Etikett: Eurozone

Investor Sentiment Dulled as USD Gains Momentum

Investor Sentiment Dulled as USD Gains MomentumInvestor Sentiment Dulled as USD Gains Momentum

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly Investor Sentiment Dulled as USD Gains Momentum

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Highlights

OPEC in focus, but production cuts unlikely.

European equities stutter despite Greek payment deferral.

USD rebounds as Euro crisis lingers ahead of the ECB meeting.

Drawn out negotiations over Greek finances and the potential for contagion of a Eurozone exit has dulled investor sentiment, in turn weighing on European equity. Volatility remains the focus for Chinese equities as concern over inflated valuations prompted a sharp sell-off, offsetting optimism of further stimulus from policymakers. Meanwhile, US policymakers have put rate hikes back on the agenda, and the stronger US Dollar has responded. Ahead of jobs numbers this week, we expect further USD gains. At the margin the rising USD is likely to continue to weigh on commodity markets, but a key focus will be the OPEC meeting.

Commodities

OPEC in focus, but production cuts unlikely. The premature gains in oil prices that we had seen since March 2015 started to unravel last week with WTI and Brent falling 5% and 6% respectively. A firmer US dollar had weighed on all commodities. With rig counts stabilizing, it appears that US shale producers have little incentive to tighten supply at current prices. Added to that is a growing consensus that OPEC will not cut production at its June 5th meeting. Industrial metals have shrugged off concern over softening Chinese economy, and the stronger US dollar, as supply side issues are expected to lead to shortages in a variety of metal markets in 2015. Zinc and nickel in particular should remain well supported in coming months.
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Equities

European equities stutter despite Greek payment deferral. The threat of a Greek default is hanging like Damocles sword above European equity markets. The June 5th payment deferral has given Greece some breathing space, but until there is clarity over whether Greece will stay in the Eurozone, equity benchmarks will struggle to progress. Another Greek bailout remains critical, but an agreement seems some way off after IMF chief Lagarde indicated that a Grexit remains a possibility. Meanwhile, Chinese equities lost ground as investors responded to increased margin requirements and the central bank draining excess liquidity from money markets. Chinese equity markets have been trading in a volatile manner and we expect that is unlikely to disappear in the near term, until investors see a more stable underlying economic environment. Softer economic numbers are likely to keep Chinese policymakers firmly in stimulus mode and both the Reserve Requirement Ratio and official rates could be lowered in coming months, alongside announcements surrounding additional infrastructure programs.

Currencies

USD rebounds as Euro crisis lingers ahead of the ECB meeting. Recent indications from the US Fed have put the potential for rate hikes firmly on the agenda. While Q1 US growth disappointed, a host of temporary factors, like weather and port strikes had a significant impact. Going forward, this week’s US jobs data is likely to show continued improvement in the US labour market, a key indicator that the US Fed is looking at to give it justification for tighter policy. We expect that the USD will continue to gain momentum as rising rates are quickly factored in. With growth in other developed markets, like the Eurozone and Japan struggling to gain a foothold, the risk is for further currency declines as the central banks continue to flood markets with liquidity. The ECB will also give its view on the outlook at its meeting 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.

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Geopolitical Risks in Focus

Geopolitical Risks in Focus

ETF Securities Commodity ETP Weekly Geopolitical Risks in Focus

Dovish outlook causes gold bears to trim exposure.

Profit taking prompts ETFS Physical Silver (PHAG) outflows after 7.9% weekly rally.

Long WTI ETPs witness first weekly outflows in six months.

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Conflict in Yemen, Iranian nuclear talks and Greek debt negotiations will mean geopolitical risks are likely to dominate headlines and keep investor risk appetite subdued. As a result, asset price volatility will remain elevated, as illustrated last week by the impact of Saudi Arabia’s military actions, which sent the price of crude soaring. Towards the end of the week, investor attention will turn to US payroll data due, hoping to gain a better indication of the pace of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

Dovish outlook causes gold bears to trim exposure. Fed chair Yellen’s speech last week highlighted the gradual nature of the tightening cycle when it begins later in 2015. This has kept the US Dollar relatively subdued and precious metals prices supported as rate hike expectations continued to be pushed back – a process that began after the latest FOMC meeting. The gold price ended the week up 3.2% at US$1,199/oz, just below the important US$1,200/oz psychological level. The rally prompted US$109mn to exit ETFS Daily Short Gold (SBUL) as positive sentiment caused investors to reduce short gold exposure. Gold is likely to be supported by rising volatility in coming months, as investors dissect economic indicators to discern the start of the tightening cycle – currently expected at the September FOMC meeting.

