Central Banks take Center Stage

Central Banks take Center Stage.

The market continues focusing on central bank commentary, especially in the wake of Tuesday’s speech by Mario Draghi that whipped currency markets into a frenzy. While it’s been a year of political shockers as the whirling half year comes to a close, politics, that was thought to be the main driver in the global currency market in 2017, more or less remains the sideshow as Global Central Banks once again assert dominance and take centre stage.

Signs of G-10 policy convergence abound leaving the USD prone and off balance as traders mull which central bank is the next hawkish surprise. Coupled with soft to average US economic data of late, this weaker dollar trend could have much further to run.

Central Bank headlines continued to provide much of the currency fodder overnight as both BoE and ECB were trying their best to outdo one another on the highlight reel.But perhaps it was the Bank of Canada that stole the show after both BoC Governor Poloz’s and Deputy Governor Patterson offered little ambiguity by confirming BoC hawkish policy shift. The British Pound-Carney Carnage

BoE Carney policy flip-flop, saw the Pound powering higher to 1.2970 overnight.This abrupt policy shift saw chaotic price action leaving a swath of carnage in its wake.The markets have been trading GBP from the short side given the recent election results, and all the negativity surrounding Brexit. The markets punched through the 1.2950 level in the blink of an eye and the voracity of the 2nd “ flash rally” in as many days, has the hallmarks of nasty short covering acquiescence as GBP interest rate sensitivity comes to the fore and all but dampening the negativity from the UK political scene. The Euro – The Rollercoaster

ECB sensitivity to risk was evident when Draghi’s hawkish lean sent European equity and bond markets topsy-turvy.

ECB headlines emerged overnight suggesting the market misinterpreted Draghi’s intentions set pandemonium in motion on G-10 desks in early NY trade. With dealers in a state heightened central bank headline sensitivity, they were quick to drive the Euro lower in aggressive selling, but the headline head fake blowout move below 1.1300 was quickly retracted, and the EURUSD powered ahead. The ECB is in the transition from floating the taper trial balloon and are now preparing the markets for the eventual end of ultra-loose money policies.Traders are focusing on the broader picture as Global Central Bankers are singing a much different tune these days. Draghi for his part made a conscious effort, using Sintra as a  platform, to send a clear and unambiguous message to the market, discounting this type of guidance would be folly.

Australian Dollar -Ascending Asset

The Australian dollar moved to a three-month high powered on by broader USD weakness and rising commodity prices. The weaker US dollar is being driven by G-10 central bank policy convergence, and as traders take note of Ex RBA members John Edwards suggestions the RBA could be the next central bank hawkish surprise as inflation near in on the RBA baseline

But the fundamentals continue to paint a temperate USD landscape. The Fed is one-sidedly focused on inflation, and the lack of inflation expectations globally is keeping repricing of additional tightening from the Fed low, despite the hawkish rhetoric.

The Canadian Dollar- The Market Darling

Dealing desks were ablaze with chatter through all timezone regarding Bank of Canada Governor Poloz’s hawkish interview yesterday in early Asia. The Canadian dollar continued to power towards the psychological 1.3000 level after Deputy Governor Patterson stayed the course confirming the BoC unmistakable hawkish policy shift. 

EM Asia FX

Given the stable renminbi complex and light positioning in Asia FX, the landscape appears poised for further strengthening of Asian currencies. Even if the Fed does move towards a more aggressive path of interest rate normalisation, the improving global growth narrative should support exporters in the region. While a shift is afoot towards global central bank hawkishness, the impact from ECB and BOE  rate hikes tend to be less impactful for EM than a hawkish Fed as these moves will weaken the DXY broad-based and should support the underlying EM Asia currencies This view is evident this morning as inflows are roaring back as the Kospi hits record highs. WTI

In oil, Department of Energy crude inventories rose by just 117k. While still a disappointment from consensus calls of -2.16mn, it’s less than the +0.8mn build signalled by API. WTI dipped below $44.00 on an initial read of the data but bounced back to life