by Kim | Jun 6, 2022
Key events for the week ahead – RBA and ECB policy decisions, US inflation, and ongoing geopolitical risk
The RBA will meet on monetary policy early this week. Another 25bps increase in the cash rate target is expected, with a chance for a 40bps increase. The last quarterly inflation reading of +5.1% was higher than the RBA Board had expected. With only quarterly inflation reports available, the Board noted that it was looking at a broader range of inflation inputs, especially from its business liaison program. The guidance provided at the last meeting was that further increases in interest rates will be necessary (but are not on a pre-set path). Aus GDP data released last week showed that growth remained strong in Q1 at +0.7% for the quarter. While the unemployment rate did fall below 4% in Apr, employment growth was tepid for the month. Growth in housing finance had already begun to moderate since the start of the year and remained weaker in Apr.
The ECB will meet this week. It is expected that the governing council will announce the end of the Net Asset Purchase Program (QE) – with purchases to end in June (while maturing securities on the ECB balance sheet will continue to be rolled over). Last week, inflation again surprised to the upside across the Eurozone, accelerating from +7.4% in Apr to +8.1% in May – adding further pressure on the ECB to begin the hiking cycle. The ECB has committed to the sequence to end the net APP before a lift-off in rates. Based on this, the ECB is expected to signal the timing for when it will commence rate increases (likely to be at the Jul meeting). The ECB will release updated growth and inflation forecasts at this meeting.
US CPI for May will be released at the end of the week. Headline CPI growth is expected to remain elevated at +8.3% in May (versus +8.3% in Apr). The monthly pace of growth is expected to accelerate from +0.3% in Apr to +0.7% in May. Core CPI growth is expected to remain elevated at +5.9% in May, but slightly slower than the +6.2% in Apr.
We are now in the blackout period ahead of the FOMC meeting next week – so there will be no Fed speeches this week. The US CPI report for May, together with the momentum in non-farm payrolls for May, will be important inputs for the FOMC meeting next week. As a part of moving expeditiously back to neutral, increases of 50bps at the next two meetings have already been well telegraphed.
Further data on the Chinese economy will be released this week – including trade data, CPI, and PPI inflation rates.
This week, the US Treasury will auction and settle approx. $182bn in ST Bills, with an approx. paydown of $34bn. The US Treasury will also auction the 3yr and 10yr Notes and the 30yr Bond this week – to settle next week.
Approx. $16.5bn in ST Bills will mature on the Fed balance sheet this week and will be rolled over. Bills maturing this month on the Fed balance sheet will be rolled over/reinvested. The first round of Coupons to mature and roll off the Fed balance sheet will commence next week.
More detail (including a calendar of key data releases) is provided in the briefing document – download the pdf below:
Comments and feedback are welcome. Please email me at kim.mofardin@marscapitalpartners.net
by Kim | May 22, 2022
Key themes for the week ahead – global growth momentum, US PCE inflation, FOMC minutes, RBNZ, and ongoing geopolitical risk
Recap from last week
There was a hawkish tone from Fed Chair Powell last week. The FOMC needs to see inflation come down in a “clear and convincing way” and they are “going to keep pushing until we see that”. Prior signaling has been to lift rates ‘expeditiously’ to neutral, but Chair Powell noted that the Fed “wouldn’t hesitate” to move beyond “broadly understood levels of neutral” to achieve its aim of reducing inflation. Rate hikes of 50bps seem likely for Jun and Jul meetings if inflation remains high.
US data last week was mixed. Retail sales increased by more than expected in Apr and the prior month was revised higher. Quarterly retail results caused concern about a slowdown, inventory levels, and staffing. Initial claims shifted above the 200k mark. The housing market continued to slow amid the rising rate environment. Within industrial production data, manufacturing output continued to increase at a constant pace. Manufacturing capacity utilization at 79.45% is almost back up to the prior series high going back to the start of 2006. Headline regional manufacturing surveys suggested slower growth momentum coming into May – with demand data mixed. Growth in lead times remained constant, price increases were widespread, and employment growth was broadly stable.
