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DXY/ USD: FED LOCKHART SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSFed Lockhart was cautious on the margin stating one rate hike in 2016 only "could" be appropriate rather than should which echoed the sentiment of the earlier Fed Dudley speech which was alot more hawkish imo. This has helped the USD back off its Dudley induced gain, and refocus on the CPI miss as Lockhart reminded the market that " Some Signs Election Uncertainty Slowing Economy" and " 'Not Locked In' To Any Particular Monetary Policy Outlook Right Now" given the data uncertainty which continue to be the two biggest factors for the USD and future hikes going forward. Fed funds currently imply an p18% sept hike, up from 9% yesterday though - where i expect this to come down still into days end as CPI miss is priced and Fed Dudleys sentiment is faded with th ereal hard data left in traders minds (bearish). This in mind I continue to be bullish AUD with a 0.78 target (apprx 100pips). Fed Lockhart speech highlights: Fed's Lockhart: One More Rate Rise In 2016 'Could Be Appropriate' Lockhart: 'Not Locked In' To Any Particular Monetary Policy Outlook Right Now Lockhart: Optimistic About Outlook, Views 2Q Gdp With Caution Lockhart: Economy's Underlying Fundamentals Remain Healthy Lockhart: Indications 3Q Growth Fixing For A Rebound Lockhart: Doesn't Believe Economic Momentum Has Stalled Lockhart: 2% Growth Environment Now Looks More Likely Lockhart: Uncertainty An Issue For The Economy Lockhart: Economy Closing In On Full Employment, Wage Gains Rising Lockhart: Will Achieve 2% Price Target By End Of 2017 Fed's Lockhart: Some Signs Election Uncertainty Slowing Economy Lockhart: Auto Sales Have Been Going 'Gangbusters' Lockhart: Even at Full Employment, Economy Still Has Labor to Draw On
TVC:DXYShort
by QuantumLogicTrading
BUY USD DIPS VS GBP/ NZD: DOVISH FED W. DUDLEY SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSFed Dudley was speaking At A joint New York Fed, Indonesian Central Bank Seminar On Sunday evening when he left a mixed impression for the markets to digest - saying "it is premature to rule out an interest-rate increase this year" but then on the contrary saying "Raising Rates Prematurely Would Be Riskier Than Moving Slightly Too Late" and following up that sentiment with "Investor Expectations For Flatter Path Of U.S. Interest Rates Seems 'Broadly Appropriate'" and pointing out the medium-term risks are seen skewed to the downside - all of which somewhat contradictory expecting a 2016 rate hike. IMO these comments are more less positive news for the greenback, given the hawkish July Minutes should take precedent (despite the market weirdly selling the september hike being officially put on the table) and after the DXY lost every day last week I think it will struggle to continue this trend into this week as the drop in rate hike expectations/ fed funds rates should flatten out - Likely seeing the bulk of the dovish expectations price last week - september 25bps hike expectations fell from 25% at the beginning of the week to 12% on Friday following the miss GDP report - will likely bottom out around here to 8%min. That said, given the BOJ's miss we could easily see further pressure on US rates this week as imo the failed big stimulus hopes are likely to fade the risk-on environment of late, and move us back into the safe haven trend that has dominated 2016 - so dont be surprised to see some more risk-off rate expectation USD selling/ bond buying - look out for consecutive moves higher in UST or moves lower in tnx. In the medium term this still hasnt changed my view of bullish USD and at present IMO this selling wave has opened up the opp for some good USD buying entry points e.g. kiwi above 0.72, stelring at 1.33, and eur at 1.115 - kiwi and sterling the best trades as we move into RBA, BOE and RBNZ within the next 10 days which should realise considerable downside for kiwi and cable (and for those trading aussie too, tho i prefer the kiwi proxy). Fed Dudley Speech Highlights: -Fed's Dudley Warns It Is Premature To Rule Out an Interest-Rate Increase This Year -Dudley Says Fed-Funds Futures Prices Seem 'Too Complacent' -Dudley Says There Is 'Room For Improvement' in Fed Communications, But They Are Growing More Transparent -Dudley Says His Baseline Outlook For U.S. Growth, Inflation 'Has Not Changed Much In Recent Months' -Dudley Expects 2% Annualized U.S. Growth Over Next 18 Months -Fed's Dudley Says Medium-Term Risks To Economy Are 'Somewhat Skewed To The Down Side' -Dudley Says Brexit Impact Has Been Short Lived, But Longer Term Potential Fallout 'Hard To Gauge' -Dudley Says Fed Takes Dollar Appreciation Into Consideration, But Not Targeting Any Set Exchange Value -Dudley Says Evidence Accumulating The Crisis-Era Headwinds 'Are Likely To Prove More Persistent' -Fed's Dudley Warns it is Premature to Rule out an Interest-Rate Increase This Year -Dudley: Investor Expectations For Flatter Path Of U.S. Interest Rates Seems 'Broadly Appropriate' -Dudley Says Raising Rates Prematurely Would Be Riskier Than Moving Slightly Too Late
TVC:DXYLong
by QuantumLogicTrading
5
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.
