Sample Category Title

• Time To Deleverage Carry Trades - Peter Rosenstreich
• NZD: Local Developments Don't Matter - Arnaud Masset
• Switzerland: CHF In Depreciation Mode - Yann Quelenn
• Gold & Metal Miners

FX Market - Time To Deleverage Carry Trades

We have been a massive advocates for the EM carry trade strategy over the last 12 months. However conditions have moved forward, and price actions indicate, that its time to step-off the pedal slightly (although not completely). Friday's Wyoming speeches from Yellen's and Draghi have preoccupied the market sentiment proving a justification for EM stagnation. Hence many are calling for a risk rally when neither central banker introduces new information on monetary policy. Yet, the fact remains the Fed and ECB are moving toward tightening. Government bond yield basically risen since April with each pullback getting smaller and quicker. The rational is simple.

First, geopolitical risk have increased in our view. Despite our overarching rule to discount, Trump generated hype, each event, which passes without incident increases the likelihood that the next time will be a actually crisis. North Korea, NAFTA, US debt-ceiling all are teetering on the edge with limited hope of a clean diffusion. Second, financial stability concerns. Global equity markets are clearly in overvalued territory with technology specifically having mind numbing valuation. Positive growth environment, solid corporate earning and hopes of Trump stimulus gave asset prices a massive boost. But higher forward P/E would need a real revenue justification not just a story book pitch. Finally and most importantly, the end of ultra-low monetary policy is near. Bond traders have made fortunes betting against central banks data forecasts and dots, yet this time the punch bowl is going away (although not revealed in Jackson Hole). Despite soft US data, disbelief in Europe's strong recovery and potentially the end of "Abenomics", the Fed and ECB are preparing to tighten. In September the Fed will start reducing there massive balance sheet while the ECB will begin openly discussing the removal of emergence measures. Both small but important steps none-the-less.

EM currencies were acquired on good valuations, growth momentum, low risk environment and high carry. However, most importantly EM currencies have gained on statically-low G10 policy rates. The correlation between EM and US interest rates has reconnected after months of delinkage. As core market bond yields continue to move higher selling pressure will mount on higher volatility and lower risk EM & G10 currencies. A replication of "2013 Taper Tantrum" is not an impossible.

Economies - NZD: Local Developments Don't Matter

After losing 4.8% of its value against the US dollar, the New Zealand dollar has finally stabilised above the $0.72 threshold as investors awaited the outcome of the Jackson Hole Policy Symposium. Market participants spent most of last week waiting on the sidelines and maintained a slight bullish USD bias. However, the Kiwie was the worst performer amongst the G10 complex as it fell 1.30% against the greenback as investors continued to unwind their long positions. Even the positive surprise in trade data failed to rekindle interest in the Kiwie.

Trade data surprised to the upside

New Zealand's trade balance surprised to the upside in July as it rose to NZ$85m, while economists expected a deficit of NZ$200. This is the first time since 2012 that the country reports a trade surplus for the month of July. The good news came on the back of an unexpected increase in dairy exports, which jumped 51% to NZ$1.27bn. Overall, exports rose 17%y/y or NZ$668 million to reach NZ$4.63 billion. Imports were up NZ$232 (+5.4% y/y) amid sharp increase in vehicles, part and accessories imports (+15%y/ y). The unexpected surged in exports is particularly surprising as the Kiwie has been appreciating substantially since the beginning of the year and reached 0.7558 at the end of July, its highest level against the greenback since May 2015.

Driven by central banks

The lack of reaction to the publication of NZ trade data by market participants highlighted a situation which has gone since the beginning of the summer. Central bankers are the main drivers in the FX market with Draghi and Yellen keeping investors in suspense. Both institutions are facing growing unease as inflation levels have decelerated in their respective country.

The Fed has been delaying the announcement of the starting date of its balance sheet run-off for several months, while the ECB has been reluctant to give further information regarding tapering. Therefore investors will most likely have to wait September and more specifically the Fed and ECB meetings to get further clarity. Against this backdrop the Kiwie, just like most currencies, will be tossed around as investors get ready for Yellen and Draghi. We maintain our hawkish view on the USD and therefore expect the Kiwie still has room to depreciate further. It will just take more time than initially anticipated. A break of the 0.72 support area will open the road towards 0.7113 (Fibo 61.8%).

