|

Focus is back to central banks - Westpac

Analysts at Westpac explained that the central banks have exhibited a hawkish tilt of late, sending bond yields higher. 

Key Quotes:

"The Bank of Canada raised rates from 0.50% to 0.75%, the first hike since 2010."

"The Bank of England left rates on hold at 0.25%, but 3 of 8 members voted for a hike, up from 1 vote in May."

"The Reserve Bank remains on hold at 1.50% and the Governor delivered a neutral statement. Despite this, markets have priced in a rate hike for 2018. We continue to expect rates to be on hold throughout 2017 and 2018."

"Market pricing for hikes from the RBNZ has risen in recent weeks. This follows signs of firmness in economic activity and the rise in headline inflation back to levels around the mid-point of the RBNZ’s target band. However, we think market pricing for OCR hikes is too early, with low interest rates still a key support for economic conditions. Rising borrowing costs, mirroring the global trend, are having a dampening impact, reinforcing the case for the RBNZ on hold."

"ECB officials suggest the move from deflation to reflation does not signal a near-term shift in the stance of balance sheet or interest rate policy."

"Sentiment towards the Euro Area has remained robust thanks to favourable data and a much-improved political status quo."

"The EUR/USD held near its June highs circa 1.14 in recent weeks."

"While in the US, confidence has wavered, extending US dollar weakness, seeing the DXY down by over 6% from its early March peak."

Author

Ross J Burland

Ross J Burland, born in England, UK, is a sportsman at heart. He played Rugby and Judo for his county, Kent and the South East of England Rugby team.

More from Ross J Burland
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.