COT Update: IMM currency futures

FX Update: Our 2019 Swan Song as vols remain suppressed

Forex 5 minutes to read
Picture of John Hardy
John J. Hardy

Global Head of Macro Strategy

Summary:  Norges bank surprises and keeps NOK as the most interesting currency as 2019 closes with a volatility whimper. What to do with SEK when zero rates forever are the guidance? And we do note that the yen is looking a bit perky, especially relative to risk appetite at maximum complacency.


This is our swan song update for 2019 – look for the FX Update to return on January 2 or 3. IF you haven’t had a chance, please head over to yesterday’s longer form podcast in which the Saxo strategy offers a round up of 2019 and a look at what 2020 may offer global markets.

The Swedish Riksbank’s hike back to zero rates was so well flagged that the market reaction was virtually nonexistent and 2020 will show whether the bank’s policy of maintaining QE rather than driving rates back into negative territory will be the policy if the stumbling Swedish economy stumbles further. As we have noted before, Sweden is the world’s number one case of a country that can and should consider a fiscal response to what ails its economy, given the heavy social costs of absorbing a huge wave of immigrants in recent years and its running of a budget surplus. SEK saw little reaction to the move, which was priced in advance and the Riksbank’s guidance of a zero rate policy for “the coming years” hardly inspires carry traders, so SEK may have achieved m0061. To kick a more secular SEK upswing into gear, a boost to the EU growth outlook and fiscal stimulus there and in Sweden are needed to get a kick a more secular SEK upswing into gear.

The Norges Bank, on the other hand, surprised the market with guidance indicating it would like to maintain the option to hike rate, indicating a 40% probability of a rate hike In 2020 (later in the year) and noting NOK weakness as a factor that raised that probability – a cautious but clear signal. EURNOK has managed to shift below 10.00 and the key question here is whether NOK can bolt higher out of the gates in early trading in 2020 as the end-of-year seasonal headwinds lift.

The Bank of England kept a hopefully cautious stance on a 7-2 vote to keep rates unchanged (two dissenters calling for a cut to 0.50%) and sterling dropped further on the news, but investors are a bit handcuffed in reacting to anything at the moment as we are all operating on general expectations for a revival in the UK economic outlook and how these shape up in coming months and the overhanging uncertainty of the eventual trade deal to be struck after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31 of next year – not to mention we don’t know who will replace Carney at the Bank of England.

We’re not looking for major fireworks for the balance of this year, but are particularly curious how the market action takes shape in the first days and weeks of 2020, given the focus on USD liquidity issue that were such a focus into year-end and the historically quiet volatility levels.

Chart: EURNOK
EURNOK broke down below 10.00 yesterday on the Norges Bank guidance, a key technical and psychological milestone. A continued hope that global growth is on the mend and new highs in oil prices early next year would likely cement this move and take EURNOK back down to the more reasonable levels into 9.60 or even lower in 2020. 

20_12_2019_JJH_Update_01
Source: Saxo Group

The G-10 rundown

USD – the US dollar is relatively inert as it has only fallen more materially against the hardest charging Scandies within the G10 and against EM currencies after the US-China trade deal was announced as the world goes gaga in reaching for yield and risk. We look for a weaker USD in 2020 but the path to that end looks very murky in the near term, and if the 2020 election appears a close call all year, this could make for a treacherous year ahead for USD traders.

EUR – the euro not able to find a pulse as we await the ECB’s policy overhaul outcomes and for the slow-moving EU to come up with its plans for fiscal stimulus. A major boost to the single currency would be an ECB decision to abandon negative rates and choose fiscal (climate policy – already well flagged), in part covered by ECB buying and perhaps new EUR climate bonds.  Risks of a trade spat with the US are high.

JPY – the yen interesting here as it perks up despite the backdrop, perhaps to a degree on the more generous fiscal outlays in the coming year. We noted yesterday that this year has seen the most compressed volatility in the USDJPY pair in modern history stretching back decades – something has to give in the New Year?

GBP – sterling reaching a major support level in GBPUSD by retreating to 1.3000 – is there really enough uncertainty at the moment to drive it notably through that level? Perhaps, with 1.2800 the next level, but suspect that hedgers and optimist may be getting active soon on the long side.

CHF – the franc continues to surprise with relative strength in a world that can’t take on enough risk.

AUD – the Aussie has been a real disappointment in the wake of the US-China trade deal, assuming it stays on the rails here. To get AUD in a more secular rally stance in 2020, a further strong revival in Australia’s key commodity exports like iron ore and coking coal are likely necessary, but we wonder, in the longer term, how Australia squares its climate policy with the CO2-emitting underpinnings of its economy.

CAD – USDCAD is setting its own modern record in low volatility, with the smallest trading range of the last 24 years in 2019 and the current price is the mid-point of the three-year range. Risks are heavy for the Canadian economy and CAD if the market’s rosy expectations on the outlook for the US and globally prove too optimistic.

NZD – the kiwi edging to the upper end of its valuation potential versus the AUD, but we don’t have any catalysts in view to take the AUDNZD pair out of the range for the moment. 

SEK – most of our thoughts on SEK above – EURSEK looks a bit stalled higher and may not make a statement until the New Year gets underway.

NOK – the NOK on the move here and potentially out of the gates in the first days and week or two of 2020 on the end of the well-known seasonality factor, where we discover if  there is more fuel in the tank below 10.00 in EURNOK.

Economic Calendar Highlights (all times GMT)

  • 0830 – Sweden Nov. Retail Sales
  • 0900 – Norway Dec. Unemployment Rate
  • 1330 – Canada Oct. Retail Sales
  • 1330 – Canada Nov. New Housing Price Index
  • 1330 – US final Q3 GDP revision
  • 1500 – US Nov. PCE Inflation
  • 1500 – US Final Dec. University of Michigan Sentiment
  • 1600 – US Dec. Kansas City Fed Survey

 

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • Upending the global order at blinding speed

    Quarterly Outlook

    Upending the global order at blinding speed

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime shredding of the global order. As the new order takes shape, ...
  • Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Quarterly Outlook

    Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Quarterly Outlook

    China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd. (Saxo) and the Saxo Bank Group provides execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice nor a recommendation. Access and use of this website is subject to: (i) the Terms of Use; (ii) the full Disclaimer; (iii) the Risk Warning; and (iv) any other notice or terms applying to Saxo’s news and research.

Saxo’s content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. Saxo does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer for more details.

Saxo
40 Bank Street, 26th floor
E14 5DA
London
United Kingdom

Contact Saxo

Select region

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Trade Responsibly
All trading carries risk. 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
Additional Key Information Documents are available in our trading platform.

Saxo is a registered Trading Name of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (‘Saxo’). Saxo is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871. Registered in England & Wales.

This website, including the information and materials contained in it, are not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in the United States, Belgium or any other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation.

It is important that you understand that with investments, your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest with us. If you are still unsure if investing is right for you, please seek independent advice. Saxo assumes no liability for any loss sustained from trading in accordance with a recommendation.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

©   since 1992