Economics - Switzerland: CHF In Depreciation Mode

Domestic sight deposits decline

Last Monday has been released the Swiss domestic sight deposits which has declined to CHF 470.3 billion from CHF 476.3 billion while the EURCHF is now consolidating around CHF 1.1350 for one single euro note. We start seeing the sight deposits growth slowing down. The FX reserves has largely increased in July as the CHF was weakening. We consider that for the time being the SNB does not need to intervene as much as it intervened in the past.

The CHF appreciation is providing the Swiss central bank with some relief. Yet, we consider that the CHF is still significantly overvalued. The main driver is still the single currency and the 7th of September, the ECB meeting will be key. There are room for disappointment as markets expect the European central bank to start further tightening by reducing the asset purchase program. On the contrary we believe that the European institution will show further cautiousness and that downside pressures on the EURCHF pair are likely.

For the time being the EURCHF is heading higher and this will likely continue to happen before the European central bank meeting. Markets seem to buy the rumours. We stand ready to sell the news at the ECB meeting. One week later the September 14th the SNB will likely remains its rate unchanged.

Swiss Trade Balance widens

Regarding other data, the Swiss trade balance has increased in July to 3.51 billion from 2.81 billion in June mostly due the continued decrease of imports growth that accelerated. The Franc over-valuation is pushing down the exports but the trade balance resists well and is still largely positive for July.

Watch exports are one of the major exports driver with a growth of 3.6% y/y. Markets did not react much on the trade balance data and are definitely focusing on the next ECB meeting. The summer is definitely quiet for Switzerland.

On top of that the Greek issue should soon be back to centre stage as its debt is not sustainable. Fitch upgraded this weekend the debt rating to B- from CCC with a positive outlook. This contributes to drive in the short-run the euro higher as markets will price in the possibility of further upgrade. We recall that the charge of the Greek debt is not sustainable in the long run and will send money flowing back in Switzerland. Any appreciation of the EURCHF should pave the way for reloading short euro positions.

Themes Trading - Gold & Metal Miners

The sudden collapse in commodity prices in 2014 sent mining stocks into free fall. In the long term, however, precious metals - and gold in particular - are the perennial go-to sources of protection against inflation and economic downturns, something investors should be looking out for. The gold market is dynamic, and there are compelling reasons why gold producers could rally. Consumer demand remains solid, with around 2,500 tons of gold mined worldwide every year. Over the long haul, gold as a commodity has appreciated by more than 287% over the past 15 years; by comparison, the S&P 500 has gained less than 44% over the same period. In a period of central bank policy shifts, it is reasonable to envisage a rebound in metal prices - something mining stocks will benefit from. Gold miners are a good way to tap into the benefits of precious metals without paying storage costs.

Cable accelerated higher after Yellen's JH speech and rose above daily cloud base at 1.2857, which was seen as pivotal barrier and expected to cap corrective upticks.

Near-term shorts have been stopped, with stronger correction seen as likely scenario as fresh rally is forming Morning Doji Star reversal pattern on daily chart.

Acceleration faced next barrier at 1.2890 (100SMA / Fibo 23.6% of 1.3268/1.2773 descend) which guards next pivot provided by daily cloud top and the ceiling of former consolidation range at 1.2912/17.

Break of these barriers would generate bullish signal for further bullish acceleration and expose next barrier at 1.2962 (Fibo 38.2% of 1.3268/1.2773).

Daily indicators are turning north and support scenario.

Res: 1.2890; 1.2912; 1.2924; 1.2962
Sup: 1.2857; 1.2831; 1.2793; 1.2773

EUR/USD has posted considerable gains in the Friday session. Currently the pair is trading at 1.1877, up 0.67% on the day. On the release front, German Final GDP gained 0.6%, matching the estimate. German Ifo Business Climate ticked lower to 115.9, beating the forecast of 115.5 points. In the US, durable goods reports were mixed. Core Durable Goods Orders improved to 0.5%, edging above the estimate of 0.4%. However, Durable Goods Orders declined 6.8%, weaker than the estimate of -6.0%. At the Jackson Hole meeting of central bankers, Janet Yellen has concluded her speech, and ECB President Mario Draghi will follow later today. The euro gained ground after Yellen's speech, and traders should be prepared for some volatility after Draghi's remarks.

