The weekend's big story was Italy's descent into political chaos after the country's president blocked the appointment of a eurosceptic candidate for finance minister and the populist/anti-establishment pairing working to form a government abandoned their attempt.
"The big question now is whether we'll get an election or a technocrat government. What is certain is that this isn't good for the market and it's not good for Italian BTBs and corporate bonds," says Althea Spinozzi, from Saxo’s bond trading desk.
However, the possibility of a technocrat government rather than a deeply anti-EU one saw the euro break higher with the common currency bounding up from a six-month low early Monday. But one should be cautious here, says John J Hardy, Saxo’s head of forex strategy. "This situation is far from over and I'd be wary of going with the relief rally for now," he says, adding that headline risks are probable throughout the week.
The other big story in markets today is a dramatic reversal of fortune for crude oil which saw Brent take a deep dive as hedge funds accelerated their selling on the outlook to Opec and Russia relaxing their production cuts. The key level of $71.40 is now back in play, barring any modifications by Opec or Russia to their comments last week about loosening their restrictions on output.
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.