Why is the Swiss Franc Defying the Odds?In a global economy where central banks are leaning towards softer monetary policies, the Swiss Franc is charting its own course—strengthening against the odds. But what forces are truly at play here? Is it merely the cautious whispers of the Swiss National Bank, or is there a deeper undercurrent, tied to inflation expectations and global safe-haven flows? As we peel back the layers, we uncover a narrative that challenges conventional wisdom. Discover the intricate dynamics that could redefine how we perceive currency resilience in today's volatile market landscape.
The franc's unexpected strength has sparked a flurry of theories. Some point to the SNB's potential reluctance to cut interest rates as aggressively as its peers. Others suggest that the widening gap between Swiss and global inflation expectations could be fueling the franc's appreciation. Yet, the franc's safe-haven status and its role in carry trades add another layer of complexity to this puzzle.
The EUR/CHF currency pair, a barometer of the Eurozone and Switzerland's economic health, is particularly sensitive to the franc's strength. As the franc appreciates, it can impact trade balances, inflation, and overall economic competitiveness.
As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, the enigma of the Swiss franc's resilience persists. Is this a temporary anomaly, or a harbinger of a new era in international finance? Only time will tell.
Economicindicators
Overall Sentiment for US Economy from January to May 2024The period from January to May 2024 has been marked by significant bearish sentiment due to multiple geopolitical events. The escalation of conflicts in Ukraine, increased US-China trade tensions, disruptions in the Red Sea, and heightened hostilities in the Middle East have collectively contributed to market instability. These events led to increased energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and heightened global volatility, which pressured the US Dollar Index.
The overall bearish impact on the dollar was driven primarily by inflationary pressures from higher oil prices and increased geopolitical risks, reducing demand for the dollar as a safe haven. Large institutions had to adjust their portfolios and manage risks strategically to navigate the volatile environment.
Macro Monday 8 - S&P500/M2 Money SupplyMACRO MONDAY 8
S&P500 / M2 Money Supply ( SP:SPX / $WMN2S)
M2 is a broad measure of the US money supply that includes cash, checking deposits, and other types of deposits that are readily convertible to cash such as CDs.
M2 is seen as a reliable metric for forecasting/predicting inflation and for this reason it can be used as leading economic indicator. For example, when there is more cash made available or too much, more cash typically gets spent. A little more can be good, too much or too sudden an increase can increase the risk of inflation. That's why the Federal Reserve constricts the money supply when inflation rears its ugly head. At present the Federal Reserve is decreasing the M2 Money supply in an effort to slow down spending in order to control and reduce the rate of inflation. Since April 2022 the M2 Money Supply has reduced from $22 Trillion down to $20.82 Trillion.
The money supply and its impact on Inflation combined with current interest rates has major ramifications for the general economy, as they heavily influence job availability, consumer spending, business investment, currency strength, and trade balance.
The M2 Money Supply also has a major impact on the stock market and can act as catalyst for increased purchases of stocks (when the money supply is increasing as more money is available) and can also cause the selling of stock when money supply is tight or tightening as it is at present (as less money is available in the wider economy).
The Chart – Accounting for Money Supply
As noted above the M2 Money Supply is reducing and it is expected that this may result in the S&P500 making lower lows as the supply of money continues to contract.
The S&P500 performance looks very different when it is adjusted to account for the increases and decreases of the money supply. We can achieve this by dividing the S&P500 by the M2 Money Supply (Chart 1).
Chart 1 – S&P / M2 Money Supply
- Since 1996 the Major Resistance Zone has stopped every progression higher.
- In 2007 a rejection from the resistance zone resulted in the Great Financial Crisis
- Major recessions are labelled with red arrows & market corrections with blue arrows.
- Since GFC there have been a number of rejections from the resistance zone which have
coincided with notable corrections for the S&P500 (see blue arrows).
- The most notable of these rejections was the COVID Crash in March 2020.
- We are at the resistance zone now and it appears we are struggling to breach above it and
may be rejected again. Given we have been rejected by this level 5 times since the 2007
Great Financial Crisis, it seems wise to remain cautious and expect a rejection from this
level again.
Chart 2 – S&P500 & M2 Money supply (Segregated)
- This chart shows you the S&P price action in isolation and underneath the M2 Money
Supply for reference.
- The declining M2 Money supply is like a weight or float pushing and pulling the S&P500
price action in its direction.
- The M2 Money supply may gravitate down towards its long term trend line over the coming
year(s) and one would expect the S&P500 to follow its lead and also gravitate lower.
- Interestingly, on Chart 2 you can see that the level that the M2 Money Supply and the
S&P500 were at prior to the pandemic would present an S&P500 price tag of $3,350.
Summary
Its seems unlikely that the S&P500 is about to break higher due to the overhead long term resistance zone on Chart 1 which helped predict the last two recessions (red arrows) and a handful of corrections (blue arrows).