It's Day 2 of the Jackson Hole Symposium, and the markets heard from Janet Yellen earlier in the day. Yellen opted not to discuss US monetary policy, which was not a major surprise, but still disappointed the markets nonetheless, and the euro responded with strong gains. Yellen instead chose to discuss financial reforms, saying that measures put in place in 2007 and 2009 had been effective, adding that future reforms should remain modest. Her comments come at a time when President Trump is looking into wide-ranging reforms in the finance industry. Trump has complained that the financial sector is over-regulated and is hampering businesses.

The Fed has not provided much guidance in recent weeks as to its plans regarding interest rates, and Janet Yellen did not address the issue in her speech at Jackson Hole. A December rate hike remains on the table, but the Fed policymakers have sounded lukewarm about another hike in 2017, and the odds of a rate hike in December remain below 50%. One of the principal impediments to rate hike is inflation, which remains at stubbornly low levels. This, despite solid economic growth and a labor market that is close to capacity.

Next week's market movers

• In the US, the employment report for August is anticipated to show further tightening in the labor market. Although that could lift somewhat expectations for another rate hike this year, we think that inflation data may be the primary determinant of the Fed's next move.
• In Eurozone, preliminary inflation data for August will be closely watched as a confirmation of whether the ECB remains set to announce QE tweaks soon.
• We also get key economic data from Germany, the UK, the US, and Canada.

On Monday and Tuesday, there are no major events or indicators on the economic calendar.

On Wednesday, Germany's preliminary CPI for August will be in focus and the consensus is for the inflation rate to have risen from the previous month. We share that view, considering that the nation's preliminary composite PMI for August showed that prices charged rose at the fastest pace in five months. Meanwhile, the monthly print of August 2016 that will be dropping out of the yearly calculation was -0.1% mom, implying that anything higher than that now could drag the yearly CPI rate higher. A pickup in German inflation could raise speculation that Eurozone's inflation, due out the following day, may also accelerate. However, we would like to stress that Germany only reports a headline, not a core, inflation rate. Thus, investors may focus primarily on Eurozone's core CPI in order to gauge the timing of the ECB's next policy action.

In the US, the ADP employment report for August is due out. The forecast is for the private sector to have added 178k jobs, the same number as in July. Such a solid print could heighten speculation that the NFP print due out on Friday will also meet its forecast of 185k. However, we have to sound a note of caution. Even though the ADP print is the only major gauge of the NFP, the correlation between the two figures has fallen markedly in recent months.

Staying in the US, we also get the 2nd estimate of GDP for Q2 and expectations are for a slight upward revision from the preliminary estimate. Indeed, the only major indicators released after the 1st estimate of GDP were personal spending and factory orders for June. Even though they came out more or less in line with estimates, they showed decent upward revisions in May's prints, supporting the case for a marginal upward revision in GDP. Something like that would be an encouraging development for FOMC policymakers, but we think that inflation data may play the biggest role in determining the timing of the next rate increase.

On Thursday, Eurozone's preliminary CPIs for August will take center stage. The forecasts are mixed, with the headline rate expected to tick up and the core rate anticipated to tick down. We share the view for an uptick in the headline rate, but we see the risks surrounding the core forecast as tilted to the upside, perhaps for an unchanged rate, or even a fractional increase. The headline forecast is supported by the bloc's preliminary composite PMI for the month, which showed that output prices rose at the fastest pace in three months. As for the core rate, the yearly change in oil prices remains close zero, which makes us believe if the headline inflation rate indeed increases, the core rate may move in a similar fashion. We believe that this could well be another set of data supporting the case for the Bank to announce some changes to its QE program soon. Absent any significant deterioration in upcoming indicators, we think that a realistic scenario is one where the Bank removes it QE easing bias in September, thereby paving the way for a formal announcement in October that the pace of QE purchases may be reduced by the turn of the year.