UK inflation accelerated to 9% in Apr from 7% in Mar and the 3mth unemployment rate came in lower at 3.7%. The BoE Governor will speak this week. CPI growth in Canada came in higher than expected at +6.8% in Apr.
The National CPI growth for Japan was also higher than expected at +2.4% in Apr, up from +1.2% in Mar. Core measures were similarly higher. The main contributor to the acceleration was cycling over to a lower base in 2021 communications prices.
The RBA minutes confirmed that the condition for a rate increase had been met. The Board debated the size of the rate increase, settling on 25bps to signal a “return to normal operating procedure” from extraordinary policy settings. The Q1 wage price growth was slightly lower than expected meaning real wages declined. Labour market data was mixed. Employment growth was weak but a fall in participation resulted in a decline in the unemployment rate to 3.9%.
In an interview last week, ECB President Lagarde (among other recent ECB speeches), suggested that the ECB may hike rates “within weeks” of ending the Net Asset Purchase Program (expected to end early in Q3).
Outlook for the week ahead
US PCE inflation result for Apr – the Fed preferred measure. Headline inflation is expected to be unchanged at +6.6% over the year to Apr and increase by +0.8% in the month. Core PCE inflation is expected to moderate to +4.6%.
The FOMC minutes for the May meeting will provide insight behind the decision to increase by 50bps and begin balance sheet run-off. Speeches since that meeting have reiterated the aim of policy to reduce inflation.
The prelim global PMIs for May will provide early insight into changes in growth momentum amid rising growth concerns. Global growth forecasts have been downgraded as inflation, the war in Ukraine, and shutdowns in China are forecast to affect demand and further disrupt supply chains.
The RBNZ will meet this week and is expected to increase rates again, possibly by another 50bps.
Fed speakers this week include pre-recorded remarks from Chair Powell. The World Economic Forum at Davos will run all week.
This week, the US Treasury will auction and settle approx. $204bn in ST Bills and 2yr FRNs, with an approx. paydown of $12bn.
The US Treasury will also auction the remainder of next week’s issuance – the 2yr, 5yr, and 7yr Notes. All will settle next week on 31 May.
Approx. $17bn in ST Bills will mature on the Fed balance sheet this week and will be rolled over.
More detail (including a calendar of key data releases) is provided in the briefing document – download the pdf below:
Comments and feedback are welcome. Please email me at kim.mofardin@marscapitalpartners.net
by Kim | May 16, 2022
Key themes for the week ahead – inflation, US retail sales, central bank speeches & minutes, and ongoing geopolitical risk
Recap from last week
US CPI for Apr and Fed speeches was the focus of last week. US CPI growth did ease to +8.3% in Apr from +8.5% in Mar but not by as much as expected (expecting +8.1%). The rate of growth is still extremely elevated. The deceleration in Apr was the result of slower growth in energy (gasoline) and used car prices. Household energy prices, food, and shelter price growth continued to accelerate. US consumer sentiment declined markedly again amid high inflation concerns.
Fed speeches reiterated the priority to deal with high inflation by moving to neutral as quickly as possible. This means increases of 50bps are likely at Jun and Jul meetings. The more hawkish speeches called for an even greater tightening of financial conditions. According to Fed Chair Powell, the FOMC is not actively considering 75bps increases but is prepared to do more (or less) if needed.
Chair Powell’s interview after the CPI release noted that their “ability to execute a soft landing depends on factors outside of its control” – namely geopolitics and supply chain bottlenecks, both of which remain issues. Growth concerns have become heightened since the invasion of Ukraine. Some US growth forecasts have recently been revised even lower than the FOMC SEP from Mar when 2022 growth was revised from 4% down to 2.8% (without a corresponding increase in the unemployment rate).
The week ahead
A big week of data affecting the growth and inflation outlook and the path for rates.
US retail sales this week are expected to increase by +0.8% in Apr from +0.7% in Mar. The Apr US housing data is expected to weaken slightly on rising mortgage rates. Speeches this week by Fed Chair Powell, Bullard, and Mester. Initial manufacturing surveys for May to provide early insight into output growth momentum, prices, employment, and supply chain impact, especially from the latest Chinese lockdowns.