Profit taking prompts ETFS Physical Silver (PHAG) outflows after 7.9% weekly rally. Silver followed gold higher last week as geopolitical concerns coupled with a relatively dovish tone from the US Federal Reserve about the pace and timing of rate hikes, boosted the demand for precious metals. Precious metals typically become an attractive alternative during periods of low interest rates and any perceived delays to rate normalisation in the US will act as a bullish factor for the complex. PHAG saw a net weekly redemption of US$7mn following the price rally, as investors locked in profits. This year silver has performed well rising 7.3% and has attracted of inflows US$70.7mn into ETPs providing long exposure.

Long WTI ETPs witness first weekly outflows in six months. US crude rallied 17% last week encouraging profit taking by investors with long exposure. The rally, initially instigated by Dollar depreciation. was assisted by Saudi led airstrikes launched in Yemen against the Houthi rebels, after the internationally recognised Yemeni president made pleas for assistance. Although Yemen produces relatively little oil, the bombings raised fears that the conflict would escalate between oil rich Saudi Arabia and Iran, which is believed to have provided arms, training and financial support to rebel forces. Long WTI ETPs, until now, had experienced the longest streak of net weekly inflows (25) since inception as investors positioned themselves for a recovery in oil prices. Last week, a total of US$50.1mn exited long oil ETPs, including US$26mn from ETFS Daily Leveraged WTI Crude Oil (LOIL), the largest net weekly outflow since 2011.

Key events to watch this week. Market focus will be on US payroll data due on Friday, as investors continue to try and preempt the pace of rate hikes in the US. Geopolitical risks will continue to remain in the fore as the deadline for an Iranian nuclear deal approaches and the impasse over a Greek debt deal lingers. Precious metals investors will be monitoring Eurozone CPI, which will likely reveal the ECB still has much to do to help boost inflationary pressures via strengthening demand.

Video Presentation

Joshpreet Tiwana, Research Analyst at ETF Securities provides an analysis of last week’s performance, flow and trading activity in commodity exchange traded products and a look at the week ahead.

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 provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

This is a strictly privileged and confidential communication between ETFS UK and its selected client. This communication contains information addressed only to a specific individual and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person other than the named addressee. This communication (i) is provided for informational purposes only, (ii) should not be construed in any manner as any solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or any related financial instruments, and (iii) should not be construed in any manner as a public offer of any securities or any related financial instruments. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. Please notify the sender immediately if you have mistakenly received this communication. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

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 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 document may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of any information contained herein and any opinions related to product or market activity may change. 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.

Any historical performance included in this document may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this document solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance.

Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.

The information contained in this communication 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.

ETFS UK is required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”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.

Risk Warnings

Any products referenced in this document are generally aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant product issue. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may valued in currencies other than those in which there are priced and will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor. Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in any securities referenced in this communication.

If you have any questions please contact ETFS UK at +44 20 7448 4330 or info@etfsecurities.com for more information.

Platinum and Palladium, Fundamentally Undervalued

Platinum and Palladium, Fundamentally Undervalued

Platinum and Palladium, Fundamentally Undervalued Despite falling 2.5% since the beginning of the year, precious metals are the best performing commodity sub-sector year-to-date. Contrary to our expectations, PGMs (“Platinum Group Metals”) lagged behind, with platinum falling by almost 8% and palladium decreasing by 2.5% over the period. The strong appreciation of the US Dollar against major currencies, particularly against the Euro, did not bode well with commodity prices that tend to be negatively correlated with the US currency. Going forward we expect PGM prices to recover, as sentiment improves and investors return to focus on tighter fundamentals.

The extensive use of platinum and palladium in vehicle catalytic converters makes their demand particularly sensitive to economic, industrial and market conditions at a global level. Fears of a Greek exit from the Eurozone, the biggest consumer of platinum for catalytic converter purposes, coupled with expectations of higher production, prompted an 8% fall in platinum price since the beginning of the year. Palladium also suffered a loss during the period, as a strong US Dollar and negative sentiment towards commodities, weighed on the price of the metal.

South Africa holds the biggest proportion of the world’s platinum and palladium resources, which are mainly located in the Bushveld Igneous Complex. South Africa is well known for the elevated level of worker activism and government intervention in the mining industry, which have substantially affected production in the past, with 2014’s 5-month strike further corroborating this issue. While production of both platinum and palladium is expected to recover in 2015 following a disastrous 2014, social tension could mount up once again in June when wage agreements in South Africa expire.