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
11
BOJ EXPECTATIONS: EXCEED/ HIT - LONG USDJPY; MISS - SHORT GBPJPYBOJ Miss - Sell GBPJPY @Market price; 129tp1 - up to 800pips. 1. A BOJ miss can be considered as delivering the median expectations e.g. 10bps cut to the depo (-0.2%), 10bps cut to the LSP (-0.1%), Yen10trn increase in monthly JGB purchases & 50% Increase in Annual ETF purchases e.g. 3.3trn-5trn. Fiscal Stimulus Yen10-15trn. - The package above or less should be sold as the market expects this to maintain UJ at 105-6 level. - The short GBPJPY is a great trade anyway as you benefit from the BOE easing carry which should in turn move us to 125 (BOJ miss and BOE hit) - which the BOE 1m forward OIS rates market currently prices 25bps at 100% and the average expectations are 25bps and £50bn of QE (even more certain now as the BOE M. Weale - the most hawkish MPC Member moved to the easing side as Business optimism and PMI dropped to their 10yr lows) - thus GBPJPY can expect further downside even past the BOJ as the BOE is all but guaranteed to ease "most members expect to ease at the august meeting" - July BOE Minutes Quote. - Currently a BOJ miss is the most likely outcome - as many of you have seen in FX Yen has been brought aggressively as expectations have fallen, much a mirroring from the change in rates market where - For the 25th the 3m JPY Libor prices only a 6.65bps cut at to the key rate at 100% and on the same date the 3m euroyen August future prices only a 5.5bps cut at 100%. Though the further dated September 3m euroyen future prices a 9bps cut a 100% - likely a function of the market betting on more action being done in the september meeting (which makes sense). BOJ HIt: Buy USDJPY @Market price; 107-111tp - up to 700pips 1. A BOJ Hit can be considered as double or more the median expectations (in my opinion) - 20bps+ to the depo, 20bps+ to the LSP, Yen20trn+ to the JGB Purchases and 100-200% extra annual ETF purcases from Yen3.3trn to 6.6/9.9trn. Yen20-30trn Fiscal stimulus. - The package above or more IMO will allow $yen to trade to 111, and for a sustained amount of time. - The long USDJPY is the best proxy to play the "over-delivery" imo as USD is the most stable base, and has the most pips to gain on yen weakness - given FOMC hawkishness/ Hiking expectations give USDJPY topside even more impetus. - As above, the markets currently DON'T expect this result, as $Yen trades at the 104 level and rates markets price only 5-6bps of lowering. HOWEVER, if BOJ/ JPY Govt are to deliver a big easing package - one that smashes expectations (such as the one above) it will be now. The reason I think this is the case is below:
by QuantumLogicTrading
11
DXY/ USD: FOMC - GS 65% 2016 RATE HIKE; RABO ONE 2016 RATE HIKEGoldman Sachs on July FOMC Decision : - The run of positive economic news in recent weeks has coincided with generally dovish comments from Fed offcials. Policymakers have indicated that they are not “behind the curve”, and have expressed increased uncertainty about the neutral level of interest rates. We would treat recent comments with caution, however, as we have not heard formal remarks from the Fed'€'s leadership. - Taken together, we see recent economic data and the public comments from Fed officials as consistent with only modest changes to the FOMC statement. We think the committee will upgrade its discussion of the labour market and measures of inflation expectations, but change little else. The period between the July and September meetings will include a number of important data releases as well as the annual Jackson Hole conference. Therefore, policymakers will have an incentive to keep their options open, and plenty of opportunities to guide market expectations, should they need to. - We continue to see a 25% chance that the committee will raise the funds rate in September and a 40% chance that it will do so in December - implying a roughly two thirds probability of at least one rate increase this year. RaboBank on July FOMC Decision: -While the Fed is in a wait-and-see mode to assess the threats to the global outlook and the strength of domestic momentum, recent US data have boosted the Fed;€™s confidence. We expect the Fed to squeeze in one rate hike before the end of the year, most likely in December.