Both the BoC and BoE have guided higher for rates on the back of elevated inflation. This week, Canadian CPI is expected to ease to +6.3% in Apr (from +6.7% in Mar) while UK CPI is expected to accelerate from 7% in Mar to +9.1% in Apr. UK labour market (Mar) and retail sales (Apr) data will also provide some important insight into the pace of economic activity. Last week, UK Q1 GDP was slightly lower than expected at +0.8% (expecting +1%).
Japanese national CPI growth is expected to increase to +1.5% in Apr up from +1.2% in Mar. Core CPI ex fresh food is expected to increase to +2.1% in Apr (from +0.8% in Mar) on the back of higher energy prices. Ex energy and fresh food prices, CPI is expected to decline by -0.9% over the year in Apr. The BoJ has stated that it expects inflation to reach above 2% but will ‘look through’ rising energy prices which it expects to be transitory. Japanese GDP in Q1 is expected to contract by -0.4%.
The RBA minutes should provide insight behind the May rate hike. The RBA will watch closely the labour market and wages releases this week. Expecting a +30k increase in employment and the unemployment rate to fall to 3.9%. Wages in Q1 are expected to increase by +0.8% in the quarter and by +2.5% over the year. Last week, Aussie consumer sentiment fell further on rising inflation and interest rates impacting the cost of living. The Australian Federal election will be held this weekend.
The ECB minutes will be released this week. Markets are continuing to forecast rate lift-off after QE ends, possibly from Jul. Final Apr Euro area CPI for Apr is expected to confirm Euro area inflation at +7.5%. ECB President Lagarde and numerous other ECB members will speak this week.
Chinese data for Apr continues to reflect weaker economic conditions amid strict covid-zero lockdowns.
G7 leaders meet this week.
This week, the US Treasury will auction and settle approx. $319bn in ST Bills, Notes, and Bonds raising approx. $16bn in new money.
The US Treasury will also auction the 20yr Bond and 10yr TIPS this week – both will settle on 31 May.
Approx. $97bn in ST Bills, Notes, and Bonds will mature on the Fed balance sheet this week and will be rolled over.
More detail (including a calendar of key data releases) is provided in the briefing document – download the pdf below:
Comments and feedback are welcome. Please email me at kim.mofardin@marscapitalpartners.net
by Kim | May 9, 2022
Key themes for the week ahead – US CPI, central bank speeches, and ongoing geopolitical risk
Recap from last week
The FOMC, RBA, and BoE increased rates to curb inflation, announced balance sheet reduction, and guided higher for the likely path of rates.
The FOMC increased the target FFR by 50bps to 0.75-1%. Quantitative tightening will begin in Jun with a cap of $30bn/mth in balance sheet run-off for the first three months, then increasing to $60bn/mth. Chair Powell noted that “we are on a path to move our policy rate expeditiously to more normal levels” and that “additional 50bps increases should be on the table at the next couple of meetings” – assuming markets evolve as expected.
Chair Powell said that underlying growth in the US economy remained strong. The decline in Q1 GDP “reflecting swings in inventories and net exports, two volatile categories” that “likely carry little signal for future growth”. The Apr US ISM PMIs recorded slightly slower growth momentum as firms noted ongoing supply challenges and difficulty in finding qualified staff. Higher prices were a major theme as the number of firms reporting higher prices remained extremely elevated and the services sector recorded a new series high in the price index. US labour market indicators were somewhat mixed. Non-farm payrolls increased more than expected by +428k while Feb and Mar were revised lower by 40k. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.6%, as a fall in participation helped to offset a decline in employment in the household (population) survey.
The RBA surprised markets with a 25bps increase in the cash rate target to 0.35% (expecting +15bps). The RBA announced that bond holdings and the size of the balance sheet will decline as bonds mature (no reinvestments) – with substantial declines in the balance sheet expected during 2023/4. While rates are not on a preset path, it is expected that further increases in interest rates will be necessary.
