Etikett: AUD

Commodity bounce supports Aussie

ETF Securities Commodity bounce supports AussieCommodity bounce supports Aussie

Market Insight – Foreign Exchange – Commodity bounce supports Aussie

11th March 2016

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AUD rebounds

On January 18th, concerns over Chinese growth prospects and weakening terms of trade pushed the AUD/USD exchange rate to the lowest level in approximately seven years (30th March 2009). Since 2012, the Australian currency has experienced a relentless decline as the nation’s primary commodity exports of iron ore and coal have suffered from the moderation of Chinese industrial demand. However, in the past two weeks commodity prices and risk sentiment have rebounded from what appears to have been a floor and have supported a 5.8%* appreciation of the AUD on a trade weighted basis (see Figure 1). Recent readings of Australian growth, headline inflation and consumer sentiment have also highlighted the success of existing monetary easing measures and the resilience of the Australian economy in the face of an ailing natural resource sector, contributing further to the AUD’s recent strength. In the coming month, momentum from rising commodity prices and positive risk sentiment is likely to persist, offering further support for the AUD against its major currency counterparts.

Figure 1

(click to enlarge)

Inflation and growth impress

Prospects for the Australian economy look less gloomy following a recent slew of positive data. The latest growth numbers show that during the three months to December, the Australian economy grew by 3%* (on an annualised basis) and inflation rose to 1.7% (Figure 2). Both results surpassed analyst expectations and reflect the success of recent easing measures in mitigating the impact of falling investment and revenue from the nation’s vast mining sector. While in the longer term the economy still faces challenges, in the near term the backdrop looks strong enough to support a continuation of the recent AUD rally.

Figure 2

(click to enlarge)

More easing unlikely in the near term

While the market is currently pricing in further monetary easing this year, it is unlikely that any action will be taken by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) at its April monetary policy meeting. A statement from Glenn Stevens, the RBA governor, made during the last monetary policy meeting explicitly stated that the likely catalyst of any additional easing of monetary policy is “continued low inflation”. With Q1 ‘16 inflation data not due until the 27th April, it is unlikely that the RBA will implement further measures before its meeting in May.

Short positioning to unwind further

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) data shows that since mid-February, net speculative AUD positioning turned positive for the first time since September 2014 (see Figure 3). This move has been driven primarily by an increase in speculative longs to multi-year highs and also in part by a fall in speculative shorts. However, speculative shorts remain elevated by historical standards and further unwinding of short positions could support further upside to the AUD against the US Dollar.

Figure 3

(click to enlarge)

Important Information

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”).

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

Market Madness Abates

Market Madness Abates

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly – Market Madness Abates

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Highlights

Commodities: China concerns overdone. The market clearly over-extrapolated the consequences of the Chinese equity market rout.

When China catches a cold…. Global markets initially reeled as Chinese equities plunged again.

Currencies: Volatile asset performance pushes rate expectations out further.

A volatile week saw the VIX rise over 40, an occasion last seen during the US federal debt ceiling impasse and European financial woes of 2011. The price of many cyclical assets fell sharply before rising once again. Unusual for the summer, the sharp declines in price were accompanied by high trading volumes, indicating that algorithmic trades were driving much of the action. Void of any fundamentals driving the decline, most assets recovered a significant portion of their losses, with some cyclical assets like oil, copper and US equities (S&P 500) ending the week higher.

Commodities

China concerns overdone. The market clearly over-extrapolated the consequences of the Chinese equity market rout. Falling Chinese equity prices themselves are unlikely to impact the real economy in any significant way and therefore will have minimal impact on the country’s demand for raw materials. However, the spill-over effects of lower interest rates and liquidity injections could help commodity demand. After sharp declines in the first half of the week, industrial metal prices started to recover. Copper ended the week higher. Over the past three sessions, oil has rebounded 27%, driven by indications that OPEC may cut production, below-expectations US oil inventories and a downward revision in US oil production. Sugar gained 4.1% last week with a strengthening El Niño driving a poor monsoon in India. In the week to 26th August rainfall was 37% below normal, 12% below normal for the season as a whole.