TVC:DXYLong
by QuantumLogicTrading
GBPUSD SHORT: BOE/ FOMC POLICY EXPECTATIONS INCREASINGLY BEARISHFollowing today's Service/ Manufacturing PMI miss (worst contraction in 88 months - since 2009) the Sterling market has come under significant pressure as BOE rate cut expectations increase with OIS rates markets pricing a 94% chance of a 4th Aug cut vs 85% before the PMI's were released. Further, the PMI misses has attracted attention from UK Politicians e.g. Chancellor Hammond - which puts further qualitative pressure on the BOE to cut, rather than just quantitative data prints - Political pressure combined with data pressure is the best us GBP sellers can ask for when looking for a BOE rate cut. I have to say this is a breath of fresh air for GBPUSD shorts that i am holding (cable trades down to 1.30xx) - given that the start of the week was the complete opposite, with strong CPI/ Employment and Hawkish comments from MPC members Weale and Forbes; all of which reducing the pressure on the BOE to cut and thus the sterling market. Below also, following the PMIs we see Aug 4th BOE expectations from BoAML/ JPM - which call for a 25bps cut and 50bn addition to QE (with increased near-term pressure to do so/ act post-PMI) - in which imo will send GBP$ to 1.25, if not through - these expectations are encouraging for shorts thougb it should be remembered the cut was expected in July also but didnt materialise (though the minutes from the meeting did state "most members expect to ease in August". Further we see fresh recession concerns emerge as from Barclays below - once again putting downside pressure on GBP through poor GDP and increased BOE cut likihoods. Further, on the USD side of the trade, in this risk recovery we continue to view FOMC rate hike expectations rising - aiding dollar topside (and gbp$ downside) - as Fed Funds Futures Opt Implied probs now trade at 19.5% for Sept, 20.8% Nov and 40% for Dec, up from yesterday at 18.8, 20 an 39.8 - the risk-on bias already started today will likely see these probabilities continue to strengthen through the end of the day. Trading Strategy: 1. So from here after holding shorts at 1.3400 average, given this fresh and extreme impetus for downside - I will continue to hold my cable lower to the 1.285 target (unload 50%) and save 25-50% (depending if i unload 25% at the 1.305 level) for the Aug meeting itself where 1.25 is likely - where before today holding cable seemed more risky as the risks looked skewed to a hawkish BOE, which now has flipped. Unlikely, but any rallies to 1.33-35 level i will be reshorting - cable downside is a function of time imo. - I like holding short because BOJ are likely to ease, whilst the FOMC stay neutral/ Hawkish, this in turn puts more pressure on the BOE to ease/ GBP - in order to prevent GBP appreciating vs JPY (disinflationairy) BOE must ease too & hawkish FED stance puts pressure on GBPUSD lower. - Risks to the view continue to be if 1) New/ Weale/ Forbes continue to reiterate their hawkish/ no easing stance and perhaps less impactful; 2) Next weeks UK GDP reading - will not contain much Post brexit data so any upside is unlikely to give GBP strength, though downside is welcomed and could cause further selling (Low pre-Brexit GDP gives BOE more reason to cut) GBP OIS PRICING A 94% CHANCE OF A 25BPS CUT FROM THE BOE IN AUGUST (85% PRE PMI) - UK CHANCELLOR HAMMOND: Must restore uncertainty after July PMI - UK CHANCELLOR HAMMOND: BOE will use monetary policy tools at its disposal - UK CHANCELLOR HAMMOND: BOE have tools to respond to market turbulence in the short-term BoAML ON BOE: - We look for the BoE to cut rates 25bp and increase QE by £50bn in August, split between Gilts and private sector assets. - BoE inaction so far and heightened policy uncertainty leaves risk-reward unattractive in the front end in our view. - We prefer to position for potential BoE Gilt purchases, reiterating our 5s20s Gilt flattener as attractive in a QE-scenario. JP MORGAN ON BOE: - Current market pricing of a 25bps rate
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
2
SHORT NZDUSD: GOLDMAN SACHS FORECASTS 0.68, 0.64, 0.62 GOLDMAN SACHS EXPECT 3 RBNZ RATE CUTS OF 25BP APIECE IN AUG, NOV AND MAR. In a scheduled "Economic Update" published on Thursday, the RBNZ signalled a significant strengthening in its easing bias, and dovish shift across its views on domestic inflation and domestic/global growth. At the heart of many of these changes is renewed concern about the elevated NZD. In our view, these changes make clear that the RBNZ is positioning for a deeper easing cycle, notwithstanding ongoing risks to financial stability from rising house prices. NZDUSD Targets: - 3 Month: 0.68 - 6 Month: 0.64 - 12 Month 0.62 This is largely inline with my previous posts/ reaffirms my short view of NZD$ - especially with the possibility of 50bps of cuts increasing for this year (GS citing two cuts); Plus I also see increased USD strength over the medium term as rate hike expectations/ implied probabilities ever grow - Fed Funds Futures Opt Implied probs now trade at 19.5% for Sept, 20.8% Nove and 40% for Dec, up from yesterday at 18.8, 20 an 39.8 - the firsk-on bias already started today will likely see these probabilities continue to strengthen until the end of the day. The Probability of 2 hikes this year is also becoming an ever stronger possibility with 2 hikes pricing at 7.5% in Dec - and with July Pricing a hike for the first time since Brexit at 2.4%
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
2
