Core bond yields corrected higher for a second straight session

KBC Market Research Desk KBC Bank

Markets

Core bond yields corrected higher for a second straight session. Fiscal expansion plans in Germany (space of €50bn in case of recession) and the US (exploring payroll tax cut) together with the US Treasury’s intention to look into tapping the very long end of the curve (50-yr/100-yr) and a further rebound of stock markets (+1.5%) explain the moves. The German yield curve bear steepened with yields ending 1.6 bps (2-yr) to 7.6 bps (30-yr) higher. The US yield curve initially moved in similar fashion, but the front end of the curve made a catch-up move higher in the US session. Quotes by voting FOMC member Rosengren (Boston Fed) could have played a role. He said that the Fed has to be careful not to ease too much when there are no significant problems. “We are supposed to focus on unemployment and inflation in the US and so I think we are in a pretty good spot right now.” We think that the majority within the FOMC, unlike Rosengren, is ready to implement another rate cut already in September. FOMC Chair Powell might seal the deal at his keynote address later this week at the Fed’s symposium in Jackson Hole. Trading in EUR/USD was confined to a tight range near 1.11 with the dollar eventually gaining on points as the US 2-yr yield started rising as well. EUR/USD closed at 1.1078. USD/JPY extended gains in the risk rebound to close at 106.64. A return above 106.78/107.21 is necessary to call off the downside alert. EUR/GBP bounced off 0.9108 support after a gloomy leaked UK Cabinet Office report warned for consequences if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal. EUR/GBP ended at 0.9135. The no-deal Brexit scenario should keep sterling in the defensive.
Asian stock markets remain positively oriented this morning, gaining up to 1% (South Korea). Core bonds and EUR/USD show no clear direction. RBA Minutes showed that members would consider further easing of monetary policy if the accumulation of additional evidence suggests that it was needed to support sustainable growth. AUD/USD didn’t react and continues trading near multiyear lows sub 0.68. Today’s eco calendar won’t inspire trading. Sentiment driven trading within known territory can be expected in the run-up to this week’s main events: FOMC Minutes (Wednesday), EMU PMI & ECB Minutes (both on Thursday) and Fed Chair Powell’s speech (on Friday). Italian politics are a wildcard. PM Conte will address the senate and will face a confidence vote afterwards unless Salvini’s Lega changes its mind. If the vote goes through, anything is possible ranging from Conte staying on to the PM resigning followed by a caretaker government/grand coalition/government reshuffle/fresh elections. BTP’s could face a bumpy ride going forward.

News Headlines

China new one-year reference rate for bank loans (“loan prime rate”), announced this weekend as part of the monetary policy reform, was fixed a first time this morning at 4.25% by the PBOC. That’s slightly lower than the current level of 4.31%. The aim is to help lower the country’s sticky borrowing costs for households and companies, which haven’t come down like eg interbank rates during previous easing spins, and thus improve the transmission mechanism of monetary policy.
There seems to be a way out of the coalition threatening Czech political stalemate. PM Babis and President Zeman blocked minority government Social Democrat’s candidate (Smarda) for the position of Czech culture minister. The Social Democrats next set an ultimatum to nominate him whatsoever or pull support from the government. Michal Smarda, the nominee, now officially asked his party to withdraw his candidacy.
The Washington Post adds details to this weekend’s rumored new US tax cuts. The US newspaper cites several senior White House officials which have begun discussing whether to push for a temporary payroll tax cut as a way to arrest an economic slowdown. Many Americans pay a 6.2% levy on their earnings (up to $132 900). The tax was last cut to 4.2% in 2011 and 2012.

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