DOW, S&P 500, NASDAQ not out of the woods yet despite relief rally

    Major US equity indices followed other global indices and rebounded strongly overnight on easing trade war fear. DOW closed up 428.90 pts or 1.79% at 24408.00. S&P 500 rose 43.71 pts or 1.67% to 2656.87. NASDAQ also gained 143.96 pts or 2.07% to 7094.30.

    However, we’d like to note that all three indices are bounded in recent consolidative pattern started last March/early April.

    DOW, despite yesterday’s rise, is staying below last week’s high at 24622.26, below 55 day EMA at 24591.41. It’s also limited below near term falling trendline at around 24722.90. This 24600/700 zone is the key resistance zone to overcome for the near term. As long as it holds, current rebound is seen as part of a consolidation pattern from 23344.52. Once this consolidation completes, there will be another decline through 23344.52 to resume the fall from 26616.71. Firm of the 24600/700 zone will delay the immediate bearish case and bring stronger rebound back towards 25800.35 first.

    Similarly, S&P 500 also stays below last week’s high at 2672.08, as well ass 55 day EMA at 2685.16.

    NASDAQ breached last week’s high of 7112.38 but didn’t close above. It’s also limited below 55 day EMA at 7159.69.

    While US stocks rebounded, they’re not out of the woods yet.

    Fed Rosengren sees an unusually strong post-recession recovery

      Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren said in a speech, “assuming virus variants do not become especially problematic, we should see an unusually strong post-recession recovery.”

      “The combination of accommodative monetary and fiscal policy, and consumers and firms well positioned to renew spending, should result in returning to full employment much more quickly than after the last financial crisis and Great Recession,” he added.

      However, “many of the underlying problems that can disrupt financial stability – as at the outset of the pandemic – still need to be addressed.”

      Full speech here.

      Into US session: Markets shrug new tariffs, await US CPI and Canada jobs

        Entering into US session, the forex markets are generally staying in very tight range. Risk aversion somewhat receded today even though Trump maintained his hard line on trade negotiations with China. He indicated there is no rush for a deal now that the new rounds of tariffs took effect today. And the US an even use newly collected tariffs to buy their own agricultural products to send to poor countries for humanitarian aids. Let’s see if he will deliver what he claims.

        For now, Dollar is the weakest one for today, followed by Yen and then Canadian. Euro is the strongest one, followed by Swiss franc and then Kiwi. The Pound gets no support from solid 0.5% Q1 GDP growth in UK. Dollar and Loonie will look into US CPI and Canadian job data for the next move.

        In Europe, currently:

        • FTSE is up 0.39%.
        • DAX is up 0.80%.
        • CAC is up 0.50%.
        • German 10-year yield s up 0.008 at -0.039, staying negative.

        Earlier in Asia:

        • Nikkei dropped -0.27%.
        • Hong Kong HSI rose 0.84%.
        • China Shanghai SSE rose 0.31%.
        • Singapore Strait Times rose 0.12%.
        • Japan 10-year JGB yield rose 0.0019 to -0.044.

        UK signs trade deal with Japan, opens a pathway to TPP

          In Tokyo today, UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi formally signed a trade agreement, putting in pen the deal they agreed in principle back in September. That’s the first major trade deal UK came to since Brexit. The deal is seen as largely preserving the terms which UK traded with Japan as part of the EU. UK expected it to boost GDP by 0.07% over the next 15 years.

          The deal “has a much wider strategic significance”, Truss hailed . “It opens a clear pathway to membership of the Comprehensive Trans-Pacific Partnership — which will open new opportunities for British business and boost our economic security.”

          Australia retail sales rose 1.6% mom to new record in Mar

            Australia retail sales rose 1.6% mom to new record AUD 33.6B in March, well above expectation of 0.5% mom. Over the 12-month period, sales rose 9.4% yoy.

            Director of Quarterly Economy Wide Statistics, Ben James, said the result was up 0.8% on the previous record level set in November 2021. This follows a 1.8% rise in February 2022, a 1.6% rise in January 2022 and a fall of -4.1% in December 2021.

            “Rising prices, combined with the continued easing of restrictions across the country has led to rises in turnover in all three months of the March quarter.

            Full release here.