From the US, we get personal income & spending, as well as the core PCE price index, all for July. Kicking off with income and spending, both of these rates are expected to have risen from the previous month. The income forecast is supported by the uptick in the nation's average hourly earnings rate for the same month, while the spending forecast is supported by the acceleration in July's retail sales.

Turning to the core PCE index, in the absence of a forecast, we see the case for the rate to have remained unchanged, with risks tilted to the downside. We base our view on the core CPI rate for the month, which held steady at +1.7% yoy. However, the fact that the services PMI showed that average prices charged by firms increased at a weaker pace than the previous period suggests that if there is a movement in the core PCE rate, it may be to the downside.

In Canada, GDP data for Q2 will attract attention, though no forecast is available yet. Our own view is that the nation's economy may have grown at the same pace as previously, with downside risks. Even though April's and May's average monthly GDP is roughly equal to the average of the Q1 monthly prints, the soft retail sales for June suggest that the economy may have lost some momentum towards the end of Q2. In any case, a slight slowdown would still be in line with the BoC's latest forecasts and thus, we doubt that such a print will have much effect on the elevated market expectations regarding another BoC rate hike this year. Indeed, the economy's output gap continues to narrow at a steady pace and is expected to close entirely by the turn of the year, which implies that inflationary pressures are likely to pick up afterwards.

Finally on Friday, the US employment report for August will take center stage. The consensus is for nonfarm payrolls to have risen 185k, slightly lower than the 209k in July, but still a strong number that is consistent with even further tightening in the labor market. The unemployment rate is expected to have remained very low at 4.3%, while average hourly earnings are forecast to have risen at the same pace as in the previous month, something that would drag the yearly rate slightly higher. Such a strong report could raise somewhat the probability for another Fed rate hike this year, which declined recently after the July FOMC minutes showed more officials being concerned with low inflation.

Having said that though, we believe that the primary determinants of whether the Fed will indeed proceed with another rate increase this year are inflation data. The latest prints showed that even though the headline CPI rate rebounded marginally after dropping for 4 months, the core rate remained unchanged, which cast more doubts on whether the softness in inflation can indeed be attributed to idiosyncratic factors. In our view, a strong rebound in inflation is needed before rate-hike expectations rise materially and help the dollar reverse its latest downtrend.

We also get the nation's ISM manufacturing PMI for August and the forecast is for the index to tick down, but to remain at a healthy level, consistent with strong growth in the sector. We view the risks surrounding the forecast as balanced, given that the regional manufacturing indices did not paint a clear picture of the sector's health during the month. Even though the Empire State print rose notably, the Philly Fed index edged lower, while the Richmond Fed one remained unchanged. In any event, we think that the ISM print may attract less attention than usual, as investors may still be digesting the all-important employment data that will be released a few minutes earlier.

In the UK, the manufacturing PMI for August is due out. Expectations are for the index to decline marginally, but to remain at a healthy level. In any case, we don't expect such a print to affect the BoE's policy plans. Back in June, Governor Carney made it clear that any near-term rate hike would likely depend on a pickup in wages and business investment. Given that wage growth has shown little-to-no signs of firming, and that the latest investment prints for Q2 were stagnant in both quarterly and yearly terms, we doubt that any rate hike is looming. In fact, we believe that the hawkish BoE members may even withdraw their rate-hike votes at the upcoming meetings, in light of the aforementioned soft data.

On Friday, July's readings on US core durable goods orders showed that the amount spent on non-volatile items such as transportation came in higher than expected, pushing the dollar up during the mid- European trading hours. However, the dollar could not maintain its gains arising from the data following less hawkish talk by Fed Chief Jannet Yellen.

According to the numbers published by the Census Bureau, new orders for durable goods excluding transportation picked up from 0.1% in June to 0.5% m/m (5.3% y/y) in July, surprising analysts who expected orders for long-lasting manufacturing products to increase by 0.4% instead. Manufacturing shipments, rose by 0.4% m/m, similar to the previous month (4.7% y/y).

Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft jumped by 0.4% m/m (3.3% y/y), after no change in the previous month. Shipments in the same category, which are closely watched as they are used to estimate investments on equipment that is included in the GDP measure, were up by 1.0% m/m (2.4% y/y), exceeding the forecasted 0.6% and the 0.3% seen in the previous month.

Regarding transportation equipment, the decline in orders widened massively from 1.6% in June to 19.0% m/m in July, missing expectations of a 19.1% expansion (+4.6% y/y). On the other hand, shipments posted a weaker rise of 0.5% m/m (0.3% y/y), compared to 2.4% in June, despite analysts anticipating a pullback of 0.6%.

In total, durable goods orders turned negative in the aforementioned month, decreasing by 6.8% m/m (+5% y/y) while expectations were for the figure to increase by 6.4% after it stagnated in June. In contrast, shipments rose by 0.4% m/m (3.2% y/y) above the forecast of no growth, but below the previous mark of 1.3%.

The above data indicated that companies continued investing on equipment despite uncertainty around tax cuts weighing on business decisions. However, a few hours before the data release, the head of the White House national economic council, Gary Cohn, said that Trump has scheduled to give a series of speeches in the days ahead (starting in Missouri on Wednesday) to convince the public about tax reforms. Nevertheless, Congress, which returns from a summer break, will also play a significant role on the future path of fiscal policy as it will debate during September whether to raise the debt ceiling.

Turning to the reaction in the forex markets, the dollar gained immediately against its rivals after the data release, but plummeted afterwards following comments from the Fed Chief Janet Yellen who stated during her speech at the ongoing Jackson Hole conference on Friday that any adjustments on financial rules should be "modest". The dollar index jumped initially by 0.25% to 93.29 as durable goods data went public, before sinking to 92.75. Euro/dollar retreated by 0.26% to a low of 1.1785 but it managed to rebound to 1.1857 after Yellen's remarks, while dollar/yen moved up by 0.25%, before dropping to 109.24.

EURUSD jumps after the greenback was hurt by Yellen; focus turns to Mario Draghi's speech

The Euro was inflated after Fed chief Janet Yellen stayed quiet about the hottest points, monetary policy and start of winding down its massive balance sheet in her Jackson Hole speech.

Mainly expected outcome hurt the greenback, as traders were hoping Yellen would provide some hints about Fed's intensions in the coming meetings.

The single currency has eventually broken strong obstacles at 1.1828/46 (former highs) and turned focus towards barriers at 1.1900 zone.

Fresh rally has improved near-term outlook and for now neutralized downside risk that was rising in recent congestion and inability to break higher.

Rally may show signs of hesitation ahead of key barrier at 1.1910, with focus turning towards the speech of Mario Draghi, scheduled later today.

It is quite likely that Draghi will stick to the theme of symposium and avoid to talk about policy and QE program easing, which may disappoint fresh bulls.

Res: 1.1889; 1.1910; 1.1950; 1.2000
Sup: 1.1846; 1.1828; 1.1800; 1.1770

The summer doldrums should be over next week as major data releases breathe some life into the forex markets. The United States will by far have the busiest economic calendar as the Fed gets its hands on the last jobs report and PCE inflation figures before the September FOMC meeting. Outside of the US, manufacturing PMIs will be the main focus, while Japan will also have a relatively packed data release schedule.

Australian data to be eyed ahead of Q2 GDP release

The Australian dollar has been consolidating for the past month after hitting a more than two-year peak as a combination of risk aversion and exchange rate warnings by RBA officials have weighed on the currency. Rising metal prices have limited its losses though and data due next week may refuel the stalled rally. Second quarter figures on capital expenditure out on Thursday will be watched carefully as it will be a good indication to the GDP growth figures for the same period due the following week. Also to watch out of Australia next week are July building approvals on Wednesday and private sector credit (July) and the AIG manufacturing index (August) on Thursday.

Canada likely enjoyed another quarter of strong growth

After growing by a solid 3.7% annualized rate in the first quarter, economists are forecasting Canada's economy to expand by about 3.5% in the three months to June. Such a figure (due on Thursday) could be enough to warrant a second rate hike by the Bank of Canada in the autumn, following its decision in July to raise rates by 25 basis points. It could also lift the Canadian dollar to fresh two-year highs. The loonie has already seen strong bullish sentiment this week, rising to three-week highs against a subdued greenback.

