Rates going up…maybe not so fast

Rates going up…maybe not so fast

When examining the fixed income market outlook within the Euro zone, inevitably the discussion turns to Italy, and what the potential ramifications of this ongoing budget saga will be. Of course, the direction of European Central Bank policy (ECB) is closely linked here, but if we were to turn our attention to the broader economic outlook, how would that discussion pivot? Based upon recent data, it appears as if the widely held view that interest rates are poised to move higher may have to be revisited.

That being said, it is not as if we don’t think that Euro zone rates will, at some point, move higher, but the timing and magnitude of any potential increase could ultimately impact investment decisions. As we saw in the US, the ‘runway’ for an elevated rate setting can be much longer than expected, and traditional factors such as growth, inflation and central bank policy, do not always move in tandem.

Figure 1: Euro zone Purchasing Managers Indices (PMI)

Source: Bloomberg, as of 23 November 2018. Data for Italy and Spain only goes up to 31 October 2018. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

With respect to Euro zone economic numbers, one could be easily forgiven for concluding that, perhaps, the peak in activity occurred last year. It’s not as if we are expecting a recession, but based upon recent data, a steady slowing in growth appears to be a potentially likely scenario. To provide some perspective, Euro zone real GDP rose up to +2.4% in 2017, but current consensus forecasts are looking for a reduced pace of +2.0% for this year and +1.7% for 2019.

The latest growth readings within the Euro zone certainly stood out, and not necessarily for positive reasons. German GDP came in at -0.2% in Q3 2018. This was weaker than expected and followed on the heels of a +0.5% gain in Q2 2018. In addition, it represented the first decline since 2015, and while it did reflect some temporary factors such as reduced auto production due to emissions testing, according to the statistics office, it was also the result of a drop in both exports and consumption. While the car production aspect could be reversed in upcoming data, the trade and consumption components certainly bear watching. For the Euro zone as a whole, growth also slowed to +0.2%, or half the pace of the prior period, and the lowest reading in four years.

Another important economic indicator to keep your eye on are the PMI reports. For the Euro zone and countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain individually, the readings seemed to have hit their peaks in late 2018/early 2018 and have been on a steady descent ever since (see figure 1). For the entire Euro zone, the latest figure fell to its lowest level in almost four years, highlighting the potential for further economic slowing.

Conclusion

Needless to say, this scenario has raised the debate regarding potential ECB action. While these numbers will more than likely not prevent the beginning of balance sheet normalization (expected to be announced at the 13 December 2018 policy meeting), it could push the ECB into a ‘later rather than sooner’ timetable for the first rate hike. For the record, the implied probability for this first rate hike has now been pushed out past October 2019, as of this writing.

Source of data unless stated otherwise: Bloomberg, 14 November 2018.

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Disappointment creates opportunity

Disappointment creates opportunity

FX Research Disappointment creates opportunity

Highlights

•    The US Federal Reserve (Fed) lowered its projected policy path at its September meeting, causing the USD to experience a broad based drop.

•    Market expectations of a December interest rate hike fell marginally, despite indications from Yellen and other committee members that a 2016 rate hike is on the table.

•    The USD/JPY and AUD/USD currency pairs offer attractive levels from which to enter long/short tactical positions.

Meetings fall short

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) delivered a dovish message at its monetary policy meeting this Wednesday, causing the trade weighted US Dollar to fall approximately 1.2%. Clear indications of a December rate hike from Fed chair Janet Yellen were overshadowed by downward revisions to the Fed’s 2016 full year growth forecast (by 0.2% to 1.8%) and projected policy path, now forecasting only one hike this year followed by two in 2017 (compared to two and three respectively predicted in June – see Figure 1). The change in the Fed’s assumptions appeared be underpinned by a greater focus toward sustaining the recent rise in inflation, justifying a more “wait and see” approach to the current tightening cycle. It remains our view that by following this tactic the Fed is at risk from making a policy mistake as domestic inflationary pressures continue to mount and threaten to de-anchor inflation expectations (see Why the FOMC should hike but won’t). With the Bank of Japan (BoJ) also delivering an insufficiently accommodative monetary policy framework on Wednesday, the USD/JPY soared 2.61% intraday, pushing the pair to increasingly oversold levels.

