Weekly Commodities Update

Market Insights Today: Tesla leads; US GDP beats estimates – 27 January 2023

Equities 5 minutes to read
Saxo Be Invested
APAC Research

Summary:  U.S. equities gained and Treasuries sold off on stronger-than-expected U.S. data headlines, including a 2.9% growth in Q4 GDP, a decline in the initial claims to 186K, a 5.6% increase in durable goods orders, and a rise in new home sales. The Nasdaq 100 closed above its 200-day moving average for the first time since March last year. Hong Kong came back from the Lunar New Year holiday rising 2.4% on high-frequency data that pointed to a strong recovery in traffic and consumption during the Lunar New Year holiday in mainland China. Today all eyes are on the PCE data as it may set the direction of the next move of equities and bonds.


What’s happening in markets?

Nasdaq 100 (NAS100.I) and S&P 500 (US500.I) rallied on slower but better-than-expected economic growth

The major US indices had a choppy day of trade, with the S&P 500 rebounding and ending up 1.1%, and the Nasdaq 100 finishing the session 2% higher. Investors digested slower US economic GDP growth data but better-than-expected from the fourth quarter, as it tends to suggest that the US economy could make a soft landing. Nasdaq 100 closed above its 200-day moving average for the first time since March last year. 10 of the 11 S&P 500 sectors gained with energy, up 3.3%, and consumer discretionary, up 2%, leading the charge higher.

Tesla shares charge, investors look past falling auto margins

Tesla’s shares jumped 11% on Thursday, extending its rally from its January 6 intra-day low to over 57%, with earnings and revenue beat expectations, while investors looked past automotive gross margins grinding to its lowest figure in five quarters, 25.1%. Also, despite a streak of quarterly sales (deliveries) coming up short of expectations, Musk teased the potential to produce 2 million vehicles this year, and minimise the effects of drastic price cuts to its EVs.

Other company news

American Airlines Group expects profit this year to exceed estimates following a slow start, as steady demand for air travel keeps an industry recovery going into 2023. Mastercard warned revenue growth would slow even faster than expected this quarter, stoking fears that inflation has put a damper on consumer spending.

Yields on US Treasuries (TLT:Xmas, IEF:xnas, SHY:xnas) rose on stronger-than-expected economic data

U.S. Treasures sold off after the stronger-than-expected economic headlines. Real GDP grew at 2.9% annualized in Q4, faster than the 2.6% median forecast, though more than half of the increase came from a rise in inventories. Initial jobless claims fell to 186K instead of rising as in the consensus forecasts. New home sales rose 2.3% sequentially against expectations for a decline. Durable goods orders grew 5.6% M/M while the median forecast expecting for a decline. The 7-year auction had strong demand with a strong bid-to-cover ratio of 2.69 times and was awarded 2bps richer than the market level at the time of the auction. Yields on the 2-year notes settled 6bps higher at 4.18% and the 10-year finished the session cheaper at 3.49%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 2.4% as mobility and consumption picked up in the mainland

On the first trading day of returning from the Lunar New Year holiday while the mainland bourses remain closed, Hang Seng Index surged 2.4% and Hang Seng TECH Index jumped 4.3%. According to Xinhua News, the State Council estimates that passenger trips over the whole Lunar New Year peak transportation period are reaching 2.1 billion, almost doubled the number from last year. Separately, data from the Ministry of Transport showed that daily passenger trips between 7 and 25 January averaged nearly 37 million, a 50.8% growth from last year. Tourism consumption data from Ctrip and cinema box offices have also been encouraging. It added to the optimism that the initial Covid outbreak when pandemic containment measures were lifted has not stalled the rebound in mobility and economic activities. Xiaomi (01810:xhkg), surging 12.5%, was the best performer within the benchmark Hang Seng Index, following the leak of an EV blueprint design being considered as an indication of the mobile phone and electronic device maker is on track to launch its first EV in 2024.

FX: CAD boosted by higher oil prices; JPY stronger on Tokyo CPI

The US dollar was modestly higher on Thursday with upbeat US GDP and claims data supporting the case for a soft landing. Focus now turns to PCE and the earnings season ahead of the Fed meeting next week where the broad consensus is still for a step down to a 25bps rate hike. CAD was the clear outperformer across the G10 board, despite Bank of Canada’s dovish tilt this week as higher oil prices supported. USDCAD now testing a break below 1.33. EURUSD still getting rejected close to YTD highs of 1.0930, but JPY was one of the underperformers as USDJPY traded back above 130 amid somewhat higher US yields but a dip back below 129.70 was seen in early Asia as Tokyo CPI for January came in above expectations.