The BoE increased rates by a further 25bps in a 6-3 decision, with three members voting for a 50bps increase. The decision highlighted that inflation pressures have “intensified sharply” – “leading to a material deterioration in the outlook for the world and UK growth”. The BoE central inflation forecast has UK CPI peaking in Q4 this year and averaging over 10%. The decision was accompanied by a weaker outlook for growth and rising unemployment. A plan for the outright sale of bond holdings will be presented at the Aug meeting for implementation at a later meeting. The committee noted that “some degree of further tightening in monetary policy may still be appropriate in the coming months”. The UK Q1 GDP is out this week and growth is expected to be +1% for Q1 and +9% over the year.
The week ahead
The US CPI for Apr will be the focus for the week – with growth in consumer prices expected to ease. The headline CPI growth is expected to slow to +8.1% in Apr from +8.5% in Mar. The monthly CPI is expected to ease from +1.2% in Mar to +0.2% in Apr. Core CPI is expected to increase by 6% in Apr, down from +6.5% in Mar. The monthly core CPI is expected to increase by +0.4% in Apr versus +0.3% in Mar.
Central bank speeches will come into focus over the next few weeks. We are watching for: US signaling on a change in the pace/size of rate increases (also a function of the inflation result) and ECB signaling on the path of rates.
This week, the US Treasury will auction and settle approx. $182bn in ST Bills with a further -$36bn paydown.
The US Treasury will auction $103bn in 3yr and 10yr Notes and the 30yr Bond this week which will settle next week.
Approx. $18bn in ST Bills will mature on the Fed balance sheet this week and will be rolled over.
More detail (including a calendar of key data releases) is provided in the briefing document – download the pdf below:
Comments and feedback are welcome. Please email me at kim.mofardin@marscapitalpartners.net
by Kim | May 2, 2022
Key events for the week ahead – FOMC, BoE, and RBA meetings, US non-farm payrolls, and ongoing geopolitical risk
Recap from last week
US Q1 real GDP surprised to the downside due to a notable contraction in net exports. US goods exports declined while import demand remained elevated for the quarter. This more than offset the faster growth in personal consumption and investment expenditure. Inventories and government expenditures both detracted from growth. US PCE inflation accelerated to +6.6% in Mar, up from +6.4% in Feb with monthly inflation increasing to +0.87%. Core PCE inflation remained high at +5.2% but lower than the +5.3% print in Feb, as we start to cycle over the higher base from a year ago. Monthly core PCE price growth remained at +0.3%.
Aussie inflation was higher than expected. CPI growth in Q1 was +5.1% (prior was +3.5%). Inflation was broadly based. The headline and core measures are now above the RBA’s upper band of 3%.
The Euro-area prelim GDP growth for Q1 remained muted, but positive at +0.2%. At the same time, Euro-area inflation increased by +7.5% in Apr, up from +7.4% in Mar. Monthly CPI growth eased to +0.6% as energy prices declined by -3.7%. This illustrates the lower growth and high inflation policy challenge for the ECB.
The BoJ remained firmly dovish. It announced it would step in to buy 10yr JGBs “every business day” at 0.25% to support the zero-target rate. Inflation is still below 2% and risks to growth are to the downside. This is a firm stake in the ground from the BoJ and its forecasts show that an easing bias is not likely over the medium term.
Chinese PMIs recorded a sharp contraction in both manufacturing and services activity for Apr as a strict zero-covid policy is still in place. This is expected to have a further impact on global supply chains and poses a risk to growth for many countries.
The week ahead
This is another week of significant central bank meetings and data for markets to digest.
The FOMC is expected to raise rates by 50bps this week and announce the details of QT. We’ll be looking for guidance on the path to the ‘neutral’ rate at subsequent meetings and views on the tightening in financial conditions, the expected slowdown in inflation, and the growth outlook. The US Treasury will also release its quarterly refunding requirements on 4 May.
US non-farm payrolls are expected to increase by +380k in Apr. Participation is expected to be unchanged while the unemployment rate is expected to fall to 3.5%. The ISM PMIs for Apr are expected to show slightly faster growth momentum than in Mar.
The RBA will meet on policy this week. Given the higher-than-expected CPI and the strong labour market, the RBA Board is expected to increase rates by 15bps this week (some estimates indicate 40bps). But note that the RBA has been hesitant (in the past) to make a major policy change in front of a federal election (which will be 21 May). The Board only just changed its forward guidance (removing “can afford to be patient”) at the last meeting and indicated that it would look at data “over the coming months”, which may include another quarter of the consumer and wage price index.
