Week Ahead: Earnings to dominate

Big tech in focus

Earnings season is up and running and next week will see some huge names reporting on the fourth quarter including Facebook, Apple and Tesla. Covid-19 is becoming more of a focus for investors as lockdowns take their toll and it becomes clear that restrictions won’t be easing any time soon.

Country

US

The main event in the US is the Fed’s policy meeting.  After several months of ultra-accomodation, the Fed seems to be inundated with questions on when is the time to taper.  Fed Chair Powell earlier in the month signal now is not the time to talk about exiting.  The Fed will likely reiterate their support for fiscal support and remind markets of the short-term risks.  Inflation signs have picked up but are not yet at a worrisome level.  

Big tech has led the recent charge higher for US stocks and Wednesday after the close will likely let us know if investors are still on board.  Huge earnings will come from Facebook, Apple and Tesla.  

US Politics

President Biden quickly tries to deliver on his national strategy to combat COVID-19.  Some states are trying to ramp up more aggressive testing and makeup for shortfalls with vaccines.  Negotiations also begin between Democrats and Republicans on Biden’s $1.9 trillion proposal for a stimulus relief package.  

EU

There were no surprises from the ECB after its January meeting, with the central bank reaffirming its commitment to supporting the economy through the crisis, acknowledging the risks posed by the new strains and lockdowns. The ECB announced a raft of new measures in December so further stimulus isn’t likely any time soon.

Next week is mostly tier two and three data, including flash GDP readings from Spain and France. Ifo/ Gfk surveys and unemployment data from Germany are also noteworthy. We’ll also hear from Christine Lagarde on Monday

UK

The January lockdown has dealt another blow to the economy, far more so than November given the added severity. Cases are coming down though and have been for two weeks but reports appear to be suggesting the country isn’t coming out any time soon. And when it does, it will be very gradual. It could be the summer until everything is up and running again.

The PMIs suggest the economy is in for a rough ride over the coming months. The only data of note next week is the jobs report for November, with the unemployment rate seen jumping to 5.1%.

Turkey

The CBRT reaffirmed its commitment to tight monetary policy at the January meeting, a clear sign of its determination to keep financial markets on board. This comes after President Erdogan once again repeated his long-held view that higher interest rates spur inflation. This will make investors increasingly nervous if the President is believed to be interfering with monetary policy. It won’t take much for them to flee once again and remains a major downside risk for the currency. 

China

The “Jack’s back” China tech rally has fizzled quickly on both the Mainland and Hong Kong. Government remains vocal about antitrust restrictions on Alibaba and Ant Financial with the latter’s valuation plummeting. China investors appear nervous about valuations at these levels.

China has widened lockdowns outside of Beijing and Hong Kong has locked down part of Kowloon weighing on China markets. An escalation will weigh on Greater China equities next week. 

China 1 and 5-year Loan Prime Rates were unchanged although the PBOC appears to be quietly reigning in liquidity via the repo market. Should keep the Yuan firm at present levels as leaving US events to dictate EM direction.

Little sign of President Biden’s approach to China. Most of the potential bad news is baked in here from Trump, and markets seem unconcerned in China for now.

India

Final 2020 GDP released on Friday. Overshadowed by increasing concerns over Non-Bank Financial sectors bad debts. Persistently high inflation (notably food) threatens to temper India’s post-Covid recovery. India markets will move to the nuances of US stimulus progress this week and the FOMC. 

Australia & New Zealand

Covid-19 fears have receded as an outbreak in NSW brought under control and Brisbane and Victoria State report no new cases.

Data highlights include Official Inflation and NAB Business Confidence but markets in Australia are moving to external events. Namely US fiscal stimulus and the FOMC this week.

AUD/USD and NZD/USD have recovered their poise as markets loaded up on global recovery/US stimulus positioning. Both are acutely vulnerable to signs that Senate Republicans will filibuster the stimulus package.  

Japan

Bank of Japan unchanged as expected, lifted 2021 GDP outlook. Markets have taken that with a grain of salt. Retail Sales, Tokyo CPI and Industrial Production all expected to print lower with Japan’s lockdown lite another blow to the domestic economy.

External factors aside, rumours are swirling that the Tokyo Olympics are going to be cancelled. That would be a strong short-term negative for Japanese markets and will see 2021 GDP growth revised lower.

USD/JPY fell after a pre-BOJ spike in JGB’s and an easing of US 10-year yields. USD/JPY is now in the middle of its one-month 102.50 to 104.50 range. Next direction dictated by US yields next week and the tone of the FOMC meeting.