With supply expected to remain tight, PGM (“Platinum GroupMetals”) markets are expected to remain in deficit in 2015.

However, demand fundamentals are expected to continue to favour palladium over platinum. While persistently low prices are likely to spur Chinese jewellery demand for platinum from the middle of this year, autocatalyst demand from Europe, the biggest diesel market, is likely to underperform its Chinese and US’s peers as the Eurozone continues to be plagued by low growth issues. China, the biggest single contributor to platinum demand, imported 22% less platinum in 2014, as jewellery demand faltered. However, this demand component tends to be particularly sensitive to prices and should therefore recover in 2015. Meanwhile, palladium is expected to benefit from strong auto sales in the US and China, the two biggest markets for gasoline cars. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers expects auto sales in the country to rise by 8% to 21.3 million vehicles in 2015 while a combination of a large drop in oil prices, increased availability of auto loans and aging automobiles on the road will buoy auto demand in the US.

We expect palladium to continue to outperform platinum. While we believe that platinum price will eventually return to trade above the US$1,300oz level as Chinese demand recovers and Eurozone auto subsidies kick in, palladium appears to be in a better position to benefit from a pick-up in China and US economic growth, the two biggest global auto markets.

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

Important Information

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the ”FCA”).

When being made within Switzerland, this communication is for the exclusive use by ”Qualified Investors” (within the meaning of Article 10 of Section 3 of the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act (”CISA”)) and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

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.

Dovish Minutes Increase the Appeal of Bullion

Dovish Minutes Increase the Appeal of Bullion

ETF Securities Commodity ETP Weekly Dovish Minutes Increase the Appeal of Bullion

Dovish Minutes Increase the Appeal of Bullion

Uncertainty boosts safe haven demand for bullion.

Third consecutive week of inflows for long silver ETPs.

Largest cumulative rig count drop for twenty years drives inflows into crude.

ETFS Daily Short Natural Gas (SNGA) receives US$9.6mn, the largest inflow since 2011.

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Investors increased precious metal exposure last week as Greek debt negotiations and US monetary policy minutes prompted some investor caution. Despite the agreement to extend the Greek bailout last Friday, some details remain unknown. Lack of clarity over the conditions could give cause for investors to remain cautious. Fed Chair Yellen’s testimony to congress will be watched closely this week for any further hints as to the pace of policy normalisation and could therefore be a key influence on the gold price. Crude inflows continued to be strong following a sustained fall in oil rigs, however with US oil stocks building to a record level, gains may be limited.

Uncertainty boosts safe haven demand for bullion. Long physical gold ETPs witnessed US$136.9mn of inflows despite a decline in the price of the underlying. Demand for gold exposure appeared to be stimulated by dovish minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes as officials displayed concerns that a premature rate hike could harm the US labour market recovery in the context of weakness in international markets. Additionally, uncertainty in Europe surrounding the outcome of Greek debt negotiations has helped to buoy gold ETP demand.

Third consecutive week of inflows for long silver ETPs. US$5.8mn flowed into long silver ETPs this week as investors see silver as a means of gaining leveraged exposure to gold. Silver’s correlation to gold remains elevated and it therefore has benefited from ambiguity surrounding the pace of policy normalisation in the US and potential economic impact of a Greek exit from the Eurozone.

Largest cumulative rig count drop for twenty years drives inflows into crude. Long WTI ETPs attracted US$57.6mn of inflows as the Baker Hughes oil rig count fell for the 11th consecutive week representing a 31% decline. This fall has been composed primarily of horizontal oil rigs, leading investors to believe that tightening supply fundamentals as shale producers curtail output, will boost the US crude benchmark. However, this week oil prices have been volatile as prices oscillated intra week, as bearish US crude inventory data contrasted with bullish sentiment.

ETFS Daily Short Natural Gas (SNGA) receives US$9.6mn, the largest inflow since 2011. The natural gas price rallied during the week as heating demand was lifted by colder than average weather in the gas hungry Northeast. Speculation that a bearish inventory report would prompt a turnaround encouraged inflows into SNGA. While natural gas prices have fallen considerably over the last three months as mild temperatures in the US in December and strong shale gas output has left the market well supplied, recent extremely cold weather in parts of the US has resulted in strong gains.

Key events to watch this week. This week investors will closely monitor any revisions made to Q4 GDP data from the US and UK, as both are viewed as the engines driving global economic growth. In addition, investors will be awaiting the reaction of Euro group members to the list of proposed reforms that Greece hopes to undertake in order to secure a four month extension to its bailout. Finally, monetary policy remains in the spotlight as Yellen delivers her semi-annual monetary policy testimony to congress.

Video Presentation

Josh Tiwana, Research Analyst at ETF Securities provides an analysis of last week’s performance, flow and trading activity in commodity exchange traded products and a look at the week ahead.

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 provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

This is a strictly privileged and confidential communication between ETFS UK and its selected client. This communication contains information addressed only to a specific individual and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person other than the named addressee. This communication (i) is provided for informational purposes only, (ii) should not be construed in any manner as any solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or any related financial instruments, and (iii) should not be construed in any manner as a public offer of any securities or any related financial instruments. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. Please notify the sender immediately if you have mistakenly received this communication. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

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 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 document may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of any information contained herein and any opinions related to product or market activity may change. 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.

Any historical performance included in this document may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this document solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance.

Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.

The information contained in this communication 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.

ETFS UK is required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”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.

Risk Warnings

Any products referenced in this document are generally aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant product issue. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may valued in currencies other than those in which there are priced and will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor. Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in any securities referenced in this communication.

If you have any questions please contact ETFS UK at +44 20 7448 4330 or info@etfsecurities.com for more information.

Late Week Rally Subject to Correction?

Late Week Rally Subject to Correction?

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly Late Week Rally Subject to Correction?

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Late Week Rally Subject to Correction

  • Highlights Oil rally continues to defy rising inventories.
  • Growth data boosts confidence.
  • Riksbank enters the currency battle, pressuring SEK lower.

While improving economic landscape, particularly in the Eurozone economies, and less focus on political risk to the region have underpinned some lift in investor sentiment, uncertainty over stretched bond and equity valuations lingers. Rising volatility across asset classes is likely to keep investors somewhat cautious and with central banks continuing to surprise markets with more aggressive stimulus, gold in particular looks well-placed to benefit, especially for non-USD investors. With Greek debt discussion to resume this week, we could see some of the recent optimism dampen.

Commodities

Oil rally continues to defy rising inventories. Oil rallied sharply on Friday (after the data cut-off for this report) as the market becomes increasingly optimistic about tightening supply. For now however, inventories continue to rise. A cut in production will be required to sustain current prices. The spread between Brent and WTI benchmarks has widened to the highest since September 2014, with Brent leading the gains. Natural gas and heating oil also gained 4.1% and 5.1% as a cold weather snap in the US North East boosted demand for heating energy. Cocoa rose 6.5% as a lack of rain in West Africa threatens to spoil the flowering for the April-September ‘mid-crop’ period. Industrial metals were pressured by concerns over weak global growth, although the better-than-expected GDP reading from the Euro area (in particular Germany) on Friday, could reverse some of those losses.

Equities

Growth data boosts confidence. The S&P 500 rose to an all-time high while European bourses rallied as Euro area GDP defied doomsayers’ expectations of collapse on Friday. However, volatility is also rising. The EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index gained 2.6% last week after having fallen more than 16% in the past month. Meanwhile strong lending data helped the MSCI China A-Share index recover 2.1% last week, as the market has become more optimistic about the scope of policy easing on increasing credit intermediation. With the week-long Chinese New Year holidays commencing on 19th February, we expect activity to be subdued. Gold miners lost some of their recent momentum, with performance tracking the gold price lower. The DAXglobal gold mining index fell 5.8%.

Currencies

Riksbank enters the currency battle, pressuring SEK lower. In another policy surprise, the Swedish central bank cut rates last week, sending the Krona lower against major G10 currencies. The governor of the Riksbank noted that additional measures targeting the currency cannot be ruled out and we expect SEK to remain under pressure. With global economic activity improving, the USD experienced a modest sell-off last week. Despite USD positioning appearing somewhat stretched near record highs, investor sentiment remains fragile and we expect the USD to remain well supported in the near-term. The focus for investors will be on Greek debt negotiations alongside central bank policy, with the Bank of Japan holding a policy meeting and monetary policy minutes scheduled for released from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England. In light of recent aggressive moves from central banks in terms of stimulus and rising volatility, if there is any pause in the support being provided, a sharp rally could ensue, with JPY one likely candidate 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.