Eurozone flash inflation to be watched as ECB meeting nears

As speculation builds about whether the European Central Bank will make an announcement on winding down its asset purchases at its September 6-7 policy meeting, next week's flash CPI estimates could provide some clues as to the ECB's next move. Eurozone inflation is forecast to edge up from 1.3% to 1.4% year-on-year in August's preliminary reading. However, the core rate is expected to ease by 0.1 to 1.2%. A bigger concern for ECB policymakers at the moment however, might be the euro's rapid rise, particularly against the US dollar, which it has gained 12% in the year to date.

Other Eurozone data next week will include the economic sentiment index for August on Wednesday, the bloc's July unemployment rate on Thursday and the final reading of the August manufacturing PMI on Friday.

Japanese household spending forecast to ease in July

After expanding for the first time in 16 months on an annual basis in June, household spending in Japan is expected to fall back slightly but remain positive. Household spending, out on Monday, is forecast to moderate from 2.3% to 0.7% y/y in July, with annual retail sales on Tuesday also expected to ease. The preliminary industrial output figures for July are due on Wednesday and are forecast to show a monthly contraction of 0.5% after a 2.2% gain in the prior month. Rounding up the week on Friday is the Nikkei manufacturing PMI.

Japan was the fastest growing economy in the G7 during the second quarter but the strengthening recovery has yet to generate significant wage and price pressures, leaving the Bank of Japan to trail other central banks in moving towards tighter monetary policy. The yen therefore is unlikely to see much reaction to next week's data.

More manufacturing PMIs to watch

Other notable manufacturing PMI releases next week will include those out of China and the UK. China will see manufacturing PMI figures from both the National Bureau of Statistics (Thursday) and Caixin/IHS Markit (Friday), as well as the non-manufacturing PMI (also on Thursday).

Meanwhile in the UK, the Markit/CIPS manufacturing PMI, due on Friday, is expected to post a marginal decline to 55.0 in August. The rest of the week will be exceptionally quiet for the UK however, as the London market will be closed for a Bank Holiday on Monday, with no other major data releases scheduled.

Nonfarm payrolls and PCE inflation in focus

US data will once again grab the most attention next week, with the highlight likely to come from the August jobs report. Before then, a flurry of releases should keep traders busy, starting with the Conference Board's consumer confidence index on Tuesday. The index is expected to fall slightly to 120 in August from 121.1 in July when it hit a 16-year high. Actual consumer spending hasn't been as strong as some of the surveys have been indicating, nevertheless it did rebound in the second quarter, helping GDP growth to pick up. The second estimate of GDP growth is due on Wednesday and the annualized quarterly rate is forecast to be revised up from 2.6% to 2.7%.

On Thursday, the latest monthly personal consumption expenditure (PCE) figures will be watched closely both by the Fed and by investors. Personal income is expected to rise by 0.3% month-on-month in July after flat growth in the prior period. Personal consumption is also forecast to improve, expanding by 0.3% m/m. The core PCE price index, which is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, is expected to increase by 0.1% m/m in July. The annual rate weakened from a peak of 1.8% in January/February to 1.5% during April-June. An acceleration in July that would take it closer to the Fed's 2% target could help revive expectations of one more rate hike later this year.

A bigger risk event for the dollar will come on Friday with the August nonfarm payrolls numbers. July's unexpectedly strong report was unable to provide the dollar with a sustained boost, with markets still not convinced that a strong labour market alone will be enough to push the Fed to raise rates again this year, especially when wage growth remains muted. The US economy is expected to add 185k jobs in August, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.3%. Average earnings are forecast to rise by 0.3% m/m in August, the same rate as in July. Also important on Friday is the ISM manufacturing PMI. The index is forecast to dip slightly to 56.2 in August.

The dollar tumbled against all majors following the speech of Federal Reserve Chair Yellen at the Jackson Hole symposium. The US currency managed to trade higher against the yen for most of the European session and got a small lift after the release of US durable goods data, but that was short-lived. The dollar index fell 0.43% to last trade at 92.89.