We believe that the US labour market reports scheduled for release in the next three months will come in strong and prompt greater pricing of a rate hike in December, causing the USD to rally into year end. This view is best expressed by gaining bullish exposure to the USD/JPY and bearish exposure to AUD/USD, both of which look extended following market disappointment over the past few days.

Market pricing unchanged

Market pricing of December rate hike has barely moved following Wednesday’s meeting, slightly falling to 58.4% from 58.7%. This is surprising given the fact that Yellen explicitly stated that the “case for an increase had strengthened” and three members of the committee (namely Esther George, Loretta Mester and Eric Rosengren) dissented, voting towards an immediate increase in the policy rate. Put in perspective, this time last year only one committee member, Jeffrey Lacker, voted for a hike. We therefore see current market pricing of a December hike as insufficient and believe expectations will rise as incoming US labour market data affirms progress towards the Fed’s policy objectives, providing a lift to the US Dollar over the next few months.

Attractive entry points

The dovish nature of the Fed meeting saw the USD/JPY and AUD/USD approach the bottom and top of their respective ranges, running into support/resistance levels established in the middle of August. USD/JPY tested the psychologically important 100 level while the AUD/USD came near 0.77 which it hasn’t closed above since April. Momentum indicators also suggest the pairs are looking increasingly extended meaning that present levels offer attractive entry points for bullish USD/JPY and bearish AUD/USD positions which would benefit from greater market pricing of a December rate hike.

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

The complete ETF Securities product list can be found 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

The analyses in the above tables are purely for information purposes. They do not reflect the performance of any ETF Securities’ products . The futures and roll returns are not necessarily investable.

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 (the “FCA”).

This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors.

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.

Why the FOMC should raise rates, but won’t

Why the FOMC should raise rates, but won’t

FX Research Why the FOMC should raise rates, but won’t

Highlights

•    The FOMC has a history of being reactive to inflationary pressure and we expect that this trend is unlikely to change. The Fed should raise rates in September, but won’t.

•    Inflation expectations are stable just shy of the Fed’s target. Rising wages could pose a risk to the Fed’s credibility as we expect inflation to continue to rise in Q4.

•    Currency market is positioned for ‘no hike’. We expect the US Dollar to strengthen against G10 currencies in the coming year as rate differentials widen.

For more information contact:

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

Important Information

The analyses in the above tables are purely for information purposes. They do not reflect the performance of any ETF Securities’ products . The futures and roll returns are not necessarily investable.

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 (the “FCA”).

This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors.

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.

Commodities Show Signs of Recovery

Commodities Show Signs of Recovery

Commodities Show Signs of Recovery

Morris: ”We have seen commodities prices stabilize and some very encouraging signs…. We believe this is the kind of action that could set the stage for a longer term positive cycle.”

Morris follows up on his November 2015 video on commodities, with this fresh look at the commodities landscape.

Prices Stabilize in First Quarter

TOM BUTCHER: The last three to four years have been challenging for commodities but it appears that prices have stabilized. Is that right?

ROLAND MORRIS: It is certainly starting to look like that. In the first quarter of 2016, we have seen prices stabilize and some very encouraging signs. We have also seen some recovery in commodity currencies. Gold bottomed in December 2015 and it is now up about 20% off that low [period from 12/17/15 to 3/22/16]. We had copper bottom in January and it is now about 17% off its low [period from 01/15/16 to 3/22/16]. Crude oil bottomed in February and it is up about 16% for the year [YTD as of 3/22/16]. We have seen what appears to be a base-building over the past two quarters. This is very encouraging. We believe it is the kind of action that could set the stage for a longer term positive cycle. Last year in 2015 we experienced what was a false start, but this year it feels more like this could be the real thing.