BoE will meet this week and a further 25bps increase is expected.
Final global PMIs for Apr will be released this week. The prelim reports had highlighted a continued record pace of input and/or output price growth across most countries in Apr.
This week, the US Treasury will auction and settle approx. $363bn in ST Bills, Notes, Bonds, and FRNs, with another -$7bn paydown.
Approx. $47bn in ST Bills, Notes, Bonds, and FRNs will mature on the Fed balance sheet this week and will be rolled over.
More detail (including a calendar of key data releases) is provided in the briefing document – download the pdf below:
Comments and feedback are welcome. Please email me at kim.mofardin@marscapitalpartners.net
by Kim | Apr 25, 2022
Key themes for the week ahead – Inflation and growth data, BoJ meeting, and ongoing geopolitical risk
Recap from last week
Last week, US Fed Chair Powell indicated that a 50bps increase will be on the table for the May meeting. Other speeches by Fed officials last week supported the view of a faster move up to the ‘neutral’ rate. US Fed officials are now in the blackout period ahead of the FOMC meeting next week 3-4 May.
The RBA minutes provided insight behind the guidance shift at the Apr meeting. Rising inflation pressure, high uncertainty about wages growth amid a tight domestic labour market, and rates moving higher globally – “these developments have brought forward the likely timing of the first increase in interest rates”. Inflation is expected to increase over the coming quarters. Aus CPI for Q1 is out this week and annual CPI growth is expected to accelerate to +4.6% from +3.5% in Q4. Core inflation is expected to increase to +3.4% from +2.6%. A hike at the next RBA meeting (3 May) is possible, but the Board may be hesitant to make a major policy shift ahead of the Federal election on 21 May.
Prelim PMIs for Apr were mixed. The unifying theme remained the record, or near-record, high rates of input and output price growth. Escalating costs and prices were cited as offsetting the positive impact of the reduction in covid restrictions. There was some indication that supply chains remain under pressure. In Aus, reduced covid restrictions contributed to faster growth across manufacturing and services. Momentum across manufacturing and services in Japan remained lacklustre. Eurozone services activity helped to offset a more notable slowdown in manufacturing output. Germany’s manufacturing output contracted sharply. US manufacturing activity increased while there was a more notable slowdown in services growth.
The week ahead
US growth and PCE inflation data are out this week ahead of the FOMC meeting next week. US GDP growth in Q1 is expected to slow to +1.1% (SAAR basis) from +6.9% in Q4. The headline PCE price index for Mar is expected to be little changed from +6.4% in Feb. Core PCE inflation is expected to ease slightly to +5.3% in Mar from +5.4% in Feb.
The BoJ meets on policy this week and settings are expected to remain unchanged. The BoJ continues to reaffirm its commitment to accommodative policy and remains an outlier among global central banks that are shifting to a tightening stance. Japanese CPI last week was in line with expectations on headline inflation +1.2% and core inflation +0.8%.
Eurozone Q1 GDP and the prelim inflation data for Apr are out this week. Euro area GDP is expected to increase by +0.3% in Q1 (from +0.3% in Q4). Annual GDP growth is expected to increase to +5.1% versus +4.6% in Q4. The prelim Euro area CPI for Apr is expected to increase to +7.5% from +7.4% in Mar. The monthly inflation rate is expected to ‘ease’ to +1.8% from +2.5% in Mar. ECB President Lagarde is scheduled to speak this week.
BoC Governor Macklem is scheduled to provide a statement to the Canadian parliament.
China PMIs for Apr is expected at the end of the week, amid extended Covid lockdowns.
This week, the US Treasury will auction and settle approx. $211bn in ST Bills and 5yr TIPS, with a -$7bn paydown.
The US Treasury will also auction approx. $180bn in Notes and FRNs which will settle on 2 May.
Approx. $19bn in ST Bills will mature on the Fed balance sheet this week and will be rolled over.
More detail (including a calendar of key data releases) is provided in the briefing document – download the pdf below:
Comments and feedback are welcome. Please email me at kim.mofardin@marscapitalpartners.net
