Stocks Still Up Even As Commodities Are Down: What Does This Mean For FX? - Credit Agricole


Focus of the day:

"The persistent selloff in global commodities (and commodity currencies) of late is attributed to mounting growth concerns (centred on China) as well as USD appreciation in the run up to Fed lift-off.

Lower commodity prices have already sent gauges of inflation expectations lower and weighed on global bond yields. Yet, it seems that these developments are in stark contrasts with the apparent resilience of the developed stock market indices. For example, the VIX index is still trading close to its lowest level this year.

The question is then, should we view the apparent resilience of the developed stock markets as a sign that investors are overdoing it selling commodity and risk-correlated currencies. Market shorts seem substantial indeed. It took only some adjustments in RBA’s language to send AUD more than 1.5% higher at one point yesterday.

We are far less sanguine and think that the developed stock markets may be lagging behind other asset classes as investors position ahead of Fed tightening while global economic data continues to fuel market worries.

We still see risks on the downside for risk-correlated and commodity currencies going into lift-off, which we expect in September. As highlighted in our recent publication, falling central bank reserves should ultimately bring global asset prices (stocks and bonds) more inline with falling commodity prices and slowing global growth (and global trade).

In particular, the FX reserves should fall more on the back of weak (commodity and manufacturing) export revenues. In turn, fears about weakening global demand for stocks and bonds should mount, making current valuations difficult to sustain. Risk appetite should remain subdued and continue to undermine risk-correlated, commodity currencies while propping up safe havens like JPY and EUR. USD should do well as well, but mainly against G10 smalls."

This content has been provided under specific arrangement with eFXnews.

eFXnews is a financial news and information service. Articles and other information distributed in this service and published on this site are provided in general terms and do not take account of or address any individual user's position. To the extent that some of these articles include suggestions as to various possible investment strategies which users might consider, they do so in only general terms without reference to the personal factors which should determine any user's investment decisions to buy or sell a specific security or currency.

The service and the content of this site are provided and distributed on the basis of “AS IS” without warranties of any kind either, express or implied, including without limitations, warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. eFXnews and its employees, officers, directors, agents, and licensors do not also warrant the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information in any of the articles and other information distributed in this service and included on this site, and eFXnews hereby disclaims any such express or implied warranties; and, you hereby acknowledge that use of the service and the content of this site is at you sole risk.

In no event shall eFXnews and its employees, officers, directors, agents, and licensors will be liable to you or any third party or anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you in your reliance on any strategy and/or advice included in any article and other information distributed in this service and published in this site.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE

EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE

EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength

GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength

GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.

GBP/USD News

Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation

Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation

Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses. 

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000

Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors. 

Read more

Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too

Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too

Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.

Read more

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures