Krona strength may resurface

ETF Securities Krona strength may resurfaceKrona strength may resurface

Market Insight – Foreign Exchange – Krona strength may resurface

Swedish economy surpasses expectations

Krona strength may resurface. Swedish growth and underlying inflation have continued to develop strongly, rising to the highest levels in over four years and beating expectations of both its own central bank (Sveriges Riksbank or the “Riksbank”), and the market consensus (see Figure 1). Yet, the EUR/SEK currency pair has risen almost 1.8%* in the past month (SEK weakening), as accommodative monetary measures aimed at limiting Krona strength have been successful. However, at the last two monetary policy meetings, there have been increasing signs that members of the Riksbank’s Executive Board view further monetary easing as unnecessary, especially given the strong outperformance of the Swedish economy and the improving financial environment. Data due in the next three weeks1 will likely reaffirm these views and potentially reduce expectations of intervention. This may remove upward momentum for the EUR/SEK and potentially cause the pair to reverse recent gains.

(Click to enlarge)

Board members voice differing views

The Riksbank cut its benchmark interest rate to -0.5% in February and expanded its asset purchase programme by SEK45bn (US$4.8bn) at its April meeting. The measures were taken to ensure weakness of the Krona and reinforce its important contribution in helping lift inflation. At the last two meetings, Executive Board members have dissented when voting for additional monetary measures, or expressed a more conservative view as to the appropriate course of action. In the absence of a significant catalyst, further monetary measures to weaken the SEK are likely to be met with resistance, especially if upcoming growth and inflation data (due on the 30th May and 14th June respectively) surprise to the upside.

(Click to enlarge)

Resistance ahead

The EUR/SEK is moving towards the higher end of its recent 9.15-9.5 range. Should the pair approach its 2016 high of 9.5046* then it is likely that it will face resistance (see Figure 2). This is because at such levels the Krona weakness would sit in stark contrast to the significant outperformance of the Swedish economy relative to its European peers. In Q4 15, Sweden’s GDP growth was 4.5%*, almost three times that of the Euro Area over the same period.

Important Information

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

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

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

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

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

Central bank separation anxiety, the seed of a policy error

Central bank separation anxiety, the seed of a policy error

ETF Securities Outlook 2016 April Update: Central bank separation anxiety: the seed of a policy error

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has made a policy mistake. After raising rates for the first time in nine years, the Fed has held back from further hikes in 2016, heeding to market tantrums. At the same time, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced further policy easing including widening the types of assets it purchases from the market. Separation is hard. The Fed is struggling to focus on the strength of domestic fundamentals such as the strong labour market or increasing inflationary pressures and is reluctant to move too far from the pack. Instead it has revised its ‘dot-plot’ guidance to indicate it will only raise rates twice this year (down from four in December). We believe that will be insufficient to rein in prices and could lead to the central bank having to tighten more aggressively later in the cycle.

A global economic recovery is likely to provide a tailwind to industrial precious metal prices (silver, platinum and palladium). At the same time it is unlikely to derail gold, a more defensive asset.

Central bank policy will remain a supportive influence for gold. Along with the Swedish Riksbank, Danish National Bank, Swiss National Bank and the Bank of Japan, the ECB has adopted a policy of negative interest rates (NIRP). We argue that NIRP, whether in nominal or real terms, is positive for gold prices.

While emerging markets (EMs) have been in the doldrums for some time, we believe pessimism around EM bonds is overdone. We believe that investors are being overcompensated for emerging market credit risk and this presents a buying opportunity.

Given the low yields in developed markets, as EM sentiment improves, we expect inflows into EM bonds. That should support EM currencies. EMs are a heterogeneous group. Emerging European countries have relatively low levels of debts compared to their Latin American and Asian counterparts. On an inflation-adjusted basis, valuations favour Emerging European currencies.

After the sharp correction in equities in the first quarter of 2016, valuations in several sectors look compelling. Of particular note are cyber security stocks.

Volatility is an underutilised tool in making asset allocation decisions. We demonstrate that creating a trading signal to buy bonds when equity volatility spikes (and sell bonds when equity volatility subsides), can enhance returns when compared to a balanced portfolio or a trading signal based on relative yields between equities and bonds. Volatility is likely to remain a pervasive influence in 2016 as central bank policy creates uncertainty and investors need to be wary.

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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.

The Fed rate hike looms large for commodities

The Fed rate hike looms large for commodities

Commodity ETP Weekly – The Fed rate hike looms large for commodities

  • Precious metal basket inflows hit 8-month high as FOMC meeting looms.
  • Divergent oil flows favour Brent as pressure remains on crude prices after OPEC monthly report continues to show an oversupplied market.
  • Flows into copper ETPs continue as further supply cuts reinforce a tighter market in 2016. 

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Inflows into Brent ETPs broadly offset outflows from WTI ETPs, although the outlook remains polarised. OPEC’s latest annual report continued to highlight the global supply glut, with output in November climbing 1% to 31.7mbpd. The market reacted negatively to the news with Brent crude oil closing below US$40/bbl for the first time since December 2008. WTI crude also reached a near 7-year low of US$35.80. Brent crude ETPs received inflows totalling US$18.7mn last week, broadly offsetting the US$22.1mn in outflows from WTI crude ETPs. Nonetheless, the headline total of outflows in WTI ETPs belies what we believe to be a significantly polarised market, with US$11.7mn of inflows into ETFS Daily Leveraged WTI crude oil (LOIL).

