EM FX was mixed Friday to cap off a mostly lower week. Obviously, we're seeing a bit of a washout in EM after the hawkish FOMC. Market was overly complacent and very long EM going into the FOMC meeting. The big question is how deep this selloff gets. For the better part of this year, EM dips have been met with renewed buying. We remain cautious on EM and think that investors should avoid the high beta currencies like ZAR, TRY, BRL, MXN.
Taiwan reports May export orders Tuesday, which are expected to rise 7.6% y/y vs. 7.4% in April. The central bank meets Thursday and is expected to keep rates steady at 1.375%. Taiwan reports May IP Friday, which is expected to rise 1.4% y/y vs. -0.6% in April.
South Africa reports Q1 current account data Tuesday. The deficit is expected to widen to -1.8% of GDP from -1.7% in Q4. It then reports May CPI Wednesday, which is expected to remain steady at 5.3% y/y. This would remain within the 3-6% target range. SARB next meets July 20, and rates are expected to be kept steady at 7.0%.
Hungary central bank meets Tuesday and is expected to keep rates steady at 0.9%. However, it may add stimulus via unconventional measures to offset recent forint strength.
Poland reports May industrial and construction output, PPI, and real retail sales Tuesday. Consensus y/y readings are 8.3%, 12.6%, 2.9%, and 7.6% y/y, respectively. The central bank releases its minutes Thursday.
Russia reports May real retail sales Tuesday, which are expected to rise 0.5% y/y vs. flat in April. The central bank cut rates 25 bp to 9.0% on Friday, and signaled further cautious easing in H2. More important for Russian growth is the price of oil.
Malaysia reports May CPI Wednesday, which is expected to rise 4.1% y/y vs. 4.4% in April. The central bank does not have an explicit inflation target. Next policy meeting is July 13, rates are expected to be kept steady at 3.0%.
Argentina reports Q1 GDP Wednesday, which is expected to grow 0.2% y/y vs. -2.1% in Q4. If so, this would be the first positive reading since Q1 2016. The fundamentals are slowly improving, with CPI inflation easing to 24% y/y in May from the peak of 27.5% in April.
Philippines central bank meets Thursday and is expected to keep rates steady at 3.0%. CPI rose 3.1% y/y in May, close to the 3% target and well within the 2-4% target range. We see steady rates for now, but the bank has signaled a more hawkish stance if price pressures rise.
Brazil central bank releases its quarterly inflation report Thursday. Brazil reports mid-June IPCA inflation Friday, which is expected to rise 3.48% y/y vs. 3.77% in mid-May. Petrobras just announced cuts to gas and diesel fuel prices, so price pressures are likely to move lower. COPOM next meets July 26, and a 75 bp cut to 9.5% is expected.
Mexico reports mid-June CPI Thursday, which is expected to rise 6.25% y/y vs. 6.17% in mid-May. This would be the highest rate since January 2009 and further above the 2-4% target range. Banco de Mexico meets that day and is expected to hike rates 25 bp to 7.0%. With the peso firming and inflation showing signs of topping out, this is likely to be the last hike in the cycle.
Singapore reports May CPI Friday, which is expected to rise 1.3% y/y vs. 0.4% in April. It also reports May IP that day, which is expected to rise 6.8% y/y vs. 6.7% in April. Despite firmer data, the MAS opted to keep its forward guidance intact at its April meeting, which suggests no move at the October meeting.
Opinions expressed are solely of the author’s, based on current market conditions, and are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to predict or guarantee the future performance of any currencies or markets. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as research or as investment, legal or tax advice, nor should it be considered information sufficient upon which to base an investment decision. Further, this communication should not be deemed as a recommendation to invest or not to invest in any country or to undertake any specific position or transaction in any currency. There are risks associated with foreign currency investing, including but not limited to the use of leverage, which may accelerate the velocity of potential losses. Foreign currencies are subject to rapid price fluctuations due to adverse political, social and economic developments. These risks are greater for currencies in emerging markets than for those in more developed countries. Foreign currency transactions may not be suitable for all investors, depending on their financial sophistication and investment objectives. You should seek the services of an appropriate professional in connection with such matters. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not necessarily complete in its accuracy and cannot be guaranteed.
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