Equities

When China catches a cold…. Global markets initially reeled as Chinese equities plunged again. Historically, Chinese and developed market equities have had a very low correlation and so last week’s moves were curious. By the end of the week, most developed markets recovered their losses. Last week’s rise in US equity market volatility was unmatched since 2011 when talk of a sovereign default was the only motivator to get the country’s debt ceiling extended. Chinese equities, the epicentre of last week’s saga, failed to recover. The MSCI China A-Share index fell 8.5% despite a cut in interest rates, a reduction in the reserve requirement ratio and further liquidity injections by the authorities. Excessive support for the equity market is distortionary and could hurt long-term performance. It would be better for the authorities to endure short-term volatility to pave the way for a more robust growth path.

Currencies

Volatile asset performance pushes rate expectations out further. The probability of a rate hike in September fell further according to Fed Fund futures rates. While St. Louis Fed President James Bullard tried to distance the volatile asset markets from strong US fundamentals, William Dudley, New York Fed President conceded that the case to raise rates in September was less compelling. The US dollar has depreciated as the rate differentials narrowed. The Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar took the brunt of the pain from volatile commodity markets. Barring a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia this week, the AUD should recover alongside underlying commodities. Haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc appreciated amidst the market chaos, although gold failed to hold up gains seen in previous weeks. The ECB policy meeting and US payrolls data will remain the focus of the FX markets this week.

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E  info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”).

Investments may go up or down in value and you may lose some or all of the amount invested.  Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. You should consult an independent investment adviser prior to making any investment in order to determine its suitability to your circumstances.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FSA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.  No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

Other than as set out above, investors may contact ETFS UK at +44 (0)20 7448 4330 or at retail@etfsecurities.com to obtain copies of prospectuses and related regulatory documentation, including annual reports. Other than as separately indicated, this communication is being made on a ”private placement” basis and is intended solely for the professional / institutional recipient to which it is delivered.

Third Parties

Securities issued by each of the Issuers are direct, limited recourse obligations of the relevant Issuer alone and are not obligations of or guaranteed by any of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG any of their affiliates or anyone else or any of their affiliates. Each of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Deutsche Bank AG disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might have in respect of this document or its contents otherwise arising in connection herewith.

”Dow Jones,” ”UBS”, DJ-UBS CISM,”, ”DJ-UBS CI-F3SM,” and any related indices or sub-indices are service marks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (”Dow Jones”), CME Group Index Services LLC (”CME Indexes”), UBS AG (”UBS”) or UBS Securities LLC (”UBS Securities”), as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by the Issuer. The securities issued by CSL although based on components of the Dow Jones UBS Commodity Index 3 month ForwardSM are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, and none of Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product.

New Chinese FX reforms prompts caution across asset classes

New Chinese FX reforms prompts caution across asset classes

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly – New Chinese FX reforms prompts caution across asset classes

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Highlights


•    Precious metals rally as industrial commodities slide on negative Chinese sentiment.
•    European stocks sell-off as China reforms hit luxury goods and auto sectors.
•    Chinese Renminbi devalued by nearly 5% as new reforms implemented.

The decision by the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) to devalue its currency by a cumulative 5% last week, the most on record, and to change its fixing methodology for CNY caused a negative reaction across asset classes. Investors became more defensive, reducing positions in cyclical assets. Commodity sectors exposed to China, like energy and industrial metals, saw prices slide in a knee-jerk reaction as a result. USD weakness helped commodity markets rebound, as expectations of an interest rate hike began to be pushed further back in 2015. Many commodity prices initially declined by more than the change in the CNY/USD rate, indicating a sentiment driven change rather than a fundamental one.

Commodities

Precious metals rally as industrial commodities slide on negative Chinese sentiment. WTI and Brent crude oil benchmarks fell 5.47% and 2.47%, respectively reaching the lowest level in over six years, with the devaluation of the CNY thought by many investors to be a signal of declining future demand. Significant negative sentiment over the outlook for Chinese economic growth appears to be priced in to a range of commodity markets, particularly energy and industrial metals sectors. We expect the commodity price weakness to largely transitory many prices initially declining by more (in USD terms) than the devaluation of the CNY/USD rate, indicating a sentiment driven change rather than a fundamental one. Gold and silver were the largest beneficiaries of the China FX decision, as some risk aversion took hold as investor sentiment waned.