SELL AUDUSD - JUNE RBA MINUTES HIGHLIGHTS - DOVISH/ CUT POSSIBLEOn the margin RBA remained in line with previous meetings, adding little but still keeping it on the dovish side imo. Once again, as in previous minutes (and from several other central banks) RBA continued to communicate the necessity of "watching key data" to drive future policy decisions. Interestingly though, they also mentioned the negative impact of a strong AUD which in turn supports RBA doves out there as a cut is the remedy to stop a deflationairy currency in its tracks. Further, RBA notably were under no illusions regarding their inflation situation stating " inflation set to stay low for some time" - another encouraging stimulus for doves given inflation's important position/ weight for setting future policy. As per the attached post, i remain dovish/ bearsh on aussie$, and i continue to expect a cut to 1.50% (25bps) this year given i expect their inflation to remain stagnant. Clear targets are 0.73 when probability of a cut is higher - though i would enter shorts regardless if AUD$ could find its way to its 12m highs at 0.78, though unlikely. I like USD strength in the medium term too hence supporting the short Aussie dollar view RBA Minutes Highlights: RBA MINUTES: BOARD TO WATCH KEY DATA, WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO RATES IF NEEDED; REVIEW OF FORECASTS IN AUG WILL HELP STEER POLICY - Inflation set to stay low for some time, employment mixed, retail sales look set to pick up - Stronger AUD would complicate economic rebalancing - Economic transition is now well advanced
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
3
SELL NZDUSD: EYES ON CPI PRINT 23:45GMT - >0.5%=0.73; <0.4%=0.67Short NZDUSD based on low CPI/ inflation = an RBNZ OCR cut is 90% likely - 105 mins after market open at 23:45GMT NZD releases their June CPI print. - In all RBNZ mandates they reiterate how they consider CPI to be their "main/ sole" target or dictator of the monetary policy they set (check any of their minutes etc). - Their target is 2%, plus recently they announced that they would hold an "emergency"/ brought forward economic assessment (this lead to increased short bets on NZD$ at the back of last week (with NZD$ falling from 0.733 to 0.710) as many speculated that this meant the RBNZ has a heads up on the CPI print - e.g. its bad). - See here for more details on NZD CPI and likelihood of a RBNZ OCR cut: www.bloomberg.com - In simple terms if CPI fails to grow on the quarter for NZD e.g. 0.4% or has in fact fallen e.g. 0.3% or less - it is highly likely that the RBNZ will cut their OCR rate, in order to boost the CPI, which in turn will send NZD$ likely to a terminal rate of 0.67 (could be as much as 0.65), hence why last week we saw shorts increase on the pair as fast money tries to front run the market/ print. Trading Strategy - Short NZD$ if CPI print misses or equals 0.4% - Stagnant/ low Inflation = RBNZ OCR cut likely: 1. Personally I dont have any interest in playing the long kiwi$ side e.g. if the print is higher as; 1) the RBNZ isnt happy with NZD trading so well (due to its deflationairy pressures), so action could come to reduce the NZD. 2) There is approximately 300-400pips of downside from here (at least) if a RBNZ OCR cut comes, whereas a no cut will likely see NZD$ Drift to 0.73 (maybe higher) so the risk:reward complex isn't as attractive to the upside IMO. 2. I will be waiting for the CPI print at 23:45GMT - if it is lower or equal to 0.4% I will Short NZDUSD 2lot@Market price; 0.68TP1 0.67TP2 0.65TP3 . 3. This trade is effectively betting on an RBNZ OCR rate cut; See attached posts for more details but this is already highly likely - and IMO is a definite if CPI is 0.4% (even more so if it is lower). Ideally id love to see 0.3%. - The rate cut is ranked likely if CPI comes in at 0.4% or less because 1) Inflation is the RBNZ key target, so stagnation is what they have to avoid - a rate cut is the likely tool they'll use given they have one of the highest CB rates in the developed world; 2) the NZD dollar is very expensive across the board and the RBNZ have communicated their dismay regarding the strength of the currency (e.g. saying its very strong/ causing disinflationairy pressures) - so a OCR cut is also the likely response if the RBNZ wants to depreciate the NZD dollar against all of its trading partners; 3) An OCR cut will ease any of the Brexit Commonwealth Headwinds that may or may not drift into NZD's economy of negative impact - so as these 3 reasons are compounded I believe an OCR cut is made ever more highly (80-90%) likely thus bearish bets against NZDUSD make sense to me from here. 3. This CPI trade, if comes in on target (0.4% or less), is also good as LDN and NY session's will have 8-14 hours until they start - so you will be able to get ahead of the market/ mostof the largest FX flows. Though the Asia session will be in full swing so dont expect an easy ride - IMO fingers should be on the trigger to execute the short immediately if 0.4% or less is seen - NZDUSD will likely drop 200+pips in less than 30seconds if these figures are the case (if not even quicker). Any questions or comments please ask - reading the "sell nzdusd @0.73 - tp 700pips" post ive attached helps support this short Kiwi$ trade
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
19