            ECB Lagarde: Uncertainty requires careful assessment of information including exchange rate

              ECB President Christine Lagarde said in a speech the central bank’s pandemic response measures has stabilized the markets, protected the supply of credit and support the recovery. That should in turn support the return of inflation towards target.

              But at the same time, “the uncertainty of the current environment requires a very careful assessment of the incoming information, including developments in the exchange rate, with regard to its implications for the medium-term inflation outlook.. ECB stands ready to adjust all of its instruments as appropriate.

              Lagarde’s full speech here.

              Canada records unexpected trade surplus in Aug as exports surge

                Canada reported merchandise trade surplus of CAD 718m in August, marking its first monthly trade surplus since April. This comes after a deficit of CAD 437m in July and defies market expectations of a CAD -1.4B deficit.

                Driving this positive turnaround, exports in August jumped by 5.7% mom, marking the most robust growth since October 2021. This surge was widespread, with gains registered in 7 of the 11 product sections.

                Meanwhile, imports also witnessed a 3.8% mom uptick, with increments seen in 9 of the 11 product sections.

                Full Canada trade release here.

                 

                EU Barnier: Path to Brexit trade agreement is very narrow

                  EU chief Brexit negotiation Michel Barnier told the European Parliament, “It’s the moment of truth. There is a chance of getting an agreement but the path to such an agreement is very narrow.”

                  “We find ourselves in a very serious and sombre situation,” he added. “We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations in a useful fashion if we want this agreement to enter into force on the first of January.”

                  “That is where we get to one of the most difficult issues at the moment. Fisheries being part and parcel of the trade relationship,” said Barnier. “We have to be prepared for all eventualities.”

                  Separately, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “obviously the UK’s position is always that we want to keeping talking if there’s any chance of a deal… But we’ve also got to recognise that the UK’s got to be able to control its own laws, it’s what people voted for, and we’ve also got to be able to control our waters and fishing rights.”

                  He added: “our door is open, we’ll keep talking but I have to say things are looking difficult. There’s a gap that needs to be bridged.”

                  UK Johnson forced to seek Brexit delay after losing Letwin amendment

                    UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s effort to end Brexit drama failed, at least for now, after suffering humiliating defeat in the House of Commons today. MPs passed an amendment tabled by former Conservatives Minister Oliver Letwin by 322 to 306. Under the amendment, the so-called Benn act was trigger that forces Johnson to seek Brexit extension through January 31, 2020. And, the meaningful vote on the Brexit deal wouldn’t be held today. Johnson said immediate that he will not negotiate a further delay with the EU. But in doing so, he could in the end face being held in contempt of court.

                    Meanwhile, Europe Commission spokesperson quickly said “The European commission takes note of the vote in the House of Commons today on the so-called Letwin amendment meaning that the withdrawal agreement itself was not put to vote today. It will be for the UK government to inform us about the next steps as soon as possible.”

                    The Pound, and other European majors, might suffer some setback as the week opens. But Johnson is generally expected to concede and seek a delay. And EU is not expected to reject it despite all the hassles. Thus, any setback could be temporary. And the guesses on whether Johnson would get enough votes for his deal would continue.

                    UK Commons to hold second reading vote on Brexit bill

                      UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal will come back to the Commons on Tuesday, after twice being denied a vote. A vote on Second Reading, the general principle of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is expected to be held at around 1900GMT. After that, a vote on Program Motion will be held shortly after, for the timetable for the bill’s passage.

                      The first vote would be the real moment of truth for Johnson. If he’s defeated there, the bill is dead. Though, it’s currently generally believed that Johnson would get a very narrow win. The second vote is about the timing of Brexit. The government is trying to push through a Third reading this Thursday, so as to meet the Oct 31 Brexit deadline. It’s highly doubtful if MPs would support this accelerated schedule. If not, another Brexit delay is inevitable.

                      Eurozone PMI composite dropped to 47-month low, Q3 weakness not just a blip

                        Eurozone PMI manufacturing dropped to 51.5 in November, down from 52.0, missed expectation of 52.0. That’s the lowest reading in 30 months. PMI services dropped to 53.1, down from 53.7 and missed expectation of 53.6. That’s the lowest reading in 25 months. PMI composite dropped to 52.4, down from 53.1, lowest in 47 months.