Equities

European stocks sell-off as China reforms hit luxury goods and auto sectors. European equity benchmarks posted losses early in the trading week, in line with other major global bourses, as investors digested the potentially negative implications of a weaker Renminbi for the Chinese economy. Sectors like materials, luxury goods and autos were some of the worst affected. The surprisingly weaker Q2 GDP numbers from Germany and France also adversely affected investor sentiment. In contrast, the Chinese sharemarkets didn’t overreact to the news as many other bourses did, posting gains for the week, despite weaker-than expected numbers on industrial production and retail sales.

Currencies

Chinese Renminbi devalued by nearly 5% as new reforms implemented. The significant policy change was to set the new Renminbi fixing rate at the previous day’s closing spot CNY rate. The PBOC’s move allows greater exchange rate flexibility and transparency of CNY pricing in its ongoing reform of the Renminbi and was not intended to be a ‘currency war’. We feel it shows progress towards a more market determined rate and is beneficial for its IMF SDR aspirations despite the IMF noting that the Chinese policy change has ‘no direct implications’ for its SDR review. Both the AUD and NZD lost ground on the markets expectations of more expensive exports to China crimping demand. Further softness from these two currencies is expected, with their respective central banks maintaining their easing biases. Meanwhile, the Swedish Krone was the strongest G10 performing G10 currency, after CPI numbers surprised to the upside which could keep the Riksbank from cutting rates at its next meeting.

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E  info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”).

Investments may go up or down in value and you may lose some or all of the amount invested.  Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. You should consult an independent investment adviser prior to making any investment in order to determine its suitability to your circumstances.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FSA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.  No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

Other than as set out above, investors may contact ETFS UK at +44 (0)20 7448 4330 or at retail@etfsecurities.com to obtain copies of prospectuses and related regulatory documentation, including annual reports. Other than as separately indicated, this communication is being made on a ”private placement” basis and is intended solely for the professional / institutional recipient to which it is delivered.

Third Parties

Securities issued by each of the Issuers are direct, limited recourse obligations of the relevant Issuer alone and are not obligations of or guaranteed by any of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG any of their affiliates or anyone else or any of their affiliates. Each of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Deutsche Bank AG disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might have in respect of this document or its contents otherwise arising in connection herewith.

”Dow Jones,” ”UBS”, DJ-UBS CISM,”, ”DJ-UBS CI-F3SM,” and any related indices or sub-indices are service marks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (”Dow Jones”), CME Group Index Services LLC (”CME Indexes”), UBS AG (”UBS”) or UBS Securities LLC (”UBS Securities”), as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by the Issuer. The securities issued by CSL although based on components of the Dow Jones UBS Commodity Index 3 month ForwardSM are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, and none of Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product.

Risk Off to Risk On

Risk Off to Risk On

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly – Risk Off to Risk On

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Highlights

Historic accord on Iran deal paves way for lower oil prices.

Positive Chinese data, Q2 earnings and central bank meetings help fuel equity rally.

Declining commodity currencies underscore growth path divergence within major developed economies.

With Greece’s survival in the EU extended, and Greek banks partially opening today cyclical assets rallied. However, banking restrictions remain after being shut for three weeks and the ECB has injected €900m worth of fresh liquidity taking the country’s emergency liquidity assistance to €89.9bn. With Grexit fears easing and the US ready to raise rates later this year, gold has fallen out of favour and its price fell sharply today. However we believe that rate rises will be gradual and are more than priced-in to gold already and we are clearly not out of the woods on the Greek saga.

Commodities

Historic accord on Iran deal paves way for lower oil prices. The landmark deal of the six world powers with Iran to ease nearly a decade of sanctions in exchange for restricted nuclear enrichment activity is expected to apply further downward pressure to the price of oil. The International Energy Agency has said that Iran has at least 17m barrels of crude oil stored at sea ready to be shipped to an already oversupplied global market. In addition Saudi Arabia reported its crude oil production hit a record 10.6m barrels a day in OPEC’s latest monthly oil report. Meanwhile, US Crude stockpiles remain almost 100m barrels above the five-year average for this time of the year according to U.S. Energy Information Administration. We believe that after an initial correction, high cost oil producers will cut back on production paving the way for price increases in the future.