SHORT EURUSD: MISPRICING ECB & FED POLICY/ FUTURE POLICY/ BREXITThe Gross underpricing of ECB and FOMC Monetary Policy Changes - A fully-priced medium-term equilibrium Lower coming? EURUSD: *Short EURUSD 3m-12m Duration: 1/2lots @1.11 - 1.07TP1; 1.04-5TP2 1.01TP3 1. On Decemeber 2nd the ECB cut their rate by 10bps to 0.05%, paradoxically this actually caused EURUSD to rally higher. Thus this is a mispricing as Reductions in CB interest rates send currencies lower as 1) it reduces the demand for the currency as hot money flows, seeking higher rates, falls and; 2) Increases the Supply of the currency as at lower interest rates, banks borrow more and lend more, which in turn (through the bank/ credit multiplier) increases the EUR money supply. - So reduced demand + increased supply = EUR should have a lower value, so EURUSD should have fallen. Instead EURUSD actually rallied 350pips higher to 1.095 on the day - so this policy action has been underpriced - Though it should be noted that the reason EURUSD didnt fall was because going into the Dec ECB meeting expectations of Draghi were priced at 15-20bps of cuts so since he "failed" the market reacted hawkishly/ buy EUR. 2. On Dec 16th the FOMC increased their rate by 25bps to 0.50%. For the same, but opposite, reasons above this leads to increased USD demand and reduced supply. - so the net impact should be aggressively increased USD strength, however, EURUSD only fell by some 100pips before days after erasing these gains to 1.08 back to 1.10 - so this policy action has been underpriced . 3. On March 10th ECB cut their rate to 0.00% or 5bps and extended their QE programme by several EUR100bn. This once again reduces EUR demand and increases EUR supply (even more so as QE is combined). - So the net impact once again should be for EUR weakness to be priced in and EURUSD to trade much lower. However, once again paradoxically on the day EURUSD actually traded HIGHER? from 1.10 to 1.12 - so this ECB policy action is the third CB action to go UNPRICED in EURUSD 4. On the 24th of June the UK voted to leave the European Union in a shock Brexit vote - now given that it was a shock vote, EUR should have traded aggressively lower as one of its strongest countries voting to leave its economic union 1) weakens the E.Unions GDP/ Employment/ Inflation status as the UK leaves; 2) Causes uncertainty regarding the new trade agreements between the UK and itself, especially given that the UK is one of the regions biggest export markets; 3) causes uncertainty regarding other nations leaving - a run on the EU could develop.. currently several more nations have called for a vote. - So all in all the Brexit result is negative for the economic stability of the Euro area and as a result this should reduce demand for EUR as investors fear the worst/ choose safer currencies. Reduced EUR demand should cause EURUSD to trade lower - it took a 200pip loss to 1.118 - 200pips of downside is not enough to price perhaps the most uncertain event possible for the EUR (800pips more suitable given UK is 16% of the eurozone).
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
2
EOW SUMMARY: RISK THE OVERALL WINNER - US30 & SPX @ 2% NEW HIGHSEnd of Week Summary: 1. On the week we saw risk outperform safe havens for the first time since the brexit vote and the SPX and DJ30 set new all time highs by 2% and 1.2% respectively - somewhat encouraging given this was the longest period post-crisis that equity indexes have had since new highs, with a total time of apprx 1 year. 2. Given the articles attached, this week was also the first week where risk-on/ risk-off positive correlations broke down and went back to some degree of normalcy, with Gold, Yen and bonds ending the week down some 5 - although the TRY Military Coup did cause some risk anxiety late on friday and caused safe havens to par some of their losses by 1% to close down apprx 4%. 3. Drivers of the risk-on rally i must say did come as a surprise, given the relatively subdued economic climate post brexit, with little planned risk-on drivers in sight. However, it was JPY's surprise talk from PM Abe/ BOJ Kuroda easing/ stimulus speculations at the start of the week (speculations around y10-20trn) that gave risk markets some legs - despite the reliability of the claims being denied by much of the JPY Govt though there certainly is no smoke without fire. 4. The other winner of the week was USD , much of which was safe haven demand on Friday (TRY Coup) but $ strength had built through the week on the back of hawkish FOMC speak sentiment (see attached) and risk markets rallying, causing rates to also rally (UST 10y averaging +4-5%) where all have contributed to increased market confidence which has translated into higher projected rate hike probabilities for their Sept/ Nov/ Dec meetings - currently at 12.9%/14.4%/38%, which is pretty much a 100% increase in expectations on the week. - Once risk got going, given the severe depression, it was unsurprising that it did manage to run away higher - as safe havens needed a correction higher, if only in the short term. Next week Projections: 1. Given last week, and most of friday, the obvious expectation would be to expect risk to continue on the offer and making new highs - however, late on friday afternoon we saw risk-on/risk-off balance tip in favour of safe havens as the TRY Coup uncertainty increased risk-off demand. - Friday traditionally is a weak day for risk anyway as 1) end of week sellers/ weekend flat risk books cause a natural selling of risk, and a natural buying of safe havens as portfolios look to hedge weekend event risk over the two days that the markets are closed (especially as the session ended i the middle of the TRY coup). - That in mind, i was surprised to see risk even trading better than safe havens on mid afternoon Friday at all (until TRY) - with Yen falling to 106.3 and goldd down 0.9%, i was confident that we would enter Monday with a risk-on tone.
