EURJPY: Trend following made easyI'd like to share a trade opportunity in this pair. You can see how the moving average on chart shows when it's a good chance to short this pair, looking to rejoin the dominant downtrend in place.
We can now enter at market, (if not already in...I'm short from 116.191, and added at 115.164).
The price has hit a strong level, which coincides with the mid point of the Brexit induced decline, as well as a recent daily downtrend's resistance, so I expect this pair to roll over, and proceed to accelerate to the downside soon.
Good luck if taking this trade,
Ivan Labrie.
Boj
Will Kuroda Sink The Yen in his speech in a few hours?USD/JPY opened higher than the Friday close to a small retracement in it's initial hour and price is now trying to push high (hourly view) with a wick formed above today's open on the next candle.
Markets could be primed for the Bank of Japan Chief Kuroda who is due to speak in the early hours of Monday and as per recent speeches he will likely be seeking to manipulate Yen strength to support Japanese exporters.
Let's wait and see what happens, the position here is long USD/JPY.
USDJPY testing bearish trendlineUSDJPY is ending the trading week at a level that leaves us all in suspense for the start of next week. The pair is currently trading at 103.96 with a big resistance level at 104.00-30. There would theoretically be a potential for a double bottom should prices break above this resistance next week, but one would be hard pressed to aggressively short the yen so long as it trades above its support level. Basically, this is a make-or-break moment for USDJPY in which we will either see renewed selling pressures (trend continuation, possibly followed by a break below 100 if the dollar comes under sustained pressure in the weeks ahead) or a bullish breakout (possibly fueled by intensified speculation over an extension of the BoJ's QE program + maintained called for a Fed rate hike).
DXY/ USD: WEAK ISM PMI FLUSHES USD BIDS - FED MESTER SPEECHUSD disappointingly failed to maintain its heavily demanded week when ISM PMIs not only fell short of expectations but also showed a slight contraction by slipping across the 50 mark to the downside. This data pattern however has been consistent for USD, where it has failed to show any upbeat prints, though in the past months the Job market has been able to stand out from this trend so it is difficult to read too much into what the report tomorrow will show.
As discussed in my post last week, i believe the risks are to the downside and even more so that Fed mester has stated that employment has reached capacity and 75k-100k a month will be enough to maintain the rate - a figure like this tomorrow would surely see DXY move back into the 94s, with september expectations likely to drop into the 12-18% range that it had maintained before yellen last week.
Fed Mester on the whole was neutral, offering little to support the dovish or hawkish side.
USD Positioning:
In terms of positioning, given $Yens rapid 6-day appreciation (today would be the 7th on a close above 103.45) I am looking to get short if we can get a close just 15pips higher than market, as a 7th day on the up has only been seen 3 times in the past 16yrs so shorts here are statistically in play - though of course NFP upside bodes a risk, but given my expectations going in (downside) it is a risk I will be willing to take (not to mention i expect market risk to spike increasing yen demand - but i will discuss this in a separate post if we close higher tonight).
My long favoured short GBP$ trade is currently hanging in the balance, with little negative data to illustrate brexit impacts coupled with USD data unable to get a footing it is hard to continue with the "short sterling on rallies" approach, given topside is becoming arguably justifiable, if we see Services Monday and construction friday PMIs above the 50 level, short GBPUSD on rallies will no longer be a conviction trade, as there will be no real macro case outside of the broad "brexit uncertainty" which by all accounts is waning as optimism and confidence measures are fading the downside spike. Ask yourself, going forward assuming data holds up which it should, what further reason does the BOE have to ease or GBP have to fall? Brexit negs arent likely to start until Q2 2017 so we have a firm 6m of "stability".. especially when you think of sterling with respect to the massive 1000-4000pips its lost (cross ccy) into brexit, upside from here is certainly possible even if it is just a recovery rally.
Trading NFP on a 220k print is also possible as a tactical trade e.g. long DXY, as DXY is likely to offer lower some more going into the event as the market derisks.
Fed Mester Speech Highlights:
SELL GBPJPY: RISK-OFF SHIFT COMING? LOWER BOE MONPOL EQUILIBRIUMGBPJPY:
1. Given Fed Yellen's "hawkish" market response and GBPUSD, GBPNZD and GBPAUD shorts TPd on the rally lower today cleared (FX risk book clear too), im looking to add some safe haven assets to my portfolio.
2. Looking at GBPJPY and GBP structures on the whole, there has been alot of sterling longs in the past 2wks accumulating in spot as economic confidence falsely increases (imo, given intelligent money understands near-term UK risks are to the upside).
- GJ rising some 7 of the last 9 days, and now 400pips above the aug 16th lows of 129 at 133.3 I think there is at least that 400pips in downside available from here as the new equilibrium for several reasons:
1) Fed Yellen being hawkish looks like it may be the catalyst for the september US Equity sell-off, in which case, highly negatively correlated assets (e.g. safe havens yen, gold UST) are likely to pick the bids up, thus driving GBPJPY lower i.e. A tightening of financial conditions in the US will put pressure on US equities and also US election risk will transfer into Yen demand - also Brexit/ A50 risk is a medium term yen topside catalyst which makes sense owning through GBPJPY downside.
2) GBP shorts at these levels, given the monpol introduced by BOE, look like the smart move as the market is significantly higher than the monpol lows (which should be the new equilibrium).
3) Further BOJ action is made more unlikely by a hawkish Fed - hawkish fed looks to have provided $yen some topside support in the immediate term if nothing else, this eases pressure on the BOJ to ease - though a counter to this is the recent BOJ Inflation CPI traded some 30bps lower at 0.5% - the biggest drop since its inception (and the lowest level ever) this could be a push to more easing. However, the July Meeting misfire when expectations were perhaps at their highest and the current JGB drying liquidity situation somewhat capping the extent of further easing, I cant see the BOJ doing anything more than jawboning, as they have consistently continued to do (and about the only thing they have). Also for extra confidence, even if the BOJ was to ease - look at the past 2 times (Jan April), both policy measures provided 0 equilibrium relief to yen downside and infact fueled some 500pip+ topside to yen, so yen bulls imo can feel conforted that further easing is likely to have little impact, even more so as their ability to do more is ever reduced.
4) Technically, as mentioned weve been on a 2wk bull run so i feel GBP topside is due a rebalancing lower, and also the downside targets are not uncharted territory having traded at the 129 level on 2 previous occasions so the profit target isnt unreasonable.
