Weak US data overlooked

February 25, 2014 — Mitul Kotecha

Although US stocks could not hold onto record highs overnight they still managed to close higher following on from gains in European equity markets. Firmer US equities will give a positive lead to Asian markets today although the gyrations in CNY and CNH will be watched closely. Our risk barometer as well as the VIX ‘fear gauge” indicate that risk appetite is on a positive trend while US Treasuries and the USD consolidate.

Weaker data in the US in the form of the Chicago Fed activity index and Dallas Fed activity index as well the Markit service sector PMI confidence index were shrugged off by the market, with weakness continuing to be attributed to harsh weather conditions. This theory will be tested over coming weeks as weather conditions normalise but for now markets are giving the US economy the benefit of the doubt.

Meanwhile, Eurozone inflation data yesterday highlighted the significant amount of room that the European Central Bank has to ease policy further. On tap today of note is the French INSEE survey and US consumer confidence, both for February and neither of which is likely to prove particularly market moving.

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Positive tone to be sustained

February 18, 2014 — Mitul Kotecha

A quiet start to the week following the President’s Day holiday in the US saw mixed performances among European equity markets overnight. There was however, a continued improvement in risk appetite as indicated by a further decline in the VIX “fear gauge”.

The impulse provided for today’s sessions is limited although markets are likely to get off to a positive start. The USD managed to show some stability following recent pressures, albeit at a low level, while gold prices remained supported above the key 200 day moving average level.

The main event today is the Bank of Japan policy decision which will be watched closely following yesterday’s release of disappointing Q4 GDP data.

The German February ZEW survey is also on tap, with a relatively stable reading likely to be registered although attention appears to be more on the new Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzie rather than on economic data.

Additionally UK inflation data for January is set to reveal that inflation has dropped below target highlighting that the BoE is going to be in no rush to hike policy rates over coming months

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Awaiting Yellen

February 11, 2014 — Mitul Kotecha

There was very little activity of note overnight, with markets taking on the appearance of grounding to a halt ahead of the first semi-annual testimony to Congress by new Fed Chairman Yellen later tonight. A Japanese holiday today will act as another dampener on activity.

Weaker data and/or emerging market tensions are highly unlikely to deter Yellen and the Fed from maintaining a tapering path but of interest to markets will be any indication that the unemployment rate is to be deemphasized given its misleading fall over recent months. With little else of note on tap until the release of US retail sales and Eurozone Q4 2013 GDP later in the week Yellen’s speech will set the tone for markets over coming days.

The biggest market movers over recent days have been the VIX index, natural gas and gold prices. The VIX has fallen sharply reflecting a major turnaround in risk appetite from an elevated level, which has been corroborated by our risk barometer moving back into risk ‘neutral’ territory from risk ‘hating’.

Nonetheless, although emerging market fears have calmed down the path ahead is still likely to be a volatile one. Natural gas prices have also dropped reflecting expectations of milder weather ahead in the US. In contrast gold prices have rallied further extending gains this year to around 6%. Lower US yields and a weaker USD have helped to buoy gold prices over recent days while news of record gold demand and supply from China has also helped.

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A further blow to risk appetite

February 4, 2014 — Mitul Kotecha

Amid a market that is already very nervous the much weaker than expected US ISM manufacturing confidence index (51.3 versus 56.0 consensus) taken together with the weaker Chinese non manufacturing purchasing managers index (53.4 versus 54.6 prior) dealt another blow to risk appetite.

Consequently the VIX fear gauge has spiked to its highest level since the end of 2012 and our risk barometer has moved swiftly into risk hating territory. US Treasury yields have continued to drop, with the 10 year yield having slid by around 45 basis points so far this year.

Suffice to say investors should steer clear of risk assets over the short term as the turmoil does not look like it will be over anytime soon. A combination of tapering, a confluence of country specific emerging market country concerns and weaker growth in China provide the backdrop for a volatile few weeks if not longer, ahead.

The main event today is the Reserve Bank of Australia meeting where we look for no change in policy. However, the key events of the week are yet to come, with the European Central Bank and Bank of England policy decisions and US January jobs report all on tap over coming days. In brief, no change in policy is expected from either central bank and payrolls are expected to come in around 200k.

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Markets remain skittish as caution prevails

January 28, 2014 — Mitul Kotecha

There has been a slight easing in tensions overnight as reflected in the small decline in my risk barometer and the VIX ‘fear gauge’. However, markets remain skittish and the mood is somewhat cautious as the focus remains on emerging market travails.

Additionally a sharp fall in Apple shares in after hours trading may also dampen equity markets today. Although specific country specific factors may have provoked the current bout of pressure contagion has spread quickly, reminiscent of the onset of previous crises.

The current bout of pressure may yet be contained but there is still some way to go before market stress is alleviated. Consequently correlations between asset classes have strengthened, in particular for currencies. Indeed most emerging market currencies have depreciated especially those of the “fragile 5”.

Overnight US yields rose while US and European equities continued to sell off and gold prices dipped following recent gains. The USD index held gained slightly following the rise in US yields.

Aside from emerging markets attention will focus on the US, with President Obama’s State of the Union address, December durable goods orders and January consumer confidence on tap most attention will quickly shift to tomorrow’s Fed FOMC policy decision. UK Q4 GDP will also garner some attention.

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