Head of FX Strategy
Summary: Goldilocks continues, but dollar downside remains supported on US exceptionalism as we expected in the Q1 outlook. Geopolitical and earnings risks could take a bigger focus this week and keep the dollar supported, absent any significant dovish FOMC surprise. EUR’s underperformance could remain hard to reverse, and markets will be sensitive to a less hawkish BOE outcome or a miss in Aussie Q4 CPI.
Other recent Macro/FX articles:
25 Jan: US PCE Preview: March rate cut bets could pick up again
24 Jan: Markets could start to price in a Trump presidency
24 Jan: ECB Preview: Will EUR pay heed to the pushback to April cut expectations?
23 Jan: Podcast: Central banks and key figures run the show
22 Jan: Video: The Curious Investor - Q1 2024 FX and Commodities Outlook
22 Jan: Weekly FX Chartbook: Soft-landing hopes and US exceptionalism will remain at play
19 Jan: A reality check on Bank of Japan’s policy normalization and JPY appreciation expectations
15 Jan: Weekly FX Chartbook: UK data will be a test of GBP resilience
12 Jan: Markets ignore CPI uptick, Mideast tensions could fuel haven and oil-related FX
9 Jan: FX Quarterly Outlook: High yielding currencies will start to lose their appeal
9 Jan: US CPI Preview: Markets could be sensitive to an upside surprise
8 Jan: Macro and FX Podcast: Upcoming US CPI figures, USD momentum, and musings on China
8 Jan: Weekly FX Chartbook: Room for tactical gains in USD
18 Dec: Macro and FX Podcast: Watch USD sentiment and BoJ hints on rate policy
18 Dec: Weekly FX Chartbook: Dollar to end 2023 in a bearish trend
15 Dec: ECB’s policy mistake, Bank of Japan comes next
2024: The wasted year
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
