Irrational exuberance? YUAN
EM Asia currencies
The Yuan
Could be little more than a case of irrational exuberance as the markets have completely latched on to Premier Li Keqiang comments which, at the World Economic Forum, said China would not devalue the currency to stimulate exports and as one would expect the Australian dollar is getting taken along for the ride
Traders are positioning long USDCNH based a weaker RMB currency profile that was thought would underpin domestic economic activity and possibly prop-up equity markets. So, if the US does ramp up tariffs, I’m not sure what possible counter-strategy mainland authorities would implement that would be as easy and as impactful as steering the Yuan weaker. None the less the USD has been trading broadly weaker on the news despite my overly pessimistic view of the current proceedings.
The Thai Baht
Despite the BoT leaving its policy rate unchanged at 1.50%, USDTHB is dipping lower to June levels. . The markets are viewing the two dissenting votes as hawkish. But the THB has been an excellent regional haven play as its been pretty insulated from the trade war fracas. A hefty current account surplus will do that for you in this environment, not to mention tourists aren’t about to skirt BKK anytime soon and that industry provided nearly 20 % of GDP.
G-10
The Euro
Once again, the Euro has a spring in its step in early London trade. However, pushing through the August high of 1.1730 remains critical for a substantial extension. Frankly, the EURUSD is where the near-term US dollar (X JPY) battle lines are forming as the ECB has shifted less dovish and should continue to so with Italian risk falling. But Brainard has signalled the Fed intentions, so the battle lines are forming around 1.1730
US yields take a runner.
One could expect a bit of apprehension to enter the fray, and traders to tap the brakes not just from a relief rally hangover perspective, but local bond and currency traders could start looking over their shoulders at US 10y bond yields that have raced higher to 3.05 %.
While everyone thought US bond yields could begin to rise in September as the markets emerged from summer holiday, but few could have predicted returns to come on as strong as the did with US 10Y touching to 3.05 %
While last NFP data produced robust wage growth data, I think its as much a function of hawkish fed speak as anything else.
The most significant shift in my view comes from Fed Governor Lael Brainard, who I dare say it was starting to roost with the Hawk suggesting the sitting Federal Reserve Board is a tad more hawkish than markets have priced.
While last week lower than expected US CPI, print does suggest we are nowhere near a reprice higher of the Fed curve from an inflationary standpoint.
But with the market emerging from its summer slumber and the US economy rocking on overdrive, traders may soon realise that they are pricing 2019 rate hike risk far too pessimistically. If the strong run of US economic data continues and an even more so on the first glint of inflation.
The pragmatist in me says this is USD supportive and not an especially appealing prospect for local Asia markets, in my view.