TVC:DXYShort
by QuantumLogicTrading
2
LONG USD VS JPY, EUR, GBP: HAWISK FED BULLARD - FED FUNDS RALLYBullard is the lone Fed official forecasting just one additional rate increase, and expects modest growth over the next two and a half years. But he reiterated Tuesday he's not expecting the economy to head south. However, did go out of his way to mention a relatively dovish point "We Have Some Ammunition if We Need it During Next Recession". Nonetheless he remained hawkish net on the margin, reiterating FED Georges hawkish comments regarding the labour market "About as Good as It's Ever Been", whilst using the June NFP print to flatten any questions regarding the low May print saying "Strong June Jobs Gains Showed May Report Was 'An Anomaly'". Similarly Bullard continued with Georges sentiment of the US's post-brexit robustness stating that the "Market Reaction to Brexit Shock Was 'Satisfactory,' 'Orderly'" - and infact surprisingly pushed this hawkish brexit sentiment on to new levels of "Ultimately the Brexit Impact on U.S. Economy Will be 'Close to Zero'". This is perhaps the most hawkish/ upbeat statement i have heard form a key Fed member since the decision which is positive given Bullard's naturally dovish stance. Bullard also stressed the need for a solid US Fiscal package to boost demand, where i have to say fiscal stimulus has almost gone forgotten about in the last 7-years post crash, given the dominance of the central banks, quoting "U.S. Badly Needs Fiscal Agenda for Boosting Economic Growth". Once again todays "FED speaker tracker" continues to add to my long $ view in the medium term. Today already we have seen front end rates continue their aggressive recovery this week, with the fed funds rate implied 25bps hike probability now trading for Sept/ Nov at a whopping 18% vs 11.7%Mon, with Dec trading at 36.3% vs 29.2%Mon . 10y UST (TNX) rates trade up another 4% today after a 5% gain yesterday, whilst 30yrs trade 3% up on the day (TNY) - as global risk rallies. Whilst USD is trading a little weaker in the immediate term as it readjusts lower for risk-on USD selling, long USD/ DXY is my medium term view as we continue to see the US FOMC Rate curve aggressively steepen, which is likely to continue for the next week at least - steeper implied curve means hike is more likely - more likely or realised hikes = increased (in the medium-term) dollar strength. Further, we expect dovish/ easing BOJ BOE ECB over the same period, this monetary policy divergence compounds the long $ view against its 3 biggest crosses (hence the long DXY expression) Medium term trading strategy: 1. The best expression of this medium term USD view is long DXY - as above I hold 8/10 conviction views for a number of the heavily weighted USD basket crosses based largely on likely monetary policy divergence in the medium term (FOMC Hiking whilst BOE, BOJ & ECB ease/ cut) e.g. LONG USDJPY @104 - 106.3TP1 109.5TP2; SHORT EURUSD @1.11 - 109.3TP1 107.5TP2; GBPUSD @1.34 - 131.2TP1 128.5TP2
Long
by QuantumLogicTrading
8
RISK ON/ OFF PARADOX CORRECTION - SHORT SPX/ FTSE & USDJPY P2 Post Brexit SPX vs USDJPY 1. One had expected risk to sell off post brexit as global uncertainty increases, given the amount of volatility in the FX markets in the lead up, this was the rational expectation (whilst VIX traded subdued). However, instead, SPX recovered 6% whilst Yen also rallied 7% higher in the days following the vote. 2. This risk-on risk-off positive correlation rally is almost unseen in markets (especially not at the 75% correlation level) as JPY and SPX positively correlate for the first time in 4 years (as below). 3. As discussed previously this is either 1) because markets are unusually evenly split on sentiment, going against herd behaviour with the marco outlook trading as a non-consensus between participants; 2) CBs have given risk an artificial boost based on supportive statements/ measures. Trade the paradox 1. Short FTSE100 @6600-6800 resistance with a 5700TP (January lows) - once artificial BOE easing rally is finished, likely near 66-800 FTSE will plummet in the medium term as 1) This underlying risk-off bias which has gone un-priced as yet (safe havens up 21% in 2016) prices - not to mention reaching near ATHs, with 10y resistance.; 2) brexit (still not priced in equities)/ Political uncertainty drags on economy and stocks - especially financials, which has a knock-on effect of corp credit tightening; 3) this structural CNH deval prices and hits UK export stocks as it did in Jan 2. Short SPX @2100 with a 1985TP - SPX at these levels looks an attractive short 1) as discussed CNH depreciation which is a macro issue for all stock Exporters to China (biggest market/ growth market) hasnt priced any revenue downside yet like they did in January (-8-13% previously). 2) underlying risk-off bias is still yet to reprice risk lower (2016 safe havens up 21% av. Gold 28%) + only 2% away from ATH - favourable short lvls; 3) Earnings sell-off likely around the corner as investors derisk/ hedge against "shocks"; 4) Brexit induced CB easing/ dovish rally likely to fade soon as it isnt structural growth and FOMC rates are recovering in the back-end (Dec Hike looms). SPX has a more conservative target vs FTSE as less brexit downside & its a structurally stronger index with growth stocks 3. Id also suggest dynamically hedging these positions with 1) Long high growth and low China revenue individual stocks e.g. Goog, FB and/ or 2) shorting GBP index or a GBP cross , lower GBP hedges any potential BOE easing rallies that the FTSE short may negative experience, and also short GBP is a solid trade to have regardless of any FTSE risk you have on the table. *See part 1 for more information "RISK-ON RISK-OFF POSITIVE CORRELATION? SPX VS GOLD, JPY & UST P1"