The US dollar traded around the value of 109.57 yen for most of the day leading up to Yellen's speech. However, the greenback tumbled against all majors as soon as her speech was released to the public. The Fed Chair focused on financial stability and avoided addressing issues of interest such as the Fed's next steps on monetary policy.

Looking at reactions in forex markets, the dollar was trading at 109.36 yen, the euro/dollar pair rose to 1.1855 and sterling reached $1.2854 in early exchanges during the US session. The antipodean currencies gained as well with the kiwi up at $0.7242 and the aussie recording a 0.51% gain to last trade at $0.7938.

Traders will be keeping their eyes on the Jackson Hole events, especially the speech by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi at 19:00 GMT.

The euro got an early boost above the key $1.18 mark following the release of the German Ifo Business Climate index. Based on the figure for August, the business climate in Germany is better than expectations (115.9 versus the forecasted level of 115.5). Also, expectations of businesses in Germany for the following six months are upbeat. The index came in at 107.9 against the forecasts of 106.8.

US durable goods orders were the main economic data release during late European session. The Commerce Department's report for July signaled a mixed message for the start of the third quarter. Excluding transportation, orders for durable goods rose 0.5% last month, the third straight monthly gain, signaling that the US economy is picking up steam. However, orders for transportation equipment plunged 19%, weighing on the overall orders for durable goods. The latter fell 6.8% month-on-month in July, against expectations of a 6.0% decline and a 6.4% gain in June. Initially, the data boosted the dollar, but the gains were short-lived in the wake of Yellen's speech.

Oil prices continued rising during the day on the news that the heart of the US oil industry is going to get hit by Hurricane Harvey that threatens to become the worst storm to hit the US in 12 years. WTI was last trading at $47.84 a barrel and Brent crude was at $52.41. Oil traders will be watching the Baker Hughes oil rig figures that are due later today.

On the back of the weakness in the US currency, gold prices rose to trade at $1,288.61 an ounce.

Market Movers ahead

• A key release in the euro area is HIPC inflation on Thursday, which we expect to show a small increase in headline inflation, while we expect core inflation to fall slightly in August.
• We expect the euro area unemployment rate to show a further decline for July.
• In the UK, this week sees the third round of Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU kick-off. The parties are set to continue negotiations in phase 1 (divorce bill, citizen's rights and Irish border).
• We expect PCE in the US to show a slight increase for July.
• We expect a small setback in US job growth in August, while the unemployment rate and wage growth should remain broadly unchanged.
• The US ISM manufacturing PMI on Friday is likely to also be in focus after falling back a bit in July.
• We are due to get both the official and private (Caixin) Chinese manufacturing PMI for August and we estimate a small decline in both measures.
• We expect a further increase in retail sales growth and falling unemployment rate to support our case for a continued economic recovery in Norway.

Global macro and market themes

• The global economy is seeing positive momentum...
• ...and major central banks are unlikely to put significant brakes on the expansion for now.
• This should support risk assets near term and we recommend buying equities on dips.
• Expectations regarding Trump's growth-friendly reform agenda are at a minimum and, in our view, can surprise only on the upside.
• The EUR/USD is set to range-trade near term but head for 1.30 in coming years.

Full Report in PDF

• European equities booked small gains in an uneventful trading session with market participants awaiting the speeches by Fed chairwoman Yellen and ECB president Draghi. US stock markets opened cautiously higher.
• German IFO business confidence fell less than expected in August (from 116 to 115.9 vs 115.5 expected) after climbing to three record highs in a row, suggesting that a consumption-led upswing will continue despite concern about a car emissions scandal. The forward-looking "expectations" component beat expectations, rising to 107.9.
• Gary Cohn, head of the White House national economic council, told the FT that Donald Trump will launch a major push on tax reform next week with a speech in Missouri, as the president shifts focus to fiscal policy in an effort to secure a badly needed first big legislative victory by the end of the year.
• The ECB's €2.3 trillion worth of asset buys propped up growth but failed to boost inflation and may have actually increased risks to financial stability, research published by the Bundesbank showed.
• Headline durable goods orders declined by 6.8% M/M in July, reversing June's 6.4% M/M gain. However orders excluding transportation increased and beat expectations. Especially the 1% M/M rise in shipments of capital goods orders (non-defensive, ex. air), which feeds into GDP calculations, drew attention.