5) I hear RM long-term short positioning, is picking up at these levels where sterling looks arguably overbrought.
Trading Strategy - SHORT GBPJPY @133.3, add at 134 135 and 136 - TP 130.5 and 129
1. Short GBPJPY - Small at market price 133, and add ever 100pips higher if bulls continue up to 136 - the macro resistance levels on the daily are the 134 and 136 level.
- Short small here at 133.3 and ADD as we move higher as short sterling given brexit/ monpol future and long yen given the risk-on bull run which is bound to run out given hiking and election risk intensifying imo is an all but guaranteed trade.
Any questions on the trading strategy PLEASE ask!!
Long-term view - will be updated regularly Watch for small correction within the major downtrend which started late 2014. Very strong moves will be necessary to break out of this bearish trend. I believe we are in the middle of a impulse pattern downwards, working on a wave 3 atm. Watch for correction within the waves, and short on jumps upwards.
it will be interesting to see what BOJ will do to keep trying to turn the deflation around..so far no good.
Will pay attention around 111.5 which is fib 1.618 of purposed wave 1 on the chart.
USDJPY: FADE SHORT ON RALLIES; BUY 104.1 BREAKOUT$Yen
- There is little impetus for this pair this week, with this recent rally likely part of the NFP report flushing out.
- Nonetheless from here I maintain my bearish bias given the BOJ and JPN govts massive let downs I think USDJPY topside will struggle and we will move through 100 once the risk-off tone returns (which is likely once the equities rally/ excitement fades... and still waiting); thus, short on rallies into key resistance levels e.g. 102.5, 103.3 is advised.
- However, between the 103.3 and 104.1 level there seems to be an area of "No mans land" which is filled with contradictory bullish/ bearish signals thus i advise not trading the pair between this range.
- Furthermore a break above 104 and close on the daily and my view turns to bullish - citing the relative lows e.g. $yen already 20% down so struggling to fall more or a medium term risk-on shift maintaining thus driving the pair higher through weaker yen demand.
Trading strategy:
1. Sell $yen at 102.5 resistance, 101.6tp1 101tp2.
2. PotentiallY buy $yen on a 104.1 break-out but I will advise on this if it becomes the case.
GBPUSD/ GBPJPY: BOE POLICY DECISION & CARNEY SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSBOE's policy decision and QIR was largely inline with expectations, perhaps even 10bn better than expected on the QE side - and was very forgiving with hints towards further interest easing, though the stubborn unwillingness to realise negative rates undermined this to some extent. GBPJPY and GBPUSD shorts traded into intermediate TP levels - with GBPJPY unsurprisingly outperforming (implied vol adjusted) given USD weakness, and trading through the 133 handle (132.3 now targeted) whilst cable traded abit more firmly bid struggling to even test the 1.308 pivot, let alone break it - i think we will see a 1.308 key support break tomorrow if NFP comes in hit or beat and I am now waiting for this (gbpjpy shorts closed).
BOE Monetary Policy Decision Highlights:
BOE Aug Minutes: 0 Members Voted to Increase Rate DJ News
BOE: Six Members Voted To Expand QE Program, Three Against
BOE: Forbes, Weale And McCafferty Voted Against Expansion Of QE
BOE: QE Dissenters Saw Risk That Recent Surveys Overstate Economic Weakness DJ News
BOE: Eight Members Voted To Launch Corporate Bond Buys, Forbes Dissented DJ News
BOE: Forbes Concerned By Excessive Stimulus, Risks Of Corporate Debt
BOE: All Members Voted In Favor Of Term Funding Program
BOE: Majority Of MPC Members Expect To Vote For Further Rate Cut 0
BOE: MPC Members See Lower Bound For Bank Rate "Close To, A Little Above" Zero
BOE Aug Minutes: MPC Voted 9-0 To Lower Bank Rate To 0.25%
BOE Aug Minutes: 0 Voted to Keep Rate Unchanged
BOE Aug Minutes: 9 Members Voted to Lower Rate
BOE Signals MPC Not Contemplating A Move To Negative Interest Rate
BOE: Economic Outlook "Has Weakened Markedly" Following Brexit Vote
BOE Makes Largest Cut In Economic Growth Forecast Since 1993
BOE Cuts 2017 Economic Growth Forecast To 0.8% From 2.3% In May
BOE Cuts 2018 Economic Growth Forecast To 1.8% From 2.3% In May
BOE Sees Declines In Business Investment During 2017 And 2018
BOE Sees Business Investment Down 3.75% In 2016 Versus 2.5% Growth In May
BOE Sees Business Investment Down 2% In 2017 Versus 7.25% Growth In May
BOE Sees Housing Investment Up 1.25% In 2016 Versus 4% In May
BOE Sees Housing Investment Down 4.75% In 2017 Versus 5.25% Growth In May
BOE Sees Pickup In Inflation On Weaker Pound
BOE Sees Inflation At 2.1% In 2017, 2.4% In 2018
BOE: Measures Ensure Inflation Won't Fall Below Target In Medium Term
UK Hammond: Prepared To Take Needed Steps To Support Economy
BOE Expands Program Of Government Bond Purchases By GBP60 Bln
BOE Purchases Of Government Bonds Will Take Six Months To Complete
BOE Government Bond Buys Will Take Total To GBP435 Bln From BGP375 Billion
BOE Last Expanded Stock Of Government Bond Buys In November 2012
BOE Launches New Program of GBP10 Billion In Corporate Bond Buys
BOE Purchases Of Corporate Bonds Will Take 18 Months to Complete
BOE Will Buy Non-Financial, Investment Grade Bonds
BOE: Issuers Of Corporate Bonds Must Make "Material Contribution" To UK Economy
BOE Approves Term Funding Scheme To Provide Loans To Lenders
BOE Loans To Banks, Building Societies At "Close To" Bank Rate
BOE TFS Intended To Ensure Cut In key Rate Passed On To Businesses, Households
BOE MPC Sees Room To Expand all Four Stimulus Measures
BOE Govenor Mark Carney et al. Speech Highlights:
BOE Carney: UK Has One Of Most Flexible Economies
BOE Carney: Can't Fully Offset Economic Impact Of Brexit
BOE Carney: Package Of Stimulus Measures Is "Exceptional"
BOE Carney: By Acting Early Can Reduce Uncertainty, Bolster Confidence
BOE Carney: GBP Fall Will Boost Exports, Reduce Imports
BOE Carney: MPC Has Been "Conservative" In New Growth Forecasts
BOE Carney: Package Ensures Stimulus Will Have Maxium Impact
USDJPY: BOJ DEPT GOV IWATA - MORE WORDS, NO ACTION; SELL 101/2.5BOJ dept Gov Iwata was the most recent in what seems to be a slew of attempts by JPY officials, whether it be Govt or BOJ to try and weaken the Yen with yet again more dovish/ promising rhetoric. Statements such as "prepared to loosen policy further without hesitation" where in my mind no doubt undermined by the BOJ's seemingly blind assesment of future expectations - with Iwata claiming inflation should hit 2% by the end of 2017, even though policy is relatively unchanged since January where inflation has gotten worse so i dont know how JPN is going to pull off what would be the fastest increase in inflation in history. Further, comments such as "BOJ increased ETF purchases to prevent worsening of corporate and public sentiment" were naive at best.. 30bn of etf purchases in a year amounts to that of an average sized hedgefund OR a very small asset manager, so how he thinks such action will uplift the worlds largest economy with increased measures of less than 1% of its GDP more than baffles me. BOJ/ Govt seem deluded to the greatest extent, or more realistically - holding $yen shorts from the start of the year, no poilcy but strong rhetoric certainly supports this view (humorous).