TVC:SPXShort
by QuantumLogicTrading
BREXIT YUAN DEVALU: USDCNH - SNEAKY FX FIXING? SELL SPX & FTSEAt the start of 2016 the PBOC began aggressively devaluing the off-shore Yuan against the USD, imo in an attempt to start the year with a competitive export:import advantage - with the aim of making 2016 a headline "come back" year for China amid the growing GDP growth and Credit bubble worries. As a result Equities across the board sold-off (-8.5% in a few days) as non-chinese Exporters globally feared that their biggest market/ growth market was coming under pressure, as the relative value of their USD exports soared, as Chinese import demand would fall significantly and as a function of the depreciation relative to the USD. Whilst the initial highly correlated move hit equities by -8.5% (7 days), however when fully priced, the CNH devaluation fears took the SPX down 13% to 1808 lows in just 12 trading days. The PBOC Deval intervention took CNH to lows of 6.7550 and low-closes of 6.6900. Brexit - Under the radar and sneaky PBOC FX Intervention? 1. Fast forward 6 months - the Days going into Brexit USDCNH traded at almost exactly the same fix as the pre-deval January level at 6.58 (blue line), then on the most volatile brexit days, the 24th and 29th, PBOC fixed the Yuan 1000pips lower to 6.6850, just above the extreme January lows at 6.6900 - Since then CNH has continued drifting lower, and now has eclipsed the shock January low closes of 6.6900, currently at 6.6960, which is now a new 6 year low. - This begs the question, did the PBOC plan this as a way to get their goal of competitive depreciation achieved WITHOUT the negative press/ market impacts that were seen in January? The answer is unknown but by looking at the Yuan prices on brexit day and the day after, it certainly looks like it - 1000pip devaluation in 2 days, thats bigger than any deval in CNH's previous history (even from January). How to trade it? 1. Imo this trade is a no brainer, given the PBOC seem happy to keep fixing CNH higher and have shown no signs of stabilising/ appreciating - with the last 6 daily candles in the green, my bets are that the PBOC in the near-term think they have gotten away with the deval, in the midst of all of the brexit effects e.g. Central Bank information flows are high, the brexit news itself and general market volatility are all acting as distractions - thus the SPX hasnt priced any of this deval YET despite it being more extreme than what caused the 8-13% equities sell off in January? - I have to admit, it has taken even me until now to realise this sly depreciation, nonetheless this trade (short Equities) is a one up on the market currently as most still havent noticed and continue to focus on central bank action.
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
TRADING CORRELATION PT 1- EURUSD: SELL EUR$ ON DXY MOVES HIGHER This 2-part article will look at the practical application of correlations in trading and show how to use correlation inferences to exploit the statistical advantages they offer. On the 4h time frame, the highest day-tradable timeframe imo we see EUR$ has an exclusively negative and almost 1for1 correlation with the dollar index (or dollar "market"), however, despite popular belief EU actually has a mixed and weak correlation with GU (as we see the EU v GU correlation move from positive to negative several times). This relationship is backed up by EU price action currently trading at +2sd of the mean, whilst GU performs the stark opposite at -2sd of the mean. We can use this information in 2 ways to trade the 4h time frame - please bear in mind this is the 4h timeframe only, corrs differ using different time-frames. 1. We know that EU and GU dont hold any confident correlation thus we SHOULDNT make trades based for EU based on GU - despite many people often trading EU based on GU moves. 2. Instead, we know 4h EU is highly correlated with the $ Market, thus we CAN make trades based on $ Index moves - so personally, i will wait for the $index to move/break higher, at which point i will then SHORT EU, since they have a 90%+ negative correlation relationship which is rising atm. - This imo gives us a perfect entry signal, once $ Index moves up we can then short the overweight EU which is trading at highly volatile levels above its average. I also like short EU fundamentally for: FOMC hawkish or hike on the 16th - must push eur$ lower BREXIT 23rd june - UK Referendum imo has NOT yet been priced at all in downside euro's yet (especially compared to GU, this is the main driver for the increase in negative corrs between the two pairs currently) ECB poor econ management - Eurozone is STILL suffering with below 0% inflation and 10%+ unemployment, i think this trend will continue throughout the year and ECB will have to do more printing/ issue more EURO supply side, thus moving EU down - especially if the FOMC hikes and the Monetary policy diverges more. I will shortly release a follow up article, looking at a higher time-frame to illustrate the different tradable inferences we can make.