AUDUSD holds higher despite Australian producer prices slowing. US PCE today & RBA decision Tuesday next test

Australian producer inflation (as measured by the Producer Price Index), has been trending higher, however today’s data from Q4 suggests producer prices are easing. However we believe that this is not an accurate reflection of reality. Not only is the data quarterly, but raw material prices (oil, electricity, fuel, copper, rent) are trending higher. As such the Australian dollar holds at 0.7127, after rising up 0.2%. The next test for the Aussie dollar will be Friday’s PCE data from the US and Tuesday’s RBA commentary with an expected 0.25% (25bps) hike on the cards. All in all, we believe the AUD is supported higher over the medium term, following a series of hotter than expected CPI prints, while China’s reopening is supporting the AUD with commodity demand rising. Still we continue to watch if the 50 day simple moving average crosses above the 200 day, marking a ‘golden cross’, which could lead to another quick run up.

Crude oil (CLG3 & LCOH3) prices jump higher

The demand outlook for commodities got another boost on Thursday with upbeat US GDP report for Q4 and a still-low initial claims weekly print highlighting the tight jobs market. Th30e recovering demand outlook in the short run also saw Brent structure flipping to backwardation from contango. Brent futures were up 1.7% to $87.50 but our Head of Commodity Strategy, Ole Hansen, writes that Brent is likely to find resistance at $100 in the short-term, with recession risks offsetting an expected rebound in Chinese demand and supply concerns related to the February 5 introduction of an EU embargo on Russian seaborne sales of fuel products. WTI futures inched back above $81/barrel.

Gold (XAUUSD) rejected at 1950

With the upbeat US economic data releases on Thursday, there was increasing conviction that the Fed could still deliver a soft landing vs. a deep recession that some had started to forecast at the end of 2022. This prompted some profit-taking in Gold which closed at a nine-month high and very close to the key resistance of $1950 a day before. Spot prices slumped close to 0.9% to close near $1930, with support seen at $1900 with resistance at $1963, a Fibonacci level.

Copper shorter term correction risk

Copper prices lift 0.5% to $4.27, and are now up 32% from their lows. The wiring and industry metal outlook remains bright amid the clean energy transition, while mines will need to produce more than needed over the next two years to meet demand. However there is a risk Latin America will ramp up output, which could see prices correct.

 

What to consider?

US economic data continues to point to soft landing, eyes on PCE

The advance print of US GDP came in at a stronger-than-expected +2.9% YoY (vs. 2.6% YoY exp) for the fourth quarter from 3.2% YoY in Q3. While the strong headline, together with another sub-200k print for the weekly jobless claims, coming in at 186k vs. 205k expected, suggested that the US economy was holding up strongly in the wake of rapid Fed tightening, the details were still patchy. Importantly, personal consumption, key to gauge how the consumers are holding up, climbed at a weaker-than-expected pace of 2.1% YoY. Focus now turns to Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the PCE data, due to be released today. The disinflation impulse is likely to stretch further, as has been evident from CPI releases lately, likely continuing to build a case for a 25bps rate hike by the Fed next week.

IMF urges the Bank of Japan to consider policy flexibility

The BOJ should consider increasing flexibility in long-term yields, the IMF said, highlighting that the risks to inflation are tilted to the upside with exceptionally high uncertainty. Options include raising its 10-year yield target, widening the trading band, switching back to a quantity goal for bond buying and aiming at a shorter-maturity yield. Japan needs to see a 3% across-the-board rise in nominal wages to anchor CPI above the BOJ's 2% target, fund Deputy MD Gita Gopinath said.

EU considering $100 cap on Russian diesel

The European Union is floating a plan to cap the price of Russian diesel at $100 a barrel from February 5 (the same date as the EU will ban almost all imports of refined Russian products). For reference, diesel futures are currently trading at $130/barrel, as they usually trade at a premium to crude. A lower $45 threshold would be set for discounted fuels like fuel oil, but member states will need to unanimously agree to the final figures. The objective remains to keep the Russian flows coming but cut Moscow’s revenues.

Japan’s Tokyo CPI beats expectations

Tokyo CPI for January came in above expectations, with the headline rising to 4.4% YoY from a revised 3.9% YoY previously and estimate of 4.0% YoY. The core measure rose to 4.3% YoY from 3.9% YoY while the core-core measure was also higher at 3.0% YoY from 2.7% YoY in December. This makes way from another beat in the overall CPI for January as well, and saw USDJPY down by about 50pips in response to 129.70 after a modest rise in the US session as US yields rose. Asia’s inflation surge from Australia to New Zealand to Japan is raising concerns on how China’s reopening could potentially fuel another leg of price pressures globally as commodity prices surge.

In Australia, the ASX200(ASXSP200.I) seems supported by China reopening

Consider Australia is often considered an investment proxy for China and Aussie exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could draw flows as China's economy reopens from Covid. The Australian equity market is frequently a dividend and commodity play, tilting heavily to financial and materials sectors. Mining company BHP Group expects dividend growth of 17% while the top iron ore miners are expected to ramp up shipments, underpinning higher earnings. Insurers, banks and financials could benefit most from RBA rate hikes with QBE and Westpac most sensitive to rising interest rates, with 60% and 40% profit boosts expected for them this year amid higher earnings on assets. The ASX200 is up 16% from its low and total aggregate earnings growth of over 30% is likely to unpin further growth for the market.

 

For a look ahead at markets this week – Read/listen to our Saxo Spotlight.