More seriously though, BOJ et als inability to take real responsibility for printed targets, and make policy = words to me makes the future clear for $yen trading. Lower is the only direction that is clear from here - in what was the most pressured BOJ meeting, from both markets and govt perspective, the BOJ performance was dismal so it leads the question, if not now why would it ever change? And Iwatas comments back this up, from the dept govs view, JPN is on firm track to hit its targets in amazing fashion.. so with such strong/ positive views (even if no data supporting), why will BOJ ease drastically more? they wont, as if most share his sentiment (which they do with most not voting to change the rate or JGB purchases which make up the bulk of the easing programme).
So all in all, Iwata's and previous speakers comments firmly in mind short $yen is now my view - after being a strong $yen bull on the basis of big easing with risk-on spill overs. Fading rallies seems appropriate and the 101.5 level today held unfazed which looks like a good level to add shorts for the imminent 100 level break. On the way down 101.5 was an intermediate level, 102 was the key so I am surprised it held and would prefer to short from the 102 nonetheless (much more likely to hold and 50 more easy pips of downside).
BOJ IWATA SPEECH HIGHLIGHTS
SHORT GBPUSD/ GBPJPY: BOE EXPECTATIONS & FORECAST - FADE RALLIESimo sterling strength/ USD weakness has opened up a great opp to get short vs the USD. Also, technically £YEN looks like it has some 400pips of downside in it available if the BOE do ease and weaken the currency (130.5). Shorting GBP$ at 1.33 opens up 250pips of easy downside profit assume the BOE deliver 25bps and 50bn of QE (the consensus) - £Yen at 1.35 opens up 400pips+ to 130.5 if there is a cut - I like selling gbpyen as it also gives exposure to long yen which post BOJ/ MOF failing to deliver is a given (nothing to stop safe haven demand dominating).
In terms of sterling forecast I think a 25bps cut and 50bn QE should spike us to lows at 1.28, with the tail-end likelihood stretched to 1.25xx if they were to cut 50bps and more QE. Personally I am owning alot of GBP downside but will TP at an earlier level e.g 1.305 and 130.5 as central bank action has had a limited impact recently/ the propensity to fade action has been high (think of RBA Yesterday). Nonetheless, I may leave some 25% on the table in order to own more of the downside possibility.
BOE Positioning I hear is building up nicely at the 1.33/4 level (though we are yet to see this transfer into realised downside for cable), and the rates markets are now full pricing well over the 25bps of cuts expected - Nominal OIS spot and forward rates are pricing - 27bps and 29bps respectively as of 12noon 2nd Aug (Spot same as 1st Aug, Fwd pricing 1bps less - 30bps on the 1st) vs the July meeting on the 12th of July there was only 25bps priced into the spot OIS curve BUT there was 31bps into the forward curve - thus we are seeing a lack of consensus e.g. whilst the spot is pricing 2bps more aggressively for the Aug meeting the Forward curve is pricing 2bps less - the spot curve is usually more conservative though so this implies that the rates market IS positioning more aggressively for the BOE this time round (since the spot is 2bps more aggressive now vs july meeting and the too rates are converging signalling the market expects a lower longer term equilibrium that a rate cut would bring). Also the 1wk and 1m GBP Libor is pricing cuts much more aggressively than for the July meeting - where July 12th had 25bps priced at 22% for 1wk and 18% for 1m, and now the 2nd of Aug has 25bps priced at 36.67% 1wk and 36.8 1m, which is the best part of 2x more aggressive. Further the options market looks to have a mildly short bias for 4th Aug expiries - with 25delta risk reversals skewed 1vol to the downside for gbpusd and 1.5vols to the downside for gbpjpy as investors look to own BOE delivery through lower risk option markets. USD should also firm up in the next few days as fed funds implied hike probabilities have stabilised and steepened up again, with a 18% probability of a hike in sept now priced vs 12% yesterday - this should help GBPUSD trade well offered tomorrow on a BOE delivery as gives USD a stronger base.
REUTERS POLL-
-STERLING SEEN AT $1.30 IN ONE MONTH, $1.26 IN THREE MONTHS AND $1.27 IN 12 ($1.31, $1.28 AND $1.29 IN JULY POLL)
GS GBP forecast:
- In its latest forecast on the GBP, analysts at Goldman Sachs see sterling at $1.20 and 90 pence per euro in 3 months, $1.25 and 80 pence per euro in 12 months.
RBC on BOE:
-Research Team at RBC, expects that the UK MPC will vote to cut Bank Rate by 25bps to 0.25% and increase the QE target by £50bn by renewing its programme of Gilt purchases over a four-month period.
Danske Bank on BOE:
-Research Team at Danske Bank, estimates that just over 25bp worth of rate cuts at this week’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting has already been priced in by the UK money market, while the overnight interest rate is priced to fall to 0.15% by the end of 2016
RBS on BOE:
-Ross Walker, Research Analyst at RBS, suggests that the UK monetary policy easing is coming in August in the form of a rate cut – probably 25bp, possibly 50bp – is the most likely part of the package.