There is a strong likelihood of continued M2 Money Supply normalization towards its long term trend line on Chart 2, especially considering Federal Reserves continued efforts to constrict the money supply through quantitative tightening to help quell inflation. These efforts will likely subdue any attempt of positive price action on the S&P500.
It is important to recognise that the Dot Com Bubble in 2000 pressed through the resistance zone on Chart 1 demonstrating just how big a bubble it was. It was initially rejected from the resistance zone in March 1997, however the M2 Money Supply was increasing at this time so whilst this outcome is always possible, it does not presently seem probable with M2 Money supply decreasing and likely continuing to decrease going forward.
Another potential outcome is a false break out above the resistance zone on Chart 1. We have had an unprecedented increase in to the money supply since the March 2020 COVID Crash and this could have a lagging effect which eventually pushes us over the resistance zone. Fiscal Stimulus which is harder to predict could also help us arrive at this scenario. Regardless, if these circumstances are met with continued decreasing M2 Money Supply, I believe that it would be a short lived breach of the resistance zone resulting in maybe a $4,980 S&P500 price tag (a higher high) followed by a severe correction. That is IF M2 Money supply is still decreasing as the S&P500 makes those higher highs.
And finally we have to consider what most people would consider to be the most unrealistic scenario, a Dot Com Style bubble towards the top red line on Chart 1. As improbable as this is, a combination of factors could lead us into this scenario;
- The aforementioned lagging effects of the unprecedented never before seen increase in
the M2 Money Supply since the pandemic.
- Continued or new Fiscal Stimulus from the US government.
- The bullish AI narrative (which appears to be dissipating at present)
This final bullish scenario is worthy of consideration especially factoring in the comparisons of the 2023 AI hype to the 2000 internet boom. As we enter a new technological epoch with the likes of Augmented Reality, Cryptocurrencies and AI, are we getting ahead of ourselves again? Do these technologies need a little more time to mature much like the internet? Are we overextended like we were in 2000? It’s hard to answer no to any of these questions but against the backdrop of record levels of Quantitative Easing and Fiscal Stimulus we have to keep an open mind as the Fed tries to simmer us down from these record levels of liquidity
It will be very interesting to watch these charts over coming weeks and months to see if we get our anticipated rejection from the resistance zone on Chart 1.
A special mention to Ben Cowen from "Intothecryptoverse" who originally brought this style chart to my attention. My chart could be considered a snapshot of his view however I hope I have added to it in some way with the above commentary and some correlations I have noticed.
Thank you for reading to the end. I hope these charts help frame todays market for you going forward.
I’ll keep you posted on any major changes.
PUKA
Countries with the Highest Debt-to-GDP Ratio 🌍💰📈
The world's financial landscape is a tapestry of economic prowess and fiscal challenges. A critical indicator of a nation's economic health is its debt-to-GDP ratio, a measure that reveals the extent to which a country's debt burdens its economy. In this insightful exploration, we'll delve into the figures that highlight countries grappling with the highest debt-to-GDP ratios. With real-world examples, we'll shed light on the complexities of global debt dynamics and their potential impact on the world economy.
Understanding Debt-to-GDP Ratio
The debt-to-GDP ratio is a crucial metric that reflects a country's ability to manage its debt relative to the size of its economy. A higher ratio indicates a greater level of indebtedness. Let's examine why this metric is so significant and its implications:
1. Greece: A Tale of Economic Turmoil
Greece serves as a prominent example of a country with a high debt-to-GDP ratio. In the early 2010s, Greece faced a sovereign debt crisis that shook the European Union. Its debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 180%, signaling unsustainable levels of debt. The crisis forced Greece to implement severe austerity measures and seek international bailouts.
2. Japan: A Unique Fiscal Challenge
Japan represents a distinctive case where a high debt-to-GDP ratio coexists with economic stability. Japan's debt-to-GDP ratio is among the highest globally, surpassing 200%. However, it has maintained economic stability due to unique factors such as a high domestic savings rate and central bank policies.
3. United States: Juggling Debt and Economic Growth
The United States, with a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 100%, showcases the balance between debt and economic growth. While a high ratio can raise concerns, the U.S. has managed its debt effectively, leveraging its economic strength to service its obligations.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is a critical barometer of a nation's fiscal health and economic stability. Understanding the complexities and nuances of this metric is essential for evaluating a country's financial resilience and potential risks. As we explore countries with the highest debt-to-GDP ratios, it becomes evident that each nation's economic circumstances are unique. While a high ratio can signal challenges, factors such as economic policies, domestic savings, and global financial dynamics play pivotal roles in shaping a country's fiscal destiny. Ultimately, the global economy is an intricate web of financial interdependencies, and monitoring these debt ratios is a vital component of navigating this complex landscape. 🌍💰📈
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Navigating Forex Success: Mastering the Most Vital Fundamentals
Forex trading, the largest and most liquid financial market in the world, offers endless opportunities for profit. Yet, success in this dynamic arena hinges on a solid understanding of fundamental analysis. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the most crucial forex fundamentals that every trader should grasp. We will provide real-world examples to illustrate their impact and share how they can influence your trading decisions.