Confidence Improves as China Fears Lessen

BUTCHER: Going into 2016 there was major concern about the outlook for China. Has that been ongoing?

MORRIS: I think that is one of the factors that contributed to what appears to be improving price trends in commodities. When you look back to the beginning of this year to January, we experienced a major decline in China’s stock market and its currency. This caused tremendous fear among investors that the worst case scenario was about to play out in China and that would have been a hard landing and possibly a forced currency devaluation because of capital flight. Since then things have calmed down a great deal. In February, capital outflows from China slowed markedly. I believe this is one of the key reasons we are seeing some restored confidence in commodities right now.

Fed’s Softening on Rates Helps Commodities

BUTCHER: Are there any other factors that have helped improve the outlook for commodities?

MORRIS: I believe another important factor in commodities’ recent strength has been the shift by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed indicated at its March meeting that it viewed current global financial developments as negative and it felt it needed to defer its proposed tightening program. That set the stage for some weakness in the U.S. dollar. The strengthening dollar trend had been one of the major headwinds facing commodities over the past three years. I think investors are starting to believe that the Fed will not be aggressive in raising rates and this has put a cap on the U.S. dollar’s appreciation, which has been very helpful for commodities.

BUTCHER: Can you provide me additional details about stabilization across the commodity spectrum?

MORRIS: We started making the following argument late last summer. We have felt that because of the reduction in capex (capital expenditure) across a number of commodities sectors and curtailment of investment, particularly in energy and industrial metals, investors have underappreciated the supply response. This is what we consider the fundamental story. Combined with improvements in some of these macro factors, this is what supports our point of view that this is the beginning of a new, positive cycle for commodities. It is against this backdrop, i.e., the reduction in supply, that we consider when looking out over the next two to five years.

Why this Period is Different from a Year Ago

BUTCHER: Do you think this is one of the distinguishing features between now and the situation back at the beginning of 2015?

MORRIS: Last year we certainly had some encouraging signs at the beginning of the second quarter, including appreciating price trends when crude oil went from $40 per barrel to $60 per barrel. Unfortunately that just petered out as the year progressed. I think the difference this time is the duration. We like to talk about fixing low prices, which requires a period of time to take hold. I think what is different now is we are a whole year further into the cycle and those capex cancellations from reduced investment may bring down supply significantly. From my perspective, the reason this may not be a false start is that we’ve had a longer period of low prices and it is both low prices and their duration that I believe help form a base.

BUTCHER: Have you had any interesting questions crop up in recent meetings with investment clients?

Interest in Commodities is on the Upswing

MORRIS: Yes. Just recently a client asked me what I think about our investments at VanEck in natural resources, including gold, etc. The client inquired how those investments might work in the event of a major negative geopolitical event. I had not been asked that question before. When you think about it, gold investments have the potential to provide protection in an unsafe environment. Additionally, natural resources by themselves can be considered a safety in a volatile investment climate because they are hard assets. The client’s question was interesting and I do think natural resources and gold in particular can do well in a tough environment.

BUTCHER: Have you been seeing any change in investor sentiment?

MORRIS: Overall I think clients have been more receptive. We have spent considerable time over the past few months meeting with institutional clients as well as other types of investors. My sense is that investors are starting to believe that now might be the time to consider either increasing natural resource investments or looking at them for the first time. I think this is partially because price trends have obviously improved in the first quarter. I also think most investors believe the Fed is unlikely to become aggressive with monetary tightening. We feel the Fed is more worried about the global growth environment and consequently it will probably keep the U.S. dollar contained. I think investors are starting to recognize that without the headwind of an appreciating U.S. dollar, natural resources may appear more attractive.

