Markets Turn Focus on US Jobs Data this Week

ETFSeCurities Markets Turn Focus on US Jobs Data this WeekMarkets Turn Focus on US Jobs Data this Week

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly Markets Turn Focus on US Jobs Data this Week

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Highlights

Carbon rallies on hopes of reform to emissions trading scheme.
European stocks advance following the launch of QE.
US jobs in focus for USD after GDP disappoints.

The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee sent a mixed message, acknowledging the softness in prices while pointing to strength in economic expansion and jobs. US Dollar appreciated, focusing on the implications of economic strengthening on the likelihood of a rate rise. The optimism in economic activity may sit at odds with the slightly disappointing GDP figures released later last week and this week’s jobs numbers could drive a reversal in Dollar strength if they prove to be disappointing.

Commodities

Carbon rallies on hopes of reform to emissions trading scheme. Carbon rose 4.1% after proposals to amend the EU carbon trading scheme were rejected by the European parliament. The failure of the reforms creates an opportunity for the implementation of more ambitious changes which would take affect sooner relieving the current glut of carbon credits. In the agricultural space the price of soybean oil plunged 7.6% as US regulators approved a request for Argentinian biofuel makers to export to the US market. This created fears that the US market would be awash with supply from its South American counterparts. During the week, exchange traded sugar prices fell 6.7% following signals that Indian authorities would launch a production subsidy for raw sugar. The subsidy would make it economically viable for sugar mills in India to begin exporting onto global markets before international competitors like Brazil and Thailand begin to do so later in the year.

Equities

European stocks advance following the launch of QE. European stocks ended the week higher after experiencing higher volatility. European stock markets remain buoyed by the ECB announcement of QE but face uncertainty over developments in Greece and the approach of the newly elected left-wing Syriza government to international debt negotiations. The result was that the EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index increased by 3.3% during the week. Elsewhere, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) signaled, after its first meeting, that it is still on track to raise short term interest rates this year recognizing the solid pace of economic growth in the US. The prospect of higher US rates caused the gold price to drop 2.1% and in turn the DAXglobal® Gold Miners Index to fall 4%.

Currencies

US jobs in focus for USD after GDP disappoints. With the US Dollar continuing its surge higher against most major currencies last week, the risk of a correction increases, especially if the underlying economic data disappoints. The Fed broadly maintained its guidance about monetary policy, but if the weakening global situation begins to have a bigger impact on the domestic US economy, that could all change quickly. To that end, the key releases for the USD this week are ISM manufacturing index and the jobs data on Friday and if they disappoint as the Q4 GDP data did then there is likely to be a negative reaction from the USD. Markets will likely push back expectations for a rate hike, which is priced in for September currently. Both the Reserve Bank of Australia and Bank of England rate decisions are likely to take somewhat of a back seat to US economic releases, with the BOE expected to keep policy unchanged. Meanwhile the risk for the AUD is a rate cut as the economic recovery remains sluggish. Currently markets are indicating a 65% chance of a cut.

For more information contact:

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

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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.

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US Equities Outpace Eurozone, as USD Strength Hits Commodities (For Now)

US Equities Outpace Eurozone, as USD Strength Hits Commodities (For Now)

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly – US Equities Outpace Eurozone, as USD Strength Hits Commodities (For Now)

Highlights

  • Arabica coffee jumps over 14% in a week on supply fears.
  • US energy infrastructure continues to benefit from the surge in US oil supply.
  • US jobs confirm robust recovery and fuel further USD upside momentum.

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While negative sentiment towards commodities and global equities prevailed last week, stronger fundamentals helped to lift the US energy infrastructure sector and the US Dollar. The striking improvement in the US economy and labour market should be supportive of cyclical assets once investors return to focus on the positive underlying conditions. With US non-farm payrolls surprising the market on the upside last week, investors will be keeping a close eye on the FOMC minutes this week as the recent conservative tone of the Fed could change quickly if the economic rebound continues, keeping USD buoyant.

Commodities

Arabica coffee jumps over 14% in a week on supply fears. Brazil’s worst drought in decades saw Arabica coffee prices soaring 88% since the beginning of the year. Prices have been rising on the back of fears that continued dry weather in Brazil, the biggest producer, might negatively impact next year crop. However, exports continued to increase despite fears of 2015 tightness. Wheat also continued to rise last week, as elevated domestic prices for the grain in Russia rendered Russian supply non-competitive on the market. Russia is a major player in the wheat market, accounting for 10% of global wheat exports in 2013. Meanwhile, nickel lost over 7% last week, as LME stocks surged 37% this year. However, with Indonesia, the biggest producer, sticking to an ore export ban that has already reduced the expected surplus, the recent correction appears excessive.

Equities

US energy infrastructure continues to benefit from the surge in US oil supply. The Solactive US Energy Infrastructure MLP Index TR increased by 1.3% as US oil supply nears its level 30 years ago. Meanwhile, president Draghi indicated last Thursday that it will continue to keep policy supportive of the Eurozone economy, keeping interest rate low at 0.5%. The ECB meeting failed however to support European stocks, down for the second consecutive week on lower-than-expected manufacturing PMI for September, reinforcing growth worries in the region. Short European indices rose 6% on average over the past week while the EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index witnessed its highest weekly gain since February 2013, up 10.1% over the same period. In contrast, the MSCI China A Index posted gains for the second week in a row supported by better official manufacturing activity in September.

Currencies

US jobs confirm robust recovery and fuel further USD upside momentum. Better-than-expected US jobs highlighted the underlying strength of the labour market and the rising potential of household consumption. Indeed, the unemployment rate dropped below 6% for the first time in six years. While investors will be keeping a close eye on the FOMC minutes this week, the recent conservative tone of the Fed is likely to change quickly if the strength across the economy continues. The dual mandate of the Fed is being confirmed on the jobs front, and we expect inflationary expectations too begin to follow and to move the Fed onto a tightening path in H1 2015. Such expectations necessarily will be supportive of further broad based USD strength. Meanwhile, the UK growth momentum continues to fade. Bank of England policymakers are split on when to rate hikes, we expect the latest developments to help unify the Board, and keep downward pressure on GBP.

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.

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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.

Eurozone and UK Uncertainty Dampens Investor Sentiment

Eurozone and UK Uncertainty Dampens Investor Sentiment

Eurozone and UK Uncertainty Dampens Investor Sentiment ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly

Highlights

Coffee remains volatile ahead of Brazilian state estimates of this year’s crop.

European stocks drop as Russian sanctions and Scottish vote unnerve investors.

Commodity currencies under pressure as FX volatility rises.

Cyclical commodities and European equities fell last week as investors refrained from taking on big bets ahead of the Scottish referendum or the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week. Meanwhile the EU’s tightening of sanctions against Russia last Friday is likely to consolidate the risk-averse behavior investors have been displaying lately. A batch of weaker-than-expected data from China also dented global sentiment, although Chinese stocks appear to have shrugged of the news with the MSCI China A index posting gains last week.

Commodities

Coffee remains volatile ahead of Brazilian state estimates of this year’s crop. Coffee fell 8.4%, wiping out the past month’s excessive gains. As the Brazilian coffee harvest comes closer to an end, prices have been sent into a volatile spin as speculators guess the impact of this year’s drought on the crop. A report by CONAB, Brazil’s National Supply Company this week should give investors a better forecast of the progress of this year’s harvest. The USDA released its World Agricultural Demand and Supply report which was bullish on cotton and bearish on wheat. Cotton prices jumped 4.0%, while wheat fell 3.9%. Lean hogs and livestock also rose 2.7% and 1.1% respectively as the same report projected lower pork and beef production. Zinc, nickel and lead fell 5.7%, 5.1% and 4.9%, respectively, as a batch of weak Chinese data hurt sentiment toward the cyclical metals. At the same time the probability of the Philippines following Indonesia’s example in banning ore exports has lessened, reducing some of the premium in these metals.

Equities

European stocks drop as Russian sanctions and Scottish vote unnerve investors. Investor sentiment has been buffeted by increased uncertainty over the potential outcome of the Scottish independence vote, alongside concerns over geopolitical risks affecting growth. The ‘Better Together’ campaign appears to have recovered after the previous week pro-independence push, but uncertainty ahead of the Thursday’s vote has been weighing on European equities. The FTSE 100® Super Short Strategy Index closed the week up 2.2% – the first time since beginning of August. While the price of gold slipped for the second consecutive week ahead of the Federal Reserve’s meeting as the USD strengthened, the EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index surged 8.2%, the largest weekly gain over the past year. Meanwhile, the MSCI China A Index shrugged off weaker Chinese economic data, posting an 1% gain last week

Currencies

Commodity currencies under pressure as FX volatility rises. Rising volatility has been supportive of USD with commodity currencies recording weakness alongside the price declines experienced across a broad range of commodities. The key risk that could hamper further USD strength this week will be any dovish rhetoric from the Fed after the weaker-than-expected jobs report. Meanwhile the GBP will remain in focus with the Scottish election appearing to be a closely run event. While we expect GBP to rebound if the ‘No’ campaign against independence wins out, we feel that this would present an opportunity to sell into such rally and remain bearish on the Pound against the USD. The other key event this week will be the extent of the take up of the introduction of the ECB’s latest stimulus, the TLTRO. The ECB remains committed to increasing its support to the Eurozone economy and we expect further Euro weakness as the ECB’s balance sheet begins to balloon.

To read the complete report, please click here.

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.

TAARSS says EM, Asia, China, HK, US Large Cap, and US Treasuries

TAARSS says EM, Asia, China, HK, US Large Cap, and US Treasuries

Deutsche Bank – Synthetic Equity & Index Strategy – Global

The Flow Whisperer – TAARSS says EM, Asia, China, HK, US Large Cap, and US Treasuries

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Tactical Asset Allocation Relative Strength Signal (TAARSS) Monthly Update

We highlight: HK, China, US Treasury, Energy Cmdty, EM on the strong side; and Agribusiness, France, Italy, Utilities, and Europe on the weak side.

Market review

Global equities (ACWI) and US bonds (AGG) recorded gains of 2.58% and 1.15% during August, respectively. In the meantime, Commodities (DBC) experienced another month of weakness posting a loss of 1.15% last month.

TAARSS rotation strategy monthly performance review

TAARSS rotation strategies were mostly positive for the previous month; with most strategies outperforming their benchmarks. Within equities, the US (3.95%), US Mid Caps (5.06%), Latin America (8.59%), and Switzerland (2.53%) were the strongest performers per strategy; while Gold (0.38%) and Convertibles (3.24%) were the top categories within commodities and fixed income, respectively during the month of August.

Tactical positioning for September 2014

For the month of September, TAARSS equity positioning indicates a preference for Large Caps within the US and away from mid & small caps, Asia Pacific and Latin America among regions away from Europe, EM for market allocations, and Hong Kong for DM countries and away from France and Italy. In terms of fixed income sectors, TAARSS favors US Treasuries while steering away from EM Debt and Senior Loans; moreover Energy saw a very strong signal within the commodity rotation. Within non-rotation equity signals (US sectors and industries, EM countries, and equity themes), we highlight strong trends in International Real Estate, EM Asia (China, South Korea, and India), Latam (Brazil and Mexico), Russia, and domestic cyclicals (e.g. Cons. Discretionary and Transportation); while Utilities and Agribusiness are among the weakest ones.