Markets are pricing in aggressive Fed moves and while the Treasury rate managed to correct slightly from yesterday’s highs, rates across Asia moved higher, with Japan’s up 1.6 bp and China’s 3.9 bp, while Australia’s was up 6.5 bp.. Stock markets meanwhile were mostly lower after a largely weaker close on Wall Street. Bond markets were under pressure across the Asia Pacific region with inflation risks and the Fed outlook in focus. China’s PBOC failed to cut the MLF interest rate as many had expected and the RBA minutes also flagged heightened uncertainty on the inflation outlook, even as the bank vowed to remain patient on rates for now. Growth data out of China may have been stronger than anticipated, but the country’s Covid policy, which has now shut down the important tech hub of Shenzhen, has investors spooked.
- USD (USDIndex under the 99 mark).
- US Yields US 10-year rate has corrected -1.2 bp to 2.12%.
- Equities – Hang Seng and CSI 300 lost a further -5.7% and -4.2% respectively. The ASX was down -0.7% at the close. The USA100 slumped -2.04%, with the USA500 falling -0.74%, and the USA30 unchanged.
- USOil – shed to $95.13 as ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine eased fears of further supply disruptions and surging COVID-19 cases in China fuelled concerns about slower demand.
- Gold – lower at $1929 on higher yields ahead of Fed meeting.
- FX markets – USDJPY continues to rise and is now at 118.35. AUD and NZD underperformed. EURUSD retests 1.1020, GBPUSD holds below 1.3050.
European Open: The June 10-year Bund future is up 11 ticks, Treasury futures are also finding buyers. Some consolidation then after the sharp sell off in EGBs yesterday, with safe haven flows picking up again, and GER30 and FTSE 100 futures posting losses of -0.8% and -0.94% respectively. Concern that overly aggressive central bank moves could stifle growth has picked up again and hopes of a quick breakthrough in Ukraine-Russian peace talks were also disappointed yesterday. There was some positive noise on talks between the US and China, but at the same time there are some suggestions China is indeed mulling economic and military assistance to Russia.
Today – For data German ZEW and US February PPI are due.
Biggest FX Mover @ (07:30 GMT) USOIL (-5.82%) Dipped to 95.13. MAs pointing down, MACD signal line & histogram extend below 0, RSI 30 & falling, all implying negative bias.
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Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
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