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This content is published in the United States for residents of specified countries. Investors are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this content. Nothing in this content should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell shares of any investment in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction, nor is it intended as investment, tax, financial, or legal advice. Investors should seek such professional advice for their particular situation and jurisdiction. You can obtain specific information on VanEck strategies by visiting Investment Strategies.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and are current as of the video’s posting date. Video commentaries are general in nature and should not be construed as investment advice. Opinions are subject to change with market conditions. All performance information is historical and is not a guarantee of future results. For more information about Van Eck Funds, Market Vectors ETFs or fund performance, visit vaneck.com. Any discussion of specific securities mentioned in the video commentaries is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these securities. Fund holdings will vary. All indices mentioned are measures of common market sectors and performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Information on holdings, performance and indices can be found at vaneck.com.

Please note that Van Eck Securities Corporation offers investment products that invest in the asset class(es) included in this video.

You can lose money by investing in a commodities fund. Any investment in a commodities fund should be part of an overall investment program, not a complete program. Commodities are assets that have tangible properties, such as oil, metals, and agriculture. Commodities and commodity-linked derivatives may be affected by overall market movements and other factors that affect the value of a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, disease, embargoes or political or regulatory developments. The value of a commodity-linked derivative is generally based on price movements of a commodity, a commodity futures contract, a commodity index or other economic variables based on the commodity markets. Derivatives use leverage, which may exaggerate a loss. A commodities fund is subject to the risks associated with its investments in commodity-linked derivatives, risks of investing in wholly owned subsidiary, risk of tracking error, risks of aggressive investment techniques, leverage risk, derivatives risks, counterparty risks, non-diversification risk, credit risk, concentration risk and market risk. The use of commodity-linked derivatives such as swaps, commodity-linked structured notes and futures entails substantial risks, including risk of loss of a significant portion of their principal value, lack of a secondary market, increased volatility, correlation risk, liquidity risk, interest-rate risk, market risk, credit risk, valuation risk and tax risk. Gains and losses from speculative positions in derivatives may be much greater than the derivative’s cost. At any time, the risk of loss of any individual security held by a commodities fund could be significantly higher than 50% of the security’s value. Investment in commodity markets may not be suitable for all investors. A commodity fund’s investment in commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the fund to greater volatility than investment in traditional securities.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. An investor should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment company before investing. Call 800.826.2333 or click below to obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus which contain this and other information. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

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by Roland Morris, Portfolio Manager and Strategist
Roland Morris is a veteran of commodities investing with more than 35 years of experience. Morris is Portfolio Manager and Strategist for commodity investing at VanEck, and is a member of both the commodities and hard assets investment teams. Read full bio.

What Happens When U.S. Interest Rates Rise?

What Happens When U.S. Interest Rates Rise?

Quarterly Outlook – Q4 2015 – What Happens When U.S. Interest Rates Rise?

We are pleased to present our Macroeconomic Quarterly Outlook, a publication jointly authored by Roubini Global Economics and ETF Securities Research.

Download the complete report (.pdf)

What Happens When U.S. Interest Rates Rise?

Our global growth baseline is an unsynchronised expansion, with pockets of recession, but a great deal depends on how the U.S. economy copes with the coming increase in interest rates.

•    Our first key theme for our Q4 update is monetary policy divergence, with the Federal Reserve’s forthcoming rate “normalisation” front and centre for investors, even as other central banks, notably the Bank of Japan and the European Central Bank, continue to ease. Our expectation is for a December Fed “lift-off”, but the risks of a later hike are significant.

•    Our second theme is Europe’s internal and external challenges, with the refugee crisis, the rumbling Greece calamity, the possibility of “Brexit” and elections in Spain (just one manifestation of the Eurozone’s toxic politics) dovetailing to create huge uncertainty around the European project.

•    Third, is the question of whether emerging markets are victims of their own success, with a long period of robust performance failing to spark the necessary adjustments and reforms to allow that to continue.

Download the complete report (.pdf)

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”). ETFS UK is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the ”FCA”).

This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors.

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.

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