Equities

Positive Chinese data, Q2 earnings and central bank meetings help fuel equity rally. China dominated the data landscape with better-than-expected annual GDP (7% vs consensus expectations of 6.8%), industrial production (6.8% vs 6%) and retail sales (10.6% vs 10.2%) figures. Although viewed with skepticism, the releases helped reverse some of the losses on major global equity bourses. The Q2 earnings season added further momentum as 60% and 70% of the companies that reported earnings so far beat estimates in Europe and US, respectively. Central bank comments in the US and UK echoed the possibility for a rate rise on the back of improving economic data. While in Europe ECB president Draghi confirmed the asset purchase program was proceeding smoothly and helped allay investor concerns over Greece’s exit.

Currencies

Declining commodity currencies underscore growth path divergence within major developed economies. The Canadian dollar declined nearly 2.5 per cent against its US counterpart on the back of rate cut by the Bank of Canada and downward revisions in its growth forecasts. The Pound advanced to its highest level against the Euro since 2008 although there was no change in policy underlined in this week’s Bank of England monetary policy meeting except the Bank of England governor Mark Carney’s warning of a possible rate rise to reflect economic momentum. Looking ahead weaker dairy prices and lower CPI reading in June lead us to expect a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand by 25bps to 3.00% this week. Antipodean currencies, AUD &NZD, are likely to remain under pressure as long as negative sentiment pervades the outlook for China.

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E  info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”).

Investments may go up or down in value and you may lose some or all of the amount invested.  Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. You should consult an independent investment adviser prior to making any investment in order to determine its suitability to your circumstances.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FSA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.  No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

Other than as set out above, investors may contact ETFS UK at +44 (0)20 7448 4330 or at retail@etfsecurities.com to obtain copies of prospectuses and related regulatory documentation, including annual reports. Other than as separately indicated, this communication is being made on a ”private placement” basis and is intended solely for the professional / institutional recipient to which it is delivered.

Third Parties

Securities issued by each of the Issuers are direct, limited recourse obligations of the relevant Issuer alone and are not obligations of or guaranteed by any of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG any of their affiliates or anyone else or any of their affiliates. Each of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Deutsche Bank AG disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might have in respect of this document or its contents otherwise arising in connection herewith.

”Dow Jones,” ”UBS”, DJ-UBS CISM,”, ”DJ-UBS CI-F3SM,” and any related indices or sub-indices are service marks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (”Dow Jones”), CME Group Index Services LLC (”CME Indexes”), UBS AG (”UBS”) or UBS Securities LLC (”UBS Securities”), as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by the Issuer. The securities issued by CSL although based on components of the Dow Jones UBS Commodity Index 3 month ForwardSM are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, and none of Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product.

Commodity Currencies Come Under Pressure

Commodity Currencies Come Under Pressure

Trade Idea – Foreign Exchange Commodity Currencies Come Under Pressure

Pausing for a minute to reflect on something else apart from the Greek drama there are some interesting opportunities outside the EUR. Please find below some comments on the Commodity currencies (AUD, CAD, NOK and NZD) which are likely to face headwinds in coming months. Pressure is likely to come from a temporary downside correction in oil prices and further easing of monetary conditions by central banks. We believe in the longer term, there is upside to the CAD and NOK unlike AUD and NZD where we believe rates will remain depressed (see: Outlook Q3-15: What Happens When Fundamentals Reassert Over Sentiment).

Oil Prices to Push CAD & NOK Lower

Commodity Currencies Look Set to Fall

Commodity currencies (AUD, CAD, NOK and NZD) are likely to face headwinds in coming months. Pressure is likely to come from a temporary downside correction in oil prices and further easing of monetary conditions by central banks. We believe in the longer term, there is upside to the CAD and NOK unlike AUD and NZD where we believe rates will remain depressed (see: Outlook Q3-15: What Happens When Fundamentals Reassert Over Sentiment).