USDJPY RTRS FORECAST: BOJ/ MOF - COMMENTS ABE, KURODA, ASAKAWAInterestingly the RTRS poll for Aug has a bullish near-term bias for $yen vs in July - my opinion is contrary to their poll as the BOJ and JPY MOF failed to deliver the hype expected/ promised this past week - i think 101/2 is much more likely for the next 3 months vs their 103.8.
Comments from PM Abe, MOF and BOJ minutes that we observed in the Asia session were much of the same but once again markets digest the information as "actionless" as we have heard one too many times about the JPY govt/ BOJ's willingness to intervene in FX markets "if need be" yet their policy fails to back up such claims. Further in all honesty the BOJ has only ever intervened in the $yen price in recent times (post 2008) when it has been less than 90, and closer to 80 - so in reality imo we have until atleast 94 before we have to worry about any potential intervention spikes.
My view on $Yen remains bearish, with broad USD strength today helping $yen rise into the 101.5 pivot level which it has failed to break so far - i expect $yen to test this level several more times today - failure to break and i will short OR i am happy to short at the 102 level which is likely to be very restrictive anyway. Targets to the downside are 100.5 and 100, then 99.
Through 99 we look towards the 94 level. a Push here will require the risk-off tone of 2016 to continue to dominate this half of the year too, whihc seems somewhat likely as gold continues to rally close to yearly highs yesterday and US presidential elections, FOMC hike projections and brexit uncertainty still linger. A close below 98.5 and the clear selling target is 94 - this is my terminal forecast for $yne before any bull trend can emerge - with failiure from BOJ to diverge their policy more in the highly pressured july meeting, im struggling to see what drivers there are to move $yen higher and through the 104 key level going forward - imo a 20-30bps depo rate and LSP cut, combined with a 10-20trn JGB extension is what is require to see $Yen maintain the 110 level and be able to fight the risk-off pressures. Until BOJ policy is adapted in such a way, selling remains the bias.
REUTERS POLL -
1. YEN TO WEAKEN TO 103.8 TO THE DOLLAR IN THREE MONTHS, 105.0 IN SIX MONTHS, AND 107.7 IN A YEAR (VS 103.0, 105.0, 108.0 IN JULY)
JPY PM Abe highlights:
-JAPAN PM ABE: EXTRA BUDGET TO BE SUBMITTED TO DIET IN AUTUMN
-JAPAN PM ABE: ECONOMY IS TOP POLICY PRIORITY FOR NEW CABINET
-ABE: TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH NEIGHBOURS LIKE CHINA, S KOREA
-ABE: NOT THINKING ABOUT SEEKING TO EXTEND TERM AS LDP PRESIDENT Economy
-ABE: I TRUST KURODA'S ABILITY AS BOJ GOVERNOR
-ABE: SPECIFIC MONETARY POLICY STEPS UP TO BOJ TO DECIDE
-ABE: KURODA HAS SAID THERE'S NO LIMIT TO BOJ'S MONETARY POLICY
JPY MOF's Asakawa Highlights
-JAPAN MOF'S ASAKAWA: IF NEEDED, READY TO ACT ON JPY IN LINE WITH G-7 AGREEMENT
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: INTEREST RATES, CURRENCY MARKET ARE VOLATILE
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: CLOSELY WATCHING FOREX MARKET MOVES
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: CLOSELY WATCHING FX MARKET TO PREVENT SPECULATIVE MOVES FROM BECOMING ACTIVE
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: FOREX MARKET SHOWING ONE-SIDED AND SPECULATIVE MOVES
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: WILL RESPOND TO CURRENCY MOVES IF NEEDED IN LINE WITH G7, G20 AGREEMENT
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: Recent Rise In JPY Is 'Quite Biased, One-Sided, Speculator-Driven'
-JAPAN MOF ASAKAWA: JGB Yield Volatility, JPY FX Rate Is 'Very High'
GJ Short awaiting reversal to the upsideI've set various s/r at daily/weekly levels which also respects .00 and 0.5 levels coincidentally maybe. I still see this pair go down a bit more before retracing to the upside heading for the upper trend line of the channel.
Why? Well we are about to hit the 0.618 at 134.229 (I would say we could reach the 134 before an actual bounce to the upside) which is a strong psychological level based on a huge number of traders who use that level as a reversal level and also because we are expecting data this week.
It is said that there are high probabilities of the Bank of England (BoE) to cut rates by 25 basis points however, the effect of Brexit was not as tremendous as expected and it seems like they've been doing pretty well even after this whole situation so it could be highly expected that they simply hold rates for the time being. If that were to be the case, we would be seeing a major bounce back in the GBP.
Also, after BoJ's decision on Friday which was a total disappointment, we could be expecting Japan to devalue their currency by most probably adding more money to their stimulus (as reported by JPMorgan Stanley that they could cut rates to -0.3% raise Japanese Government Bonds (JGB) purchases to YEN 100 Tln instead of the previous YEN 27 Tln. This would also fuel the bounce back on that lower TL.
SPX: BOJ MISS = BULL RUN END +2% + 2016 SAFE HAVEN TREND RESUMESEnd of the bull run
Global Equity Indexes:
1. SPX/ Global Equity indexes in the past 2/3wks saw a post-brexit central bank easing induced rally, as many CB released dovish statements following the vote which spurred investor confidence in fresh easing.
- IMO much of the bull run was based on BOJ easing hopes, given the size of the economy (4th largest) stimulus from the BOJ had risk sentiment increasing affects - though now in light of no new easing from the BOJ and many CBs shrugging off/ UK internalising the brexit impacts I believe this bull run is over.
2. Technically speaking we may see another week or two of sideways or +1% as the market awaits easing policy information from the BOE (6th largest economy), but past this and regardless of what the BOE does i think the upside bias will cease. BOE is only likely to inject 50bn over probably 6m+ which is a drop in the ocean relatively as the BOJ does 100bn+ in one month, so by mid august latest I expect risk-markets to turn sour and a 10% correction is likely.
Confirmation the risk-rally is over:
- During this bull run we have seen risk markets/ SPX make gains rather frigidly, one day up one day down has been the trend - rather than the usual breakout green green green rallies of the past - this to me indicated that the topside was cautious and reinforced my view that it was central bank driven (not equity market performance driven). Thus, Confirmation of the trend turning to risk-off will be consecutive days of risk markets falling (SPX/ global indexes) OR consecutive safe haven markets rising (Gold, UST, Yen) and the emergence of a strong negative correlation between the two assets will be a solid second indicator that the 2016 risk-off trend is back.
Trading Strategy - a number of ways to play this one:
1. Short FTSE100 @6700 or 7000 (wait for BOE) - this is my favourite trade but has a few conditions. We have built some resistance at the 6700-800 level so here isn't a bad place to sell however i think we will get a better selling vantage point next week, assuming the BOE cut the bank rate 25bps.
- The BOE easing should move FTSE100 up 3-4% in a few days into the 7000 ATH key level as easing boosts business conditions and a lower GBP increases FTSE company international competitiveness. The 7000 level is where I am aiming for FTSE shorts with sell-limit orders as 1) its all time high levels; 2) I like to fade central bank action since it is artifical; 3) the broader risk-run is over so FTSE will suffer with the rest of the market
2. Short US Indexes @Market - SPX is perhaps the best short ATM given it trades right at its newly set all time high levels and on the backdrop of the BOJ miss we should see some downside soon.
3. Long Yen @mrkt - in the immediate term my favourite trade I like long Yen (for 200-400pips) against USD and GBP, given the BOJ backdrop is most related to JPY markets. We have already we seen the risk-off transmission taking place in here as Nikkei sold off 2% after the result and JPY grew 3% but i still think in the immediate term e.g. 1wk we can see more JPY topside and Nikkei weakness - me prefering to trade the FX strength over the equity as the equity often follows as a function of FX strength.
4. Long Bonds or Gold @mrkt - for the medium/ longer term I like buying govt debt, particularly UK gilts (BOE QE increases demand) or Gold - Gold we saw move higher on Friday in reaction to the BOJ so it will be interesting to see if we can get risk-off confirmation run from this next week (look for 3/4 green days).
Risks to the view:
1. US Earnings have outperformed imo on average this Q, so the risk-run may be sustained for longer than the 2wk window that I expect. Nonetheless, i think even this is capped at 4wks e.g. we should be in full bear mode by the start of September - look out for the confirmation, a run of 3/4+ days of consecutive safe haven gains is often all the markets have to signal to show
GBPJPY: BOJ MISS; BOE HIT? MORE SELLING ON THE HORIZONBOJ Miss:
1. BOJ deliver one of the biggest misses in history (vs expectations/ pressure) - only increasing ETF purchases and dollar funding by apprx $60bn annual in total vs 10-20bps of Depo and LSP cuts + 5-20trn in QE increase + ETF increase.
*See attached post for in-depth detail on the BOJ situation and price action history/ Yen strength/ Safe havens*
BOJ Miss Compounded with a BOE Hit:
1. BOE are expected to ease by 25bps and possibly add 50bn to their QE programme on Thursday - a BOJ miss combined with a BOJ hit should cause compounded losses for GBPJPY as there are two drivers - Yen should continue this week to get stronger (as BOJ easing expectations surpass and Yen strength increases) whilst GBP gets weaker as the BOE on Thursday likely takes action, reducing the value of Sterling - with both providing the optimal environment for downside.
- Historically, when BOJ has delivered new policy/ missed GBPJPY has sold off aggressively between 2-8days and 700-1200pips. Now whilst I dont expect the same level of aggression in the near-term as the relative value is much lower now (135 vs 175) so moves lower should be smaller - I do expect that 400pips lower on the day is not the end of the selling rally for GBPJPY.
- Initially at the start of the week i expect GBPJPY to move lower at least another day (satisfying historical moves), perhaps into the 133.5 level which would be 550pips, lower than the smallest sell-off but fair given the relative value changes - not that i would be surprised to see more.
- Later into the week is when I expect the bulk of GBPJPY losses to come (e.g. Thurs/ Fri) - the reason for this is as 1) any Yen downside risk from the MOF releasing upside in the details of their stimulus package would have surpassed e.g. increased stimulus from 28trn-40trn (unlikely) or increased govt spending section - both of which devaluing yen moving gbpjpy potentially higher. Though I think the risks are more skewed to MOF delivering a package that strengthens JPY as it undershoots expectations as several MOF members have mentioned the package being over several years - the more years the less punch the package has (given some expected it (5% of gdp) to be spent in 1yr), equally the less direct govt spending portion of the package will also lessen the depreciative impact on yen (rumoured to be 13trn, if less then Yen could get considerably stronger). As mentioned I see the MOF release to be asymmetrically skewed to expectation downside for these reasons.
2) BOE GBP selling pressure would happen when they cut the rate and adjust their QE programme - this is a highly likely scenario as BOE MPC Minutes in July said "Most members expect to loosen policy in August" and recently the BOE's biggest hawk M. Weale switched stance in light of UK Business PMI/ Optimism prints at 10yr lows saying the BOE needs to act fast/ delaying policy further doesn't make sense.
Trading strategy: Sell GBPJPY @mrkt 133.5TP1 130.5TP2 128.5TP3 - risk averse traders could wait for the 50-60% MOF/ general Vol bounce into 136-38 level before shorting - I would reshort here anyway.
USDJPY - BOJ MISS; FISCAL STIM PACKAGE & TRADING YEN FROM HEREBOJ - 3trn increase in annual ETF Purchases + $24bn increase in USD funding for banks
1. The BOJ on Friday delivered a shockingly poor package, imo they changed the snallest part of their current QQE programme.
2. What was interesting though was the markets reaction - immediately after the decision $Yen spiked higher then lower to 103 level but from then and into and through the London Open $Yen was being brought/ held up around the 103 level - it wasnt until NY came in at 1430GMT that $Yen broke lower.
- But even then it was surprisingly a laboured move lower, taking almost the full NY session to find its lowes.
- Some of the UJ weakness was down to a big GDP miss of 1.2% vs 2.6%exp, which sold the rates market off now implying only a 12% chance of a hike in September vs 18% the previous day and 25% earlier in the week, so i t would have been interesting to see what would of happened with out this dollar downside impetus.
USDJPY from here:
1. Personally from 102.00 i see $Yen lower in the near term e.g. we could easily open 50pips lower on sunday into the key level at 101.5 as the asia session adds to shorts that they missed during their own session post-BOJ.
