Macro

Macro FX trading Q1 2020 commentary

SaxoSelect Commentaries
Instruments traded
FX spot 
Asset classesFX
Investment styleDiscretionary (non-systematic), macro analysis
Quarterly return+14.21% after transaction costs but before any service and performance fees
Annualised volatility21%
Average trades per week13

Market overview

In Q1 2020, COVID-19 spread across the globe. The economic impact of lockdown has been immediate and severe with hotels, airlines and, leisure amongst the hardest hit.  Perhaps the most dramatic economic number is the huge increase in weekly US jobless claims.  The impact constitutes a dual supply shock and a demand shock, as supply chains are disrupted and people stay at home. Supply chain shocks constitute a shock to payment systems and the flow of cash, notably the USD, which is the global reserve currency used in cross- border trade transactions, resulting in a “global dash for USD”. 

Volatility across all asset classes shot up and correlations went towards 1 across the spectrum of risky assets such as equities and corporate bonds, and at times, across traditionally safe haven assets such as Treasuries and gold.  The global dash for USD cash saw extreme stress in money markets, with the commercial paper market seizing up, cross currency basis swaps blowing out along with the FRA-OIS spread (the difference between the interbank lending rate and the overnight index rate). To add to the mix, following the collapse of OPEC talks, oil crashed in excess of 70%, leaving Saudi Arabia and Russia pumping volume for market share, thus challenging the viability of higher cost producers like US shale. 

The global policy response was fast and sizeable, central banks globally cutting rates aggressively towards zero and restarting quantitative easing. The Fed increased the  scope of its asset purchases to include investment grade credit. In Europe, the ECB enlarged its bond buying program and, importantly for countries such as Italy and Spain, constraints were eased. On the fiscal side, the US announced a USD 2 trillion package to shore up business and individuals in the coming months. And across Europe and emerging markets, governments announced similar sizeable fiscal easing and loan guarantee schemes. 

Widespread recession is inevitable, but the measures taken by governments can smooth the scope and help the rebound once the virus passes its peak. The S&P 500 found a floor on 23 March and rallied into Q1 quarter end. In FX, the EUR and JPY rallied into the end of February as risk assets began to roll over, but a scramble for USD ensued from March 9, when markets finally recognised the global nature of the viral threat with a new epicenter in Europe and the resulting risk to supply chains. 

Currencies then reacted along traditional risk lines with the USD, JPY and CHF gaining against other riskier G10 currencies including AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, SEK and GBP.  The most volatile currencies were NOK, with its links to crashed energy markets, and GBP with its current account deficit and own underlying supply chain uncertainties.  Emerging market currencies such as ZAR, BRL, MXN, RUB and CNH, already on a back foot, have seen lower dramatic moves.  These moves in themselves, against a rampant USD, constitute a serious threat to global stability.

Portfolio performance

Jan+2.41%
Feb
+6.14%
Mar
+5.08% 
Since inception (04.02.2015)
+180%

(Returns include transaction costs but are before service and performance fees.)

Outlook

We are in a period of very high uncertainty as geopolitical and societal changes join the monetary fray. The extent of the economic crisis will be determined by the timing of the peak of the virus throughout the world and the corresponding depth and length of the lockdown measures in place over both the short and long term, as well as the extent and mix of temporary or permanent damage to industries.  However, once phased emergences take hold, a sharp rebound in consumption and global industrial production can be expected. 

In the longer-term, supply chains will be reconfigured and industries organised along new lines after such a shock to health and security, with a shift away from globalisation to more local production.  

Fiscal packages and central bank actions will determine financial conditions. The Fed looks set to expand its balance sheet from around USD 5 trillion to now 8-9 trillion and possibly more, as the Treasury seeks buyers for new issuance of around USD 3 trillion.  

The key for FX markets, and indeed all markets, will be how the USD performs and its impact on economies across the globe.  In Europe, we must watch core versus peripheral bond spreads and how the debate surrounding fiscal assistance for the hard-hit southern European countries unfolds.  Commodities and their currency block will be determined by the demand and industrial production cycle, again back to the timing and success of lifting lockdown restrictions. 

Disclaimer

Any information found in this document, including performance information and statistics are subject to change. You can find the latest updated pricing information on the description page for each available portfolio. In providing this material Saxo Bank has not taken into account any particular recipient’s investment objectives, special investment goals, financial situation, and specific needs and demands and nothing herein is intended as a recommendation for any recipient to invest or divest in a particular manner and Saxo Bank assumes no liability for any recipient sustaining a loss from trading in accordance with a perceived recommendation. All investments entail a risk and may result in both profits and losses, and all capital is at risk. In particular investments in leveraged products, such as but not limited to foreign exchange, derivatives and commodities can be very speculative and profits and losses may fluctuate both violently and rapidly. Speculative trading is not suitable for all investors and all recipients should carefully consider their financial situation and consult financial advisors in order to understand the risks involved and ensure the suitability of their situation prior to making any investment, divestment or entering into any transaction. Any mentioning herein, if any, of any risk may not be, and should not be considered to be, neither a comprehensive disclosure of risks nor a comprehensive description of such risks. Any expression of opinion may not reflect the opinion of Saxo Bank and all expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice (neither prior nor subsequent).

Saxo Bank A/S (Headquarters)
Philip Heymans Alle 15
2900
Hellerup
Denmark

Contact Saxo

Select region

International
International

Trade responsibly
All trading carries risk. Read more. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more

This website can be accessed worldwide however the information on the website is related to Saxo Bank A/S and is not specific to any entity of Saxo Bank Group. All clients will directly engage with Saxo Bank A/S and all client agreements will be entered into with Saxo Bank A/S and thus governed by Danish Law.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the US and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.