A Vexing Vix

US political uncertainty and North Korean sabre -rattling has lit  a fire under the comatose Vix volatility index which popped above 15 % overnight.The geopolitically influenced global stock market thrashing has driven investor angst into overdrive as volatility is back in vogue it seems, thanks to the escalation of North Korea-US rhetoric.

Forex markets, however, have kept their composure in the face of US 10y yield moving below 2.22% and a very soggy S & P which closed -1.45 % at the final tick

The equity markets are in risk reduction mode as investors move to secure liquidity with speculators exacerbating moves through tactical shorts. Considering the limited steps in Forex, the signals suggest we’re in the midst of a global risk asset consolidation as opposed to a deeper retreat, however.

On Fed speak, most certainly the market was hoping for some upbeat assessment from Fed Bill Dudley, but it’s silly to put the blame game on him when in reality the market attention was focused elsewhere. Not to mince views here, It was Trump talk that trashed the equity markets, nothing more nothing less. The Fear Index ( VIX) started creeping higher yesterday as the White House, which is a perpetual state of discord these days, appeared to contradict Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s attempt to defuse North Korean tensions.

US data didn’t help as PPI and core prices have underwhelmed, but the producer indicator is a whippy measure and far too volatile to hang one’s hat But traders will now focus on US CPI later today where risk is indeed tilted lower as core inflation has disappointed for four consecutive months. While a stronger print will likely buttress Fed repricing expectation, the all important CPI print could play second fiddle  to risk reduction as traders will move to safe havens of flattening positions defending against possible weekend war mongering headline risk. Risk aversion looks to remain stubborn for the foreseeable future.

Japanese Yen

The market had moved below the key 109.20 level at pixel time and given the speculative flows positioning for possible YEN repatriation, we could see the psychologically significant 109.00 level give way. This week’s close will be a key signal for market momentum. However, FX markets have been rather immune to the global equity swoon as we’re only down 75-80 pips from yesterday’s Asia levels suggesting Forex players are not entirely buying into the North Korea bluster just yet, but headline risk remains on high alert so fasten up as this could get interesting. Perhaps a Freaky Friday in the making

Euro

Pedestrian times on the EURO post these days as trade continues to be very uninspiring. The markets have trimmed their EURO bets and preparing for a consolidation phase ahead of Jackson Hole

Australian and New Zealand Dollar

It’s been more of an NZD story line after the rancid ( for the NZD) whiff of intervention was espoused by the RBNZ. The trap door has been sprung, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a near term test of .7200 after all is said and done

The AUD is similarly threatening to break lower on risk aversion, but so far the market is still nervously buying dips. But with no sign of geopolitical headline risk abating, the risk sensitive Aussie dollar remains vulnerable to further global equity market swoons.
A break of .7830 ( 2016 high ) would sound off considerable alarm bells while triggering waves of stops. Given the uncertain landscape, the long Aussie is fraught with peril heading into weeks end

Governor Lowe delivered the status quo during a speech in Melbourne this morning.

Chinese Yuan Complex 

It appears the long USDHKD ( HIBOR vs. LIBOR) carry trade unwind is befitting the RMB complex as repatriation flow into mainland after The HKMA announced that it would issue HKD40bn of Exchange Fund Bills to absorb excess liquidity. Yesterday’s H-shares moves were likely exacerbated by fast money seeking better opportunities in PRC.