- There is the possibility that we see some upside in $Yen as the MOF releases their fiscal package - the more actual govt spending the package includes and the shorter the timeframe, the greater the impact of the fiscal package on giving UJ some relief - but still i advise shorting rallies as i beliveve we move into the 100s from here.
- That said in reality the impact of the fiscal package is likely to be limited if not completely muted as 1) the market already knows the extent and some of the details of the package and has done for the past week+ e.g. 28trn of which the market baring piece, the govt spending, is rumoured to be around 13trn - so this information is likely already baked into the price and imo was the driver of the support we saw on friday at the 103 level (asia/ ldn sellers wary of shorting in anticipation of the fiscal package). Thus any topside is only likely to come if MOF changes this dramatically to say 20trn govt spending (anything less is already pre-priced imo) OR even increases the package (but this is also unlikely as Japan has the highest govt debt:gdp ratio as it is) - but imo it is unlikely they would do either anyway.
- In-fact, i actually believe the MOF stimulus package has asymmetrical risks to the downside/ disappointing markets - as several MOF officials have commented that the 28trn package is such a large package that it is likely to be over several years - thus the longer the MOF stretch the package over more disappointment the market will price and this could actually end up being a driver for more Yen appreciation given some expected the whole 28trn in one year - which isnt impossible given the size of the Japanese economy (20x bigger than the package + not all of it is in fresh govt spending).
UJ View/ Trading strategy - Sell USDJPY asap @mrkt 102 - 100TP1 99TP2 - or wait for the 30/40% chance of a bounce and sell from 103/4 on Tuesday:
1. So I see UJ moving lower from here to the 100's, until Tuesday where i see there being a risk of the market gaining some topside MOF stimulus surprise (which nonetheless is capped at 103.5-104 tops - in which i would sell) but more likely MOF disappointment (e.g. 5y package, less than expected actual spending) which will give UJ seller more ammo and could push us through the 100 level, assuming UJ has traded on the offer since Sunday open (which is likely imo)..
USDJPY/ GBPJPY: BUY $YEN IF DATA MISSES; SELL £YEN IF DATA HITSThe Risky BOJ front run trade using CPI inferences
- I find it very interesting that the BOJ is releasing ALL of its key economic data (minus GDP) before making the easing decision, especially as we have already had CPI data this month so we will have an 2 CPI releases in one month which ive never seen happen before (CPI from JPY is usually due next week).
- This to me indicates strongly that 1) All of the data released e.g. CPI, employment, retail sales, industrial production has some weighting on the BOJ decision and 2) that CPI especially has perhaps the strongest weighting on the BOJ decision as they are releasing 2 CPI prints in one month which means they brought forward the measurement by a week - this means they value the CPI print strongly.
- Therefore, knowing this, in an ideal world either 1) ALL of the data will contract, which puts more pressure on a big BOJ easing package or 2) ALL of the data improves which eases the the pressure on the BOJ package - thus from here we are then able to take risk with an "educated" guess of what the policy will tend to be i.e. big or smaller.
Long USDJPY if CPI less than -0.4% and generally weak/ miss other data:
1. The rationale is that a lower than expected and last print shows the JPY economy is decelerating even more aggressively than in previous months and therefore the BOJ will me MORE inclinded to ease heavier, as the data suggests there is a bigger problem.
- Obviously the data/ CPI print imo acts as a function of BOJ easing, if we get massive misses across the slew of data then we should expect a bigger easing package than if there is only a slight miss - therefore we should treat our trades the same way.
2. Long USDJPY by xlots depending on the serverity of the data miss e.g. if CPI was -1.0% and unemployment ticked up to 3.4% i would do 3lots long usdjpy. If it was -0.5% and 3.3% i would do 1lot for example.
Short GBPJPY if CPI is greater than -0.4% and other data generally hits/ is positive
1. The rationale is the opposite of the above - we assume if data improves that the BOJ will be less inclined to do a big easing package so we expect yen to remain strong so we go long yen and short GBP.
- Once again the lot size is a function of the serverity of the data e.g. if CPI turned positive to 0.1% and unemployment dropped to 3% we would short 3lots. vs only 1lot if CPI ticked up only 10bps from last and unemployment ticked down only 10bps.
Risks to the view:
1. The First risk is that data in general is considered to have "underlying trends" so the fact one print is outstandingly bad/ good might NOT impact policy e.g. thin about US NFP that was less than 100k and shocked markets - but it was a one off so didnt make the FOMC cut rates back.
3. Data underlying trends thus can reduce the weighting this data is given e.g. even if CPI improved to 0.1% from -0.4%, the BOJ could argue this is a one off print as the underlying trend for the past 6m+ has been negative inflation thus they will go ahead with a big easing package.
- HOWEVER , the above point "3" in mind i believe data to the downside will be given a greater weighting than data to the upside, so we should have a short yen bias as weak data has been the underlying trend for most data points (especially CPI).
-Further, i also think tail-end/ RHS/ LHS results will be given a proportionately larger weighting in their decision so this should also be reflected in our trading e.g. if CPI was -2% from -0.4% i would be a much much more aggressive buyer of UJ than if a -0.5% print from -0.4% is seen. The same can be said to the topside, if i saw +1.5% inflation from -0.4% last i would be a much greater seller of GBPJPY than if i saw -0.3% CPI from -0.4%.
BOJ: JPY V USD, EUR, GBP - WHAT THE OPTION MARKET IS TELLING US50 Delta ATM Volatilities:
USDJPY -
- $Yen has an ATM implied volatility curve of 55.95%mrkt 24.08%1wk 18.31%2wk 14.12%1m
- Obviously we are aggressively steeper in the front end, with BOJ tomorrow and JPY MOF Fiscal Package details coming next week providing heightened vol for the 1day and 1wk vols - naturally we then see the curve tail off as the event vol fades.
GBPJPY -
- £Yen has an ATM implied volatility curve of 58.66%mrkt 25.93%1wk 23.02%2wk 18.30%1m
- The same can be said about sterling yens ATM curve, adding that it is steeper accross the tenors as the recently heightened GBP risk/ BOE event vol is priced into the 1wks and 2wks greater relatively vs $yen, with 1ms also outperforming $Yen as the perceived GBP risk/ vol post-brexit carries higher vs the USD.
