to stay at 1.6% year-on-year.
China’s December trade numbers are up tonight as well and expected to show a slightly moderating surplus after the record 75B number in November. Stimulus from the pandemic response has supercharged Chinese exports since mid-last year. But keep in mind that stimulus filters through to everything, including the commodity imports, in food, energy, metals, etc. that China requires to manufacture its value-added exports. The run-up in oil prices is a case in point and our commodities strategist Ole Hansen points out that the bitter cold of late has spiked natural gas import prices (LNG) so badly that diesel demand is soaring as an alternative. Over time, China’s oil imports have soared and its import volumes are some twice of what they were about six years ago, while LNG imports are at triple the levels of only five years ago. Watching the Chinese PPI in coming months will be an important gauge of inflation as well.
Chart: EURGBP
The most pronounced mover within G10 is sterling, where a new rally was kicked off yesterday by BoE Governor Bailey’s pushback against any guidance for a negative rates policy. Given the terrible current reality on the ground in the UK, with Covid-19 total lockdowns and concerns linked to post-Brexit red tap for customs declarations, not to mention the cloud of uncertainty still hanging over the financial services industry, it is hard to imagine what would prompt the BoE governor to signal negative rates. It is also a signal that sterling is very resilient and then some here. Besides the recent 1.3700+ top in GBPUSD, we are also watching the sub 0.8900 lows in EURGBP for a possible extension to the next areas of range support into 0.8300 eventually, although perhaps 0.8600 is a more reasonable target if this move lower sticks – we’ve had a couple of treacherous head-fakes recently.
The G-10 and CNH rundown
USD – trying to mount another comeback this morning after yesterday’s sharp retreat – only likely to succeed on a deeper bout of deleveraging/risk-off across asset classes and/or another sharp move higher in US long yields.
CNH – not a lot of differentiation here relative to other currencies, recently stronger than the euro but near the top of the range versus the Aussie.
EUR – EURUSD struggling for air this morning after yesterday’s sharp comeback – with a more satisfactory consolidation target after the recent run higher down into 1.2065 and maybe even the psychological support at 1.2000.
JPY – the JPY consolidated quickly with the backdown in yields yesterday, and USDJPY importantly stayed within the downward sloping channel – keeping that the regime unless a new rally takes out the pivot high, which could squeeze the pair significantly higher, given how well-defined the channel is.
GBP – sterling is on a roll – is this another head fake or are we set for a further solid surge. Yes, the BoE’s Bailey steering guidance away from negative rates helps, but the strength must also be based on real inbound investment flows as well. Watching the 1.3705 level in GBPUSD and 0.8865 area in EURGBP for whether this triggers more momentum.
CHF – paint is drying here, but there is an interesting resistance line now and arguably an upside down head and shoulders situation in USDCHF around the 0.8920 that bears watching if the USD strength returns
AUD – the Aussie pulled back sharply from the sell-off, but looks a bit extended broadly and have a hard time that this is all we are going to get out of a consolidation attempt. That being said, would need a push back down below 0.7700 and the 0.7666 pivot established Monday to argue for a more profound test of the up-trend.
CAD – the rush higher in oil driving CAD back up against the US dollar. The medium term momentum picture in USDCAD looking a bit tired here – may need to bounce around in the range back to 1.3000 before next steps.
NZD – the Aussie pulling ahead of the NZD and finally getting separation from the 200-day moving average. I like the longer term prospect of the pair higher, starting with a shift into the 1.10-1.1300 region.
SEK – all momentum has been knocked out of SEK in EURSEK, but the SEK bulls only getting into trouble there on a back-up above 10.12-15, although NOKSEK is banging on multi-month highs after a sharp correction on the strong recent surge in oil prices.
NOK – the NOK enjoying a fresh spring higher in oil, with the move below 10.50-40 in EURNOK theoretically opening for a test toward the massive 10.00 level eventually.
John Hardy
Head of FX Strategy
Disclaimer
The Saxo Bank Group entities each provide execution-only service and access to Analysis permitting a person to view and/or use content available on or via the website. This content is not intended to and does not change or expand on the execution-only service. Such access and use are at all times subject to (i) The Terms of Use; (ii) Full Disclaimer; (iii) The Risk Warning; (iv) the Rules of Engagement and (v) Notices applying to Saxo News & Research and/or its content in addition (where relevant) to the terms governing the use of hyperlinks on the website of a member of the Saxo Bank Group by which access to Saxo News & Research is gained. Such content is therefore provided as no more than information. In particular no advice is intended to be provided or to be relied on as provided nor endorsed by any Saxo Bank Group entity; nor is it to be construed as solicitation or an incentive provided to subscribe for or sell or purchase any financial instrument. All trading or investments you make must be pursuant to your own unprompted and informed self-directed decision. As such no Saxo Bank Group entity will have or be liable for any losses that you may sustain as a result of any investment decision made in reliance on information which is available on Saxo News & Research or as a result of the use of the Saxo News & Research. Orders given and trades effected are deemed intended to be given or effected for the account of the customer with the Saxo Bank Group entity operating in the jurisdiction in which the customer resides and/or with whom the customer opened and maintains his/her trading account. Saxo News & Research does not contain (and should not be construed as containing) financial, investment, tax or trading advice or advice of any sort offered, recommended or endorsed by Saxo Bank Group and should not be construed as a record of our trading prices, or as an offer, incentive or solicitation for the subscription, sale or purchase in any financial instrument. To the extent that any content is construed as investment research, you must note and accept that the content was not intended to and has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such, would be considered as a marketing communication under relevant laws.
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