The Cornerstones of Forex Fundamentals
1. Interest Rates: Central banks set interest rates, which have a significant influence on currency values. Higher interest rates in a country can attract foreign capital, boosting the value of its currency.
2. Economic Indicators: Economic data releases, such as GDP, employment figures, and inflation rates, provide insights into a country's economic health. Positive data can lead to a stronger currency, while negative data may weaken it.
3. Political Stability and Economic Performance: Political stability and the overall health of an economy play a crucial role in currency valuation. Countries with stable governments and strong economic performance tend to have stronger currencies.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: EUR/USD and Interest Rates:
Example 2: GBP/USD and Economic Indicators:
Mastering the most vital forex fundamentals is essential for navigating the complex world of forex trading successfully. By staying informed about interest rates, economic indicators, political stability, and economic performance, you can make informed trading decisions and better understand the forces driving currency markets. With these fundamentals as your foundation, you'll be better equipped to seize opportunities and manage risks in the ever-evolving world of forex. 🌍📈💰
What do you want to learn in the next post?
How to use ECONOMIC INDICATORS for informed trading decisionsHello everyone! Here you have some information that I consider useful on how to interpret and use economic indicators and data to make informed trading decisions in the foreign exchange market:
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) - GDP is a measure of a country's economic output and is considered to be one of the most important indicators of economic growth. A higher GDP indicates a stronger economy, which can lead to an increase in demand for the country's currency.
Unemployment Rates - Unemployment rates measure the percentage of the workforce that is currently without a job. A low unemployment rate indicates a strong economy, which can lead to an increase in demand for the country's currency.
Inflation - Inflation measures the rate at which the average price level of a basket of goods and services in an economy is increasing. High inflation can lead to a decrease in demand for the country's currency, while low inflation can lead to an increase in demand.
Interest Rates - Interest rates are the cost of borrowing money and are set by central banks. High interest rates can attract foreign investment, leading to an increase in demand for the country's currency.
Trade Balance - The trade balance measures the difference between a country's exports and imports. A positive trade balance indicates that a country is exporting more than it is importing, which can lead to an increase in demand for the country's currency.
Political Stability - Political stability is an important factor to consider when trading in the foreign exchange market. A stable political environment can lead to an increase in demand for a country's currency, while political instability can lead to a decrease in demand.
In summary, GDP, unemployment rates, inflation, interest rates, trade balance and political stability are important economic indicators to keep an eye on when making trading decisions in the foreign exchange market. By considering these indicators, along with other market conditions, traders can make more informed decisions about when to buy or sell a particular currency.
Please note that the above information is not a financial advice and only for educational purpose, Economic indicators are important but not the only factor to consider while making trading decisions and It's always important to do your own research and consider your own risk tolerance before making any trades.
What are new-home sales and why do they matter to the economy?Upcoming week we have two important major events happening for the U.S , one of them is the new-home sales. But what exactly are new-home sales, and why do they matter? In this post, we'll break down what new-home sales are and explain why they're so important to the overall health of the economy. You also be more prepared and informed why the market moved in a certain way. Lets move on...
What are new-home sales and why do they matter to the economy?
New-home sales are a measure of trading activity in the market for newly built homes. The new-home sales data are important leading indicators of economic activity, providing timely information on changes in the demand for new homes, which directly affects decisions regarding investment, production, and employment. The data on new-home sales also provide valuable information on the market fundamentals that are shaping trading conditions in the market for newly built homes. The data can be used to inform decision-making about pricing, product mix, and other strategic considerations. In addition, the data can be used to assess market conditions and identify emerging trends. As such, new-home sales data are an important tool for monitoring and understanding the health of the economy.
See historical graph here:
fred.stlouisfed.org
Impact of new-home sales
When new-home sales activity levels rise, it has a positive impact on the economy as a whole. For consumers, this increased activity level leads to currency being put back into circulation. When builders see an increase in new-home sales, they are able to reinvest that currency into building more homes, which in turn provides more jobs for other industry players. The increased activity also has a positive impact on the stock market and it's currency, as builders and other companies who stocks are traded publicly see their stock prices increase. This provides more stability in the markets and can lead to more investors feeling confident about putting their money into the markets. Ultimately, when new-home sales activity levels increase, it provides a boost to the economy as a whole.
New-home sales are an important economic indicator because they signal overall consumer confidence and spending. Increased new-home sales activity levels have a ripple effect throughout the economy, benefiting consumers, builders, and other industry players. We shall see what impact the new-home sales will have this week on EURUSD.
We can currently see we are stuck in a range between support and resistance - let's see what the week will bring.
Trade safe around these hours! Cheers.