Energy sector ETPs received inflows for the fifth consecutive week, totalling US$205mn over the period.
Third consecutive weekly inflow into precious metal basket ETPs. Inflows into precious metals basket ETPs totalled US$14mn, the highest level since April 2015. While silver has yet to decouple from gold and is likely to range trade, platinum group metals (PGM) are being hampered by a weaker South African Rand. With South African production dominating global PGM supply, a weaker Rand is enabling miners to keep production elevated as it raises profitability. Political uncertainty is rising and the weaker Rand is likely to be a weight on PGM prices for the foreseeable future.

Gold ETPs break three week losing streak, registering modest inflows of US$1.2mn. Gold has been range trading ahead of the FOMC meeting this week, where an interest rate hike is expected. Near-term weakness could transition into medium term strength as inflation pressures build globally, and put downward pressure on real interest rates. Additionally, while the near certain rate hike could boost the USD and buffet the gold price (and commodities more broadly), we expect that the peak for the USD strength will occur in Q1 2015, turning a headwind into a tailwind.

ETFs Copper (COPA) receives third consecutive weekly inflows, totalling US$2mn. Following reports that Chinese smelters agreed to cut production, last week Freeport-McMoRan announced it is cutting 45,000 tonnes of copper, equivalent to around 0.3% of the global market. With the copper market in its fifth year of deficit, ongoing production cuts in the sector will continue to produce a tighter fundamental environment and we feel that it is only a matter of time before prices begin to respond.

Key events to watch this week.  The divergence in central bank policy is likely to be highlighted, with the FOMC looming large this week, with meetings also for the Riksbank, Norges Bank and the Bank of Japan. We expect a rate hike is a near certainty and that the market should begin to focus on the path of future tightening. We feel that the market is underpricing the magnitude that the Fed will need to raise rates in 2016 in order to counteract inflationary forces.

Video Presentation

Martin Arnold, 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.

Deal or no deal…stability will be restored

Deal or no deal…stability will be restored

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly – Deal or no deal…stability will be restored

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Highlights

Grains post strong gains.

Is correction territory a buying opportunity for China?

Swedish and Swiss central banks go on the currency war offensive.

Defensive assets are likely to benefit from the uncertainty in Greece. The ‘No’ vote in the referendum yesterday received more than 60% of votes. Failure to make progress in debt negotiations elevates the risk of a default on the €3.5bn that is owed to the ECB on 20th July. Another default would almost certainly lead to the emergency liquidity assistance (ELA) being switched off and throw Greek banking system into an untenable position. While there is near term risk of greater volatility and downside equity risk, evidence of continued growth in the Eurozone and the US should help restore stability once the initial ‘event’  risk

Commodities

Grains post strong gains. Deteriorating growing conditions and lower acreage sown for corn and wheat saw the grains sector significantly outperform the broader commodities market. While Soybeans rode the grains momentum higher despite a record crop being planted in the US. Sugar also posted solid gains as the Indian monsoon season has begun to deteriorate. Compared to historical averages, rainfall was 14% lower than normal in June, potentially threatening the crop from the world’s second largest producer. An intensification of the El Niño could further exacerbate the disruption of crops, providing further price support. Soy is the likely exception, with an El Niño assisting growing conditions in South America. Meanwhile, the first increase in the US oil rig count has prompted crude price weakness, something that could gather momentum in the weeks ahead, if, as we expect oil production remains elevated and moves higher as rigs come back online.

Equities

Is correction territory a buying opportunity for China? Further stimulus by the People’s Bank of China last week was followed up by an easing in its crackdown on margin lending for equity market investments. The sharp slide in A-shares that the changes to margin lending rules has brought about has authorities concerned and policymakers are justifiably wary over excessive volatility and the potential threat to social stability. Policymakers are attempting to smooth the transition to market transparency and financial liberalisation and will likely continue to be supportive with fresh policy measures. The continuing Greek debt crisis prompted sharp losses across most European bourses last week and in early trading this week, as the Greek government defaulted on an IMF repayment and Greek Prime Minister continued to urge citizens to vote ‘No’ at last weekend’s referendum. Citizens duly responded, with 60% of the vote. Expect more downside risk and volatility or equity markets.

Currencies

Swedish and Swiss central banks go on the currency war offensive. Currency wars continue to be waged in the background, as the Greek crisis takes the headlines. The lack of clarity surrounding the fate of Greece has given investors no respite from currency volatility. The Swedish Riksbank cut rates further into negative territory (4th cut in 2015) and coupled with additions to its QE program, is keen to keep any currency gains in check (because long end rates remain elevated). The reason long-end rates are high is because of the lack of liquidity – a problem that larger central banks pursuing QE (the Fed, the ECB and BOJ) have not had to contend with. As a consequence, another issue is that the currency has strengthened more than expected, and hampers any benefit for the local economy. We expect the Riksbank will more closely target its currency in the future, as long as its QE program remains ineffective.

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.

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.