                        Commenting on the flash PMI data, Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit said:

                        “The cooling of Eurozone business growth to a four-year low adds to signs that the economy faces a disappointing end of the year.

                        “Manufacturing remains the main area of weakness, linked in part to having been hit hard once again by deteriorating exports. The slowdown is also being temporarily exacerbated by persistent disappointing car sales. However, November also brought further signs that the manufacturing-led slowdown is spilling over to services, as consumer and corporate demand was often reported to have weakened in the face of headwinds such as rising political uncertainty, tighter financial conditions and higher prices.

                        “As such, the survey data suggest that the weakness of GDP in the third quarter may not have been a blip, and that the underlying trend is one of slower economic growth. The PMI readings so far in the fourth quarter are indicative of 0.3% GDP growth, with forward-looking indicators such as new orders and future expectations remaining worryingly subdued.

                        “Although the elevated levels of the survey price gauges will give some encouragement to the ECB in relation to firmer inflationary pressures, the disappointing business activity readings will add to concerns that risks to the growth outlook have become increasingly skewed to the downside.”

                        Full release here.

                        NZ retail sales volume rose 0.4% qoq in Q3, value rose 2.5% qoq

                          New Zealand retail sales volume rose 0.4% qoq to NZD 26B in Q3, slightly below expectation of 0.5% qoq. Sale value rose 2.5% qoq to NZD 30B. Comparing with Q3 2021, sales volume rose 4.9% yoy and sales value rose 15% yoy.

                          StatsNZ said, “The volume of sales in the food and beverage services industry (which includes cafes, restaurants, bars, and takeaways), increased 30 percent in the September 2022 quarter compared with the September 2021 quarter, helping to drive the rise in total retail sales.”

                          Full release here.

                          US CPI rose to 8.6% yoy, highest since 1981, food price rose 10.1% yoy

                            US CPI accelerated again from 8.3% yoy to 8.6% yoy in May, well above expectation of 8.2% yoy. That’s the highest level since December 1981. CPI core slowed from 6.2% yoy to 6.0% yoy, above expectation of 5.9% yoy. Energy index rose 34.6% yoy, largest 12-month increase since September 2005. Food index rose 10.1% yoy, first rise above 10% since March 1981.

                            CPI rose 1.0% mom, above expectation of 0.7% mom. Core CPI rose 0.6% mom, above expectation of 0.5% mom.

                            Full release here.

                            RBA Lowe: Evenly balanced chance of hike or cut in next move

                              Australian Dollar drops sharply after RBA Governor Philip Lowe dropped the rhetoric that the next move in interest rate is more likely a hike than a cut. Instead, he said the probabilities of hike and cut are now more “evenly balanced”.

                              Lowe delivered a speech “The Year Ahead” to the National Press Club of Australia today. Lowe maintained the view that ” tighter labour market and reduced spare capacity will see underlying inflation rise further towards the midpoint of the target range.” And given that, RBA “maintained a steady setting of monetary policy” yesterday.

                              However, he also noted given the uncertainties ” it is possible that the economy is softer than we expect, and that income and consumption growth disappoint.” In particular,  “in the event of a sustained increased in the unemployment rate and a lack of further progress towards the inflation objective, lower interest rates might be appropriate at some point.

                              Thus, on the scenarios of next-move-is-up and next-move-is-down, “the probabilities appear to be more evenly balanced.” Though Lowe also maintained that RBA “does not see a strong case for a near-term change in the cash rate”.

                              Lowe’s full speech here.

                              US ISM services rose to 66.7 in Oct, corresponds to 6.1% annualized GDP growth

                                US ISM Services PMI rose to 66.7 in October, up from 61.9, well above expectation of 62.0. Business activity/production rose from 62.3 to 69.8. New orders rose from 63.5 to 69.7. Employment dropped from 53.0 to 51.6. Supplier delivers rose from 68.8 to 75.5. Prices rose from 77.5 to 82.9.

                                ISM said: “The past relationship between the Services PMI and the overall economy indicates that the Services PMI for October (66.7 percent) corresponds to a 6.1-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis.”

                                Full release here.

                                US Treasury not to name China a currency manipulator, just keep it in monitoring list

                                  There are media reports came out yesterday saying that US Treasury is not going to name China a currency manipulator in the upcoming report to be released later in the month. Though China will remain on a monitoring list due to the huge trade surplus with the US.