CAD & NOK – Oil Price Influence

Last year’s decline in oil prices has yet to dent global oil production. OPEC has kept production stubbornly high in effort to maintain market share, while US shale producers have managed to exploit efficiency gains in order to maintain output levels. The market has taken confidence from the first sign of strength in oil demand and still anticipates production cuts, which in the last few months, have kept oil prices well supported in the US$65-60 range.

Oil Prices to Push CAD & NOK Lower

We believe the rebound in oil prices in the early part of the year was slightly premature and could partially undermine rebalancing in the global oil market. As such we forecast global oil production remaining strong into next year, which is when the impact of announced capital expenditure cuts is likely to stem oil production from conventional sources. This should see oil prices fall further in the short term only to rally in the early part of next year.

In the last few days the Greek debt crisis and negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program has prompted a retraction in oil prices. Investors are expressing concern over the potential impact on oil demand from an increasingly likely “Grexit” scenario and the introduction of Iranian crude onto global markets. Despite the yesterday’s price drop, we still see risks skewed to the downside for crude prices, creating a good opportunity to go tactically short both the CAD and NOK. Lower oil prices are likely to exacerbate growth concerns in both Canada and Norway and could prompt further currency depreciation, particularly against the US Dollar.

The AUD and NZD have both recently depreciated as both nations have witnessed the price of their primary commodity exports decline. In Australia, weak sentiment towards Chinese growth prospects and oversupply has caused the price of coal and iron ore to crumble. Similarly, in New Zealand excess global production and subdued demand has seen dairy prices collapse.

In response, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) have cut benchmark interest rates in an attempt to buoy growth and stabilise falling inflation. Furthermore, in most recent media statements, both institutions have highlighted the importance of further currency devaluation in supporting economic objectives. Thus, we believe that further interest rate cuts could be in store, which makes the medium term outlook for both the AUD and NZD bearish. Given this outlook, we believe investors would likely benefit from acquiring short exposure to both AUD and NZD.

Commodity Export Prices Have Plunged

Investors wishing to express the investment views outlined above may consider using the following ETF Securities ETPs:

Currency ETPs
EUR Base

ETFS Long AUD Short EUR (EUAU)
ETFS Short AUD Long EUR (AUEU)
ETFS Long CAD Short EUR (ECAD)
ETFS Short CAD Long EUR (CADE)
ETFS Long NOK Short EUR (EUNO)
ETFS Short NOK Long EUR (NOEU)
ETFS Long NZD Short EUR (EUNZ)
ETFS Short NZD Long EUR (NZEU)

GBP Base

ETFS Long AUD Short GBP (GBAU)
ETFS Short AUD Long GBP (AUGB)
ETFS Long CAD Short GBP (GBCA)
ETFS Short CAD Long GBP (CAGB)
ETFS Long NOK Short GBP (GBNO)
ETFS Short NOK Long GBP (NOGB)
ETFS Long NZD Short GBP (GBNZ)
ETFS Short NZD Long GBP (NZGB)

USD Base

ETFS Long AUD Short USD (LAUD)
ETFS Short AUD Long USD (SAUD)
ETFS Long CAD Short USD (LCAD)
ETFS Short CAD Long USD (SCAD)
ETFS Long NOK Short USD (LNOK)
ETFS Short NOK Long USD (SNOK)
ETFS Long NZD Short USD (LNZD)
ETFS Short NZD Long USD (SNZD)

3x

ETFS 3x Long AUD Short EUR (EAU3)
ETFS 3x Short AUD Long EUR (AUE3)
ETFS 3x Long CAD Short EUR (ECA3)
ETFS 3x Short CAD Long EUR (CAE3)
ETFS3x Long AUD Short GBP (AUP3)
ETFS 3x Short AUD Long GBP (SAP3)
ETFS 3x Long AUD Short USD (LAU3)
ETFS 3x Short AUD Long USD (SAU3)

5x

ETFS 5x Long AUD Short EUR (EAU5)
ETFS 5x Short AUD Long EUR (AUE5)
ETFS 5x Long CAD Short EUR (ECA5)
ETFS 5x Short CAD Long EUR (CAE5)

Currency Baskets

ETFS Bullish USD vs Commodity Currency Basket Securities (SCOM)
ETFS Bearish USD vs Commodity Currency Basket Securities (LCOM)

The complete ETF Securities product list can be found here.

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