EMU Yields decline amid softer inflation data and ECB divergence – US markets reopen

KBC Market Research Desk KBC Bank

Markets

US markets were closed for Thanksgiving yesterday, leaving European markets looking for their own dynamics. National inflation data from Germany (HICP -0.7% M/M and 2.4% Y/Y; unchanged October) and Spain (0% M/M and 2.4% Y/Y from 1.8%, core 2.4% from 2.5%) overall printed on the softer side of expectations, suggesting (modest) downside risks for today’s Flash EMU release. The decline of EMU yields to the incoming CPI data was initially modest/limited. However, in afternoon trading, comments from Banque de France governor Villeroy clearly put other accents on the ECB’s strategy than board member Schnabel on Wednesday. The French governor indicated that the ECB needs full optionality in the current environment on the frequence and the size of rate cuts, including the December one. Inflation reaching the target sooner than expected also is a reason to bring rates to a neutral level and even a decline below neutral might be possible. Especially the latter assessment clearly diverged from Schnabel’s view. The combination of slightly softer than-expected CPI data and the Villeroy comments finally caused EMU yields to follow the path of least resistance, which currently obviously is still south. German yields declined 3.8 bps (5-y) to 1.9 bps (30-y). Money markets see the trough in the EMU easing cycle next year near 1.75%. The Euro this time quite easily withstood the further decline in yields and closed only modestly lower at 1.0552 (from 1.0566). Growing tensions/uncertainty on the French budget didn’t impact the euro. The Eurostoxx 50 even added 0.54%.

US markets rejoin the action today. However with no US data scheduled for release, the focus in the US might be on the shopping malls rather than on Wall Street. Still, US yields this morning continue their recent corrective decline, ceding 3-4 bps across the curve. EMU November CPI data take center stage (headline expected at -0.2% M/M and 2.3% Y/Y from 2%, core expected 2.8% from 2.7%). Even with the French and Italian data still to be released, risks for the outcome are to the downside. Question is how much further markets will/can push expected easing next year, given what is already discounted (1.75% ECB depo rate in H2). For now, there probably is no trigger to row against the existing downtrend in EMU yields, but it might shift into a lower gear. On FX markets, the euro (EUR/USD) enjoys some relief as the correction in US yields and the dollar apparently still has some legs. DXY drops below the 106 handle (105.85). USD/JPY, also pressured by yen strength, is testing the 150 mark this morning. EUR/USD gains a few ticks (EUR/USD 1.0582), but the political/budgetary uncertainty in France probably will continue to prevent dynamic/sustained comeback.

News and views

November Tokyo inflation numbers boost market odds that the Bank of Japan will conduct another rate hike at its December policy meeting. Prices in the capital region rose by 0.5% M/M on a headline level. That’s the third such increase in the past four months. In annual terms, CPI jumped from 1.8% to 2.6%, matching the YTD high. The BoJ’s preferred ex-fresh food gauge equally rose by 0.5% M/M to be up 2.2% Y/Y (from 1.8%). More details showed goods and services inflation increasing by 0.8% and 0.2% respectively in November. Only household goods (-0.5% M/M) and entertainment (-0.1% M/M) had a dampening impact on the monthly CPI-print. The Japanese yen rallied from USD/JPY 151.50 to 150 in response to the figures with money markets currently discounting a 15 bps increase in the BoJ’s target rate (currently 0.25%).

French finance minister Armand yesterday noon already hinted that it’s better to have a budget that is not exactly the one they want instead of having no budget at all. PM Barnier than later on the day stressed that they will do everything to bring the country’s budget deficit from this year’s 6% of GDP to about 5% next year. He also announced a first major concession for the far-right RN who threatens the government over the budget bill. A previously planned increase for an electricity tax will no longer be included in the budget. From February, electricity taxes will now decrease by 14% instead of by 9%. While obviously welcomed, RN-president Bardella already said that his party won’t stop there and that other red lines remain. The French left opposition still plans to table a motion of noconfidence as soon as next week..

Download The Full Sunrise Market Commentary

Author

KBC Market Research Desk

KBC Bank

KBC's Market Research Desk publishes a number of short-term reports.

GBP/USD clings to gains near 1.3400

GBP/USD retreats after reaching a three-week high above 1.3430, challenging the 1.3400 yardstick on Thursday. Although easing political uncertainty in the UK helps the quid limit its downside, escalating tensions in the Middle East support the Greenback, keeping Cable under scrutiny.

EUR/USD nudges higher above 1.1400 as traders ramp up their bets on ECB hikes

The EUR/USD pair posts modest gains around 1.1430 during the early Asian session on Friday, bolstered by a softer US Dollar. The European Central Bank is grappling with elevated core inflation, forcing traders to price in more aggressive tightening despite mixed guidance from ECB officials.

Gold holds steady above $4,100 amid subdued USD price action

Gold struggles to capitalize on the previous day's positive move, though it holds above $4,100 during the Asian session on Friday as traders await further developments surrounding the US-Iran saga. The geopolitical risk premium resurfaced amid a fresh escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, which supports the safe-haven US Dollar and acts as a headwind for the bullion. However, less hawkish FOMC Minutes keep USD bulls on the defensive and help limit downside for the non-yielding yellow metal.

BitGo unveils quantum risk management tools for Bitcoin wallets

BitGo has introduced a suite of quantum risk management tools for institutional Bitcoin wallets, aiming to help clients identify, assess and reduce potential exposure to future quantum computing threats before they become a practical concern.

Japan may be changing its Yen strategy, but markets don’t look scared

Japan may be changing its intervention playbook, but that might not be enough to rescue the battered Yen. With USD/JPY hovering at four-decade highs, the currency’s weakness is being driven less by speculative pressure and more by a powerful structural force: the wide US-Japan rate gap.

Bye, forward guidance: How to trade when central banks choose silence

Central banks have spent years telling markets what might come next. Now, traders face the possibility that they say a lot less. From the Federal Reserve to the European Central Bank and the Bank of England, policymakers are pushing back against forward guidance.