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
2
GBPUSD OPEN - 100 PIPS LOWER; UNDERPRICED RISK = SELL PULL BACKSA disappointing open from cable with a bears perspective. Gapping down 100 pips to 1.435 almost immediately puts my sell limit orders (at 146.5) in "unlikely" territory of being hit this week. On friday following the $ EMP report cable managed to rally to 1.458 - i was hopeful it would tick a few more pips upward before the slew of selling started as we move further into FOMC and Brexit event Uncertainty territory. Reason being, i was looking for better/ safer levels to short at - cable at 1.465 is an almost CERTAIN trade (the ones i like) as the next daily support level isnt until 1.443 which means there was over 200 pips of 0 risk equity upside to be collected. Since we are already trading well below last weeks lows at 1.436, we will likely soon test the daily support level at 1.433 then 1.430. TRADING STRATEGY: SELL/ FADE ANY PULL BACKS IN A PYRAMID e.g. 1@1.450, 2@1.456 & 3@1.464! TPSL is discretionary.. i personally have my stops just above 1.48 (on my current shorts at 1.45as I will be holding until the 23/24th of june (to include the FOMC and BREXIT REF volatility) which at somepoint IMO will yield at least TP1.5x the amount of SL = 250/300pips. FOMC hike = 1.38 or 700pips; FOMC Hawkish = 1.41 or 400 pips; BREXIT uncertainty = 1.40-1 or 400-500pips; BREXIT YES = < 1.345. Thus the risks from 1.45 are certainly skewed to the downside for cable (upside for shorts) in my opinion. Above is my strategy for this week, given it is the last realistic week we will be able to add "risk-cheap" shorts to our portfolios (given FOMC is on the 16th and brexit ref on the 23rd). BUT given we have already started the week lower, I think the market has finally begun to price in the cheap risk hence the 100 pips lower - you will see in my previous articles i said to short cable anything below 1.45 - which is now 150pips of upside and looking good for more!
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
CYCLICAL SPX vs JPY correlation - what it means (SHORT SPX)as you can see below 8/12 months of the time the JPY is heavily negatively correlated with the spx, normally between 80-90%, there also is a pattern, that the JPY/SPX stayd negatively correlated for 8 months before turning positively correlated for about 4 months, this cycle continues unbroken below.. as we can see by the red correlation being above 0, The markets are in the 4 month "positive" correlation phase, this to me is a bearish signal for SPX bulls as 1. we are at the end of the average 4 months of positive corrs, before the market turns back to negative, thus this may be a signal that the market is going to turn bearish (in order for the correlation to go back to negative). 2. the positive correlation has tailed off in recent days, signalling it is an end to the positive trend and that the negative trend may start soon the reason i have chosen weaker markets to correct the pair back to its negative correlation, rather than weaker JPY is because: 1. the spx is near highs so a downside turn around is more probable. 2. volume and volatility are at yearly lows - low volume means low interest in pushing the price up and the market is effectively in limbo, low volatility means volatility is likely to pick up and in turn push investors away. 3. marco econ risks/ uncertainties such as the feds tightening cycle and brexit will surely continue to be priced into long JPY and short risk assets (spx) - suggesting that JPY weakness will not be the one to give in, it will be the stocks. 4. the USDJPY isnt at all time low levels, there is more room for JPY buying before any liquidity tightens - especially if the BOJ continue to ease. BOJ/JPY background; the BOJ seemingly has no control over their economic target inflation, CPI is consistently negative even after years of easing and high employment vs the $ fed who are doing the opposite and hiking rates with relative success, IMO because of these factors the USDJPY should be at 130. However its not. it is at 109, and JPY serving as a risk off asset is the ONLY explanation for its strength. there is no other macro economic reason for JPY's strength, apart from safety seeking. (JPY continues to be a net creditor economy - this is where the perceived safety comes from) If anyone else has a different reason for why the JPY is so strong, id love to hear it
FX:SPX500Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
15
Fade GBPUSD Topside - Brexit and Fed downside carryGBPUSD closes below the 95% reversal SD Channel line, also LSMA gains momentum past price action indicating a pullback is close.. Short term is bullish but no interest in GU topside. INSTEAD we let the bullish technicals play out, hopefully carrying us back to 1.465-7, then we SHORT from these levels where several resistance levels lie and volatility resistance tightens. I love the SHORT GU play every time until the 15th this month.. 1. FED hawkish momentum continues to be priced into LOWER GU - only 24% is currently priced in, this may/SHOULD become > 40% which is lower GU. 2. Brexit uncertainty will indefinitely take us to 1.40-3 by the 23rd of june. thus shorting GU from 1.46-7 can give us 8-1 reward-risk... 50 pips risk 400pips TP down to 1.43/42 by the 23rd of June.. GU lost 700pips in december after the last hike, it is very sensitive to US Fed - unlike UJ and EU
Short
by QuantumLogicTrading
1
Fed/Brexit - Risk on vs Risk-off assets, convergence?? :Ssomethings not right - All time low volume too, JPY booming, Bonds rallying - low liquidity is artificially driving the market up??? The market will tank soon... the financial conditions are gonna tighten like post 2009 this bull move isnt backed by non-risk assets in true bull markets we see 3 things 1. Low GOLD 2. LOW JPY 3. Low US Bonds today we only see 1. Low gold.. missing the other two. This market "confusion" is likely caused by the uncertainty regarding the Fed hike cycle and possible Brexit risks spilling over - Low volume shows people do not want to hold risk - be careful with longs here
FX:SPX500
by QuantumLogicTrading
3