                                  That could put Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin under even bigger pressure from Trump and the trade hawks in his administration. Mnuchin is clearly the one who preferred to and tried to line up restart of negotiation with China. But he has been receiving cold shoulders from his colleagues.

                                  And Trump seemed to have gotten impatient with Mnuchin. If should be reminded that Trump didn’t just complained Fed for rate hikes. In his words, he said earlier “The problem [causing the market drop] in my opinion is Treasury and the Fed. The Fed is going loco and there’s no reason for them to do it. I’m not happy about it.”

                                  In a Bloomberg interview yesterday, Mnuchin declined to comment and only said “We are concerned about the depreciation” of the yuan, he said, “and want to make sure that it’s not being used as a competitive devaluation.”

                                  USD/CNH (offshore Yuan) was rejected from 6.9586 high yesterday, mainly thanks to Dollar’s broad based selloff. It’s technically still bounded inside a near term rising channel. Thus, more upside (that is more downside in Yuan) could be seen. But the corrective structure of the choppy rise from 6.7776 warrants that 6.9586 won’t be broken even in case of another rise.

                                  EU Katainen to US: No concession to get permanent exemption from steel tariffs

                                    European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen said they’re “open for improving our trade relations” with the US. But he warned that “it’s not a concession in order to get a permanent exemption from higher steel and aluminium tariffs.”

                                    Katainen emphasized that “there’s no reason for those tariffs… It wouldn’t be logical to give up under pressure that is unjustified. We don’t negotiate under any kind of threat.”

                                    Euro recovers as Italy may tame their budget deficit target after 2019

                                      Euro recovers broadly today on news that the detailed version of Italy’s budget is not as bad as it’s initially reported. 5-Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio has made himself clear that the coalition government is “not not turning back from the 2.4 percent target” referring top budget deficit in terms of GDP. However, it’s reported the coalition has tweaked to plan to cut percentage down the road.

                                      The final version could be budget deficit at 2.4% of GDP in 2019, then 2.2% in 2020 and 2.0% in 2021. That would be, at least gesturally, better than the reported plan of 2.4% through the next three years. Though, firstly, whether the eurosceptic coalition would do it is in question. And, whether EU would accept it is another question.

                                      Di Maio has indicated that some details on the so-called Economic and Financial Document would be defined on Wednesday morning. So we’d expect volatility in Euro to continue.

                                      ECB Lagarde: Rate hike could be a few weeks after stopping net asset purchases

                                        ECB President Christine Lagarde told Dutch television over the weekend, “we are going to follow the path of stopping net asset purchase. Then, sometime after that — which could be a few weeks — hike interest rates.” That’s seen as an indication that a rate hike could happen in July, after stopping asset purchases in June.

                                        Governing Council member Klass Knot floated the idea of a 50bps hike earlier. But Lagarde said, “it’s not something that I can tell you at this point in time.” She emphasized, “we need to make sure that this is going gradually enough so that we don’t put the break on this car that is moving. We have to lift the accelerator for sure to slow inflation but we cannot be breaking any speed.”

                                        Germany PMI manufacturing finalized at 62.6 in Aug, strong demand

                                          Germany PMI Manufacturing was finalized at 62.6 in August, down from July’s 65.9. Markit said suvery’s output index fell to its lowest level since August 2020. New orders continued to rise sharply, albeit also at a slower pace. Cost pressures remained historically elevated.

                                          Phil Smith, Associate Economics Director at IHS Markit, said:

                                          “While we continue to see strong demand for German goods, with growth in new orders still among the highest on record, production levels are being constrained as manufacturers grapple with supply chain problems. According to August’s data, growth in output has now fallen behind that of new orders to an extent previously unseen in over 25 years of data collection.

                                          “Supply-demand imbalances continue to push up costs at a historically elevated rate, and concerns that higher prices could discourage customers is one of the factors that has seen manufacturers’ expectations for future output fade to the lowest since last October.

                                          “Still, many goods producers are hopeful that conditions will have improved come next summer, and a further steep rise in employment levels shows that efforts are still being made to expand capacity and prepare for higher output in the future.”

                                          Full release here.