Rates

Final countdown to Jackson Hole

Core bonds traded rather uneventful today. A stronger than forecast German IFO and good core durable goods orders couldn't provoke a market reaction ahead of today's key speeches by Fed chair Yellen and ECB President Draghi in Jackson Hole. Even oil prices stayed steady despite the feared havoc that hurricane Harvey could bring around the Texas coast. Dallas Fed governor Kaplan and Cleveland Fed Mester shed a different opinion on monetary policy with the former arguing in favour of patience and the latter in favour of further normalization. It couldn't bother investors, though the US Note future (higher) and dollar (lower) reacted when Kaplan said that the Fed's neutral rate was possibly closer to 2.5% than to 3%. German Bunds underperformed US Treasuries, but there's no clear explanation for the marginal differences.

At the time of writing, the German yield curve bear steepens with yields 1.7 bps (2-yr) to 2.2 bps (30-yr) higher. The US yield curve flattens with yield changes ranging between +0.8 bps (2-yr) and -0.9 bps (30-yr). On intra-EMU markets, 10-yr yield spread changes versus Germany are negligible, ranging between -2 bps and +1 bp.

We concluded this report before the release of Yellen's speech in JH. We reiterate this morning's strategy: Core bond markets are dovish positioned. More subdued inflation readings & ECB/FED Minutes during summer months questioned central bank's urge to complete a near term tightening push. Expectations of pre-announced policy changes (to be confirmed at September meetings?) by Draghi and/or Yellen seem too low. Therefore, we think that the market reaction will be bigger (in magnitude) in case of a hawkish hint (initiate sell-on-upticks) than in case of keeping the dovish line (test of contract highs).

Currencies

Will Yellen or Draghi change the USD-framework?

The countdown to Jackson Hole continued today. Even so, the data were also interesting and even had a modest impact on FX trading. The German IFO business survey was again very strong and even pushed EUR/USD (temporary) back north of 1.18. Early in US dealings, risk sentiment remained constructive. The underlying details of the US durable orders report were not too bad, provided a cautious USD bid. EUR/USD trades in the 1.1810 area. USD/JPY extended its rebound to the 109.60 area. Will Yellen and /or Draghi change the framework for global FX trading?

Overnight, most Asian equity indices showed modest gains counting down to the speeches of Fed's Yellen and ECB's Draghi. The dollar traded marginally stronger. EUR/USD is changing hands just below 1.18. USD/JPY traded in the 109.60 area.

The dollar maintained a cautious positive bias early in Europe. German IFO business confidence held close to record levels, confirming a similarly strong PMI earlier this week. Even so, IFO mentioned the stronger euro as a potential headwind further down the road. The market impact of the rebound was modest, but European yields rose slightly more than their US counterparts, reducing the USD-euro interest rate differential. EUR/USD rebounded from the 1.1780 area to the 1.18 area and even extended gains going into the start of the US trading session. Higher core yields and a cautiously positive risk sentiment kept USD/JPY in the 109.60/70 area.

US durables orders declined as expected sharply in July due to a setback in transport orders. However, we assess the report as modestly positive (better than expected shipments). The dollar initially maintained a cautious bid after the publication of the report. However, soft comments from Fed's Kaplan blocked any further USD gains ahead of the Jackson Hole speeches. EUR/USD trades currently in the 1.1815 area. USD/JPY hovers in the 109.60 area. The redaction of this report is finished before the publication of the speech of Fed's Yellen.

EUR/GBP: no follow-through correction

There were no important eco data in the UK today. Sterling trading was order-driven. There was again quite some political position talking ahead of next week's new round of the Brexit-talks. At least for now, Europe looks like maintaining a tough stance on the separation issues that need to be resolved before the new EU-UK relationship can be discussed. There was little impact on sterling trading. EUR/GBP hovered in the 0.92 area. The euro rebound after the IFO blocked any further downside EUR/GBP correction. Cable traded with a positive intraday bias and sits currently in the 1.2835 area.