EURJPY -
- EUROYEN has an ATM implied volatility curve of 49.42%mrkt 22.82%1wk 18.03%2wk 14.23%1m
- EUROYEN mirrors $yen from 1wk-1m as the term structure is very similar for eur vs usd (no significant event vol expected). Though we see a notable 6-7vol divergence in the current vol which is expected as $Yen expressions are favourable for BOJ out-performance positionings (USD a firmer based/ more widely traded) and £Yen are favourable for BOJ under-performance structures as BOE next week compunds the attractiveness in the downside of the cross (BOE likely to ease) which in turn increases the demand for £Yen expression on a BOJ no-show.
25Delta Risk Reversals (25d call vol minus 25d put vol - examines the relative demand)
USDJPY -
- $Yen RRs are +3 mrkt, +0.62 1wk, -0.67 2wk, -0.81m
- Interestingly we are seeing a moderate $Yen topside coverage in the front end (e.g. current and 1wks) implying the market is hedging/ positioning for a BOJ Out-performance Surprise (call demand > Put). The RRs are quite small at +1 so i wouldnt say there is a huge consensus on BOJ HIT expectations. Nonetheless calls are likely being purchased to hedge underlying spot short positions in the near term as any $yen/ BOJ topside is expected to not last long and be faded aggressively - which explains the switch to negative RRs after the BOJ/ MOF events have passed.
GBPJPY -
- £Yen RRs are -6 mrkt, -3 1wk, -1.3 2wk, -2.2 1m
- Understandably SterlingYen has a different RR structure as BOJ and BOE predispositions are priced into option structures, rather than just BOJ (as is the case for £yen and euroyen) - so we see a strong put bias, particularly in the front end (current and 1wks) as these cover the BOE and BOJ event vol. Unlike $Yen we see there is a clear trend for BOJ miss/ downside speculation as it is the logical chosen proxy, as a BOJ miss is highly likely to then be compounded over the current and 1wk terms as BOE hit expectations are priced in, accelerating the GBPJPY to the downside and RRs towards the LHS (BOJ miss = yen strength, BOE hit = Streling weakness - aggressive downside). Also put gbpjpy, automatically hedges any BOJ hit/topside risk as 1wk later the BOE is likely to ease so any yen downside arising from a BOJ hit will likely be smoothed somewhat by BOE easing induced GBP selling; thus lessening the negative impact or even turning the position back into the money.
GBPUSD: STERLING STRENGTH MYTH? ARITCLE 50 ODDS - 50% NOT HAPPENMysterious sterling strength:
1. Sterling has managed to par losses and actually rise in past days despite a number of heavily weighted factors increasing GBP downside pressure e.g. MPC M. Weale switching to the doves, PMI/ Business Optimism 8yr lows, Sterling rates markets consistently pricing >25bps of cuts to the BOE base rate (details below), the median bank forecast of the Bank of England Policy change on the 4th of August is becoming ever more dovish (e.g. calls for >£50bn QE and more than 25bps of cuts by Banks).
2. Struggling to find answers I looked at the Article 50 odds/ Implied probability from the odds aggregator (oddschecker) - to my surprise, but in support of GBP top side I have seen the market shift aggressively in the last week - with odds of a 2016 signing falling to 16.5% from 35%, but more worryingly the odds of a 2018 or later or NOT AT ALL steepening aggressively to 50% from 30% .
- 2018 or later or not at all is now the most probable outcome, worrying that this is even possible given the referendum was decided by the people in a democracy - how is this even possible? IMO it should have been mandated to be signed within a given period e.g. 1wk/ 1m.
- Even more worrying is that T. May the newly elected PM, Pre-PM was a brexit Bull and vowed that exiting the EU was her top priority and she "saw it as a way to make Britain great again". However, now if you look at the news, she is somewhat of a Brexit bear, recently stating "The Article 50 will NOT be signed in 2016" - completely writing the front end of the curve off.
3. This is likely the potential driver of sterling strength as a delayed non-signing 1) increases the time until we actually leave the EU - given there is ALREADY a clause in the article 50 agreement that states there is a 2yr "cooling off/ negotiation period" where Britain's relationship with the EU will remain exactly the same for 2yrs once the article 50 is signed - so by not signing it until mid 2017 this means technically there will be 3yrs between Brexit vote and leaving which means three years of relatively unchanged economic conditions - thus this in mind why should GBP get weaker now/ in the near-term? 2) and in turn, the above reduces BOE cutting odds - if we're not leaving any time soon the economics should be relatively flat thus no easing needed which means less GBP near-term downside.
4. Also another potential sterling topside driver is the speculation that the BOE is coming underpressure NOT to cut rates by Retail Banks as by doing so it reduces their net interest margins (lower profitability) causing restructuring/ lay-offs in the industry - LLOYDS BANKING GROUP IS AXING 3,000 JOBS AND CLOSING 200 BRANCHES AS IT RACES TO CUT COSTS IN ANTICIPATION OF AN INTEREST RATE CUT - if considered a systemic risk this could seriously reduce the probability of BOE action. Though i think it is more of a isolated issue - Lloyds likely needed to restructure anyway based on already low profitability rather than as a direct function of a potential rate cut. It is almost laughable to think 3000 jobs are being cut because of a small 25bps cut alone.
Trading implications:
1. Obviously this is a downer on GBP shorts, however, this is ONLY a suggestion for GBP strength - i could be over estimating the impact but the argument is nonetheless a solid one.
2. Still below 1.36 i stay a seller of rallies - and watch closely for the 4th of August when the BOE is expected to deliver easing which should move GBP$ to 1.25-1.28 where i will TP.
- Current implied BOE bank rate cut probabilities are priced as the following:
-Three month short sterling (GBP) rate - 66% probability of a 25bps cut, up from 64% on the 26th.
-GBP Nominal OIS Spot rate - 84% probability of a 25bps cut on the 26th, up from 76% on the 25th
-GBP 1m Fwd Nominal OIS Rate - 29bps 100% priced as of 26th, up from 26bps on the 25th.
LONG USDJPY: ANOTHER BOJ OUTPERFORM CASE - 28TRN GOVT STIMULUSAnother argument for the BOJ outperform case - Post BOJ Buy $Yen @MRKT 111tp:
1. We know BOJ and JPY Govt Abe/ Aso have had many meetings post-brexit and as it follows the JPY Govt have announced today that they will deliver a fiscal stimulus package of 28trn - which was to the very right of the curve (10-30 was talked about).
- This in mind, imo it is rational to extrapolate that 1) surely if the JPY govt are choosing a tail end stimulus package (aggressive), BOJ will be inclined to do also? Given that it is the BOJ remit for economic targets like inflation, not the governments - BOJ wouldnt want to be seen as dropping the egg would they e.g. govt does as much as it can but BOJ only midly eases - doesnt make sense? Especially given the relationship between kuroda/ aso/ abe it would almost be impossible.
- 2) The BOJ will know/ see that the JPY Govt are taking the "extreme" side of measures, so once again this puts the BOJ under-pressure to do the same as they dont want to be seen as "letting the side down" especially as it is the BOJ who really has the power to change things - the Fiscal package is rather an indicative/ nice gesture of the govts willingness to help - rather than any real hard easing when you consider the Govt package is likely to be 28trn a year but the BOJ purchases/ injects 80trn A MONTH to its monetary based in JGBs - thats 960trn a year. So 27trn govt vs 960trn BOJ - is the govt really making an impact or are they instead signalling their commitment/ putting pressure on the BOJ? I think so.
Under-performance case:
1. Perhaps less meaty, but nonetheless a valid point - Japan, JPY Govt and BOJ have lived with low inflation/ deflation for the past several decades and no "extreme" action has been taken to resolve it (well not enough to fix the problem anyway) so this pressure on the BOJ we talk about above - is it real? or is it a theoretical pressure that they "Must" hit their targets?
- If history predicts the future then yes, it is a theoretical economic pressure - they haven't hit the target for 20yrs so why would they do measures to hit it now? There's no public pressure, im sure theyre happy consuming at lower prices - unlike with high unemployment.
- Off topic but it would be interesting to see a Japan with high Unemployment - an economic indicator that causes civil unrest (Greece riots) and is a necessity to be solved for the wellbeing of any nation - thus my bets are if unemployment was at 15-20% (similar comparison to deflation) for the past 15yrs something drastic WOULD have been done a long time ago, or be done on Friday to fix it. After all, theres no driver to fix something that doesnt really need fixing is there? Think about the last time you went to extreme measures to fix something that wasn't much of an issue...
LONG DXY / USD: HAWKISH FOMC RATE STATEMENT - SEPTEMBER HIKE?The FOMC rate statement was largely in line with expectations and to the hawkish side - with a september hike hinted at. Much of which followed the rhetoric of FOMC members in the past few weeks (see previous posts) and data (disregarding the poor -4% durable goods mom print). Perhaps the most hawkish/ promising statement made for a Sept rate hike was the fact Fed George Preferred to Raise Rates to Range Between 0.50% and 0.75% - hinting hikes are now being considered. And "Fed Could Raise Rates Later This Year, Possibly As Early As September". Though on balance the Fed did repeat the dovish phrases "low/soft" several times when regarding various measures of inflation and business investment.
This FOMC Statement holds in line with my medium run long $ view (hike based) - especially against Yen, GBP, EUR, AUD and NZD who are expected to ease and thus policy diverge.
In terms of market pricing, the Fed Funds Future Option implied probabilities of a rate cut have continued their steepening this week - following the 3wk trend with Sept/Nov now pricing a 25.9/ 26.8% probability of a hike (up from 9% 2wks ago) - Dec now has a probability of 41.8% and is showing some stability here, with a 50bps hike implied at 9.9% and rising steadily. From this the implied probability of one rate hike in 2016 is at nearly 70% (Nov+Dec) - which imo is in line, or slightly below my qualitative probability of 90%. With the probability of 2 hikes at 12.5% which is about what i would expect.
Nonetheless eyes are now focused on BOJ - which is expected to be a year changing meeting.
September FOMC Rate Decision Statement - 0.50% unchanged:
--Fed Leaves Policy Rate Unchanged, Says Near Term Economic Risks Have Diminished
-Fed Offers More Upbeat Assessment of Labor, Economic Conditions
-Fed Could Raise Rates Later This Year, Possibly As Early As September
-Federal Reserve Keeps Fed Funds Range Unchanged at 0.25% to 0.50%
-FOMC: Voted 9-1 For Fed Funds Rate Action
-Fed Leaves Discount Rate Unchanged at 1.00%
-Fed: Economic Activity Expanding At A 'Moderate' Rate
-Fed: Labor Market Strengthened, Job Gains 'Strong' in June
-Fed: Payrolls, Other Indicators Point to 'Some Increase' in Labor Utilization in Recent Months
-Fed: Market-Based Inflation Compensation Measures 'Remain Low'
-Fed: Survey-Based Inflation Expectations Measures 'Little Changed'
-Fed: Inflation Expected to Remain Low in Near Term
-Fed: Inflation Expected to Rise to 2% Over Medium Term As Transitory Effects Fade
-Fed: Household Spending Has Been 'Growing Strongly'
-Fed: Business Fixed Investment Has Been 'Soft'
-Fed Continues to Expect 'Only Gradual Increases' In Fed Funds Rate
-Kansas City Fed's George Dissents On Fed Policy Action
-George Preferred to Raise Rates to Range Between 0.50% and 0.75%
Inverse S&P500: Long new weekly highThis chart is very helpful to evaluate our views and biases. We plot the instrument of our choosing as an inverted version of itself, to see if we have a long or short bias. In this case, I agree with myself that the S&P500 is at a top, and would happily long a new weekly high here (that's a valid weekly setup, short new weekly high in SnP, stop loss at recent highest high).
Rgmov, cci and evaluation of the price action, sentiment and fundamentals call for an intermediate term top right here. Today's news might very well be the catalyst to send it down and trigger this weekly setup.
Are you in the short already? Looking to take it?
Leave your comment below, and grade my analysis from 1-10 in level of agreement if you can, thanks.
Good luck!
Check out my updated track record here: pastebin.com
If interested in my real time whatsapp alerts and swing trading newsletter, or in personal tuition, contact me privately. I'm offering a considerable discount on a packaged course which includes access to my private trading signals list for a year.
Cheers!
Ivan Labrie
Link to Tim West's chatroom: www.tradingview.com
We discuss setups like this often there. Feel free to stop by and subscribe to his indicator pack. If you have any questions ask.
Risk disclaimer: My analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.