For a global look at markets – tune into our Podcast.

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • 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

  • Equity Outlook: Will lower rates lift all boats in equities?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: Will lower rates lift all boats in equities?

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    After a period of historically high equity index concentration driven by the 'Magnificent Seven' sto...
  • FX Outlook: USD in limbo amid political and policy jitters

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX Outlook: USD in limbo amid political and policy jitters

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

    As we enter the final quarter of 2024, currency markets are set for heightened turbulence due to US ...
  • Macro Outlook: The US rate cut cycle has begun

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro Outlook: The US rate cut cycle has begun

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    The Fed started the US rate cut cycle in Q3 and in this macro outlook we will explore how the rate c...
  • Commodity Outlook: Gold and silver continue to shine bright

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Gold and silver continue to shine bright

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX: Risk-on currencies to surge against havens

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX: Risk-on currencies to surge against havens

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore the outlook for USD, AUD, NZD, and EM carry trades as risk-on currencies are set to outperfo...
  • Equities: Are we blowing bubbles again

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equities: Are we blowing bubbles again

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore key trends and opportunities in European equities and electrification theme as market dynami...
  • Macro: Sandcastle economics

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro: Sandcastle economics

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore the "two-lane economy," European equities, energy commodities, and the impact of US fiscal p...
  • Bonds: What to do until inflation stabilises

    Quarterly Outlook

    Bonds: What to do until inflation stabilises

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

    Discover strategies for managing bonds as US and European yields remain rangebound due to uncertain ...
  • Commodities: Energy and grains in focus as metals pause

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodities: Energy and grains in focus as metals pause

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

    Energy and grains to shine as metals pause. Discover key trends and market drivers for commodities i...
Disclaimer

The Saxo Group entities each provide execution-only service and access to Analysis permitting a person to view and/or use content available on or via the website is not intended to and does not change or expand on this. Such access and use are at all times subject to (i) The Terms of Use; (ii) Full Disclaimer; (iii) The Risk Warning; (iv) the Rules of Engagement and (v) Notices applying to Saxo News & Research and/or its content in addition (where relevant) to the terms governing the use of hyperlinks on the website of a member of the Saxo Group by which access to Saxo News & Research is gained. Such content is therefore provided as no more than information. In particular no advice is intended to be provided or to be relied on as provided nor endorsed by any Saxo Group entity; nor is it to be construed as solicitation or an incentive provided to subscribe for or sell or purchase any financial instrument. All trading or investments you make must be pursuant to your own unprompted and informed self-directed decision. As such no Saxo Group entity will have or be liable for any losses that you may sustain as a result of any investment decision made in reliance on information which is available on Saxo News & Research or as a result of the use of the Saxo News & Research. Orders given and trades effected are deemed intended to be given or effected for the account of the customer with the Saxo Group entity operating in the jurisdiction in which the customer resides and/or with whom the customer opened and maintains his/her trading account. Saxo News & Research does not contain (and should not be construed as containing) financial, investment, tax or trading advice or advice of any sort offered, recommended or endorsed by Saxo Group and should not be construed as a record of our trading prices, or as an offer, incentive or solicitation for the subscription, sale or purchase in any financial instrument. To the extent that any content is construed as investment research, you must note and accept that the content was not intended to and has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such, would be considered as a marketing communication under relevant laws.

Please read our disclaimers:
- Notification on Non-Independent Investment Research (https://www.home.saxo/legal/niird/notification)
- Full disclaimer (https://www.home.saxo/en-hk/legal/disclaimer/saxo-disclaimer)

None of the information contained here constitutes an offer to purchase or sell a financial instrument, or to make any investments. Saxo does not take into account your personal investment objectives or financial situation and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information nor for any loss arising from any investment made in reliance of this presentation. Any opinions made are subject to change and may be personal to the author. These may not necessarily reflect the opinion of Saxo or its affiliates.

Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited
19th Floor
Shanghai Commercial Bank Tower
12 Queen’s Road Central
Hong Kong

Contact Saxo

Select region

Hong Kong S.A.R
Hong Kong S.A.R

Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited (“Saxo”) is a company authorised and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Saxo holds a Type 1 Regulated Activity (Dealing in Securities); Type 2 Regulated Activity (Dealing in Futures Contract); Type 3 Regulated Activity (Leveraged Foreign Exchange Trading); Type 4 Regulated Activity (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 Regulated Activity (Asset Management) licenses (CE No. AVD061). Registered address: 19th Floor, Shanghai Commercial Bank Tower, 12 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong.

Trading in financial instruments carries various risks, and is not suitable for all investors. Please seek expert advice, and always ensure that you fully understand these risks before trading. Trading in leveraged products may result in your losses exceeding your initial deposits. Saxo does not provide financial advice, any information available on this website is ‘general’ in nature and for informational purposes only. Saxo does not take into account an individual’s needs, objectives or financial situation. Please click here to view the relevant risk disclosure statements.

The Saxo trading platform has received numerous awards and recognition. For details of these awards and information on awards visit www.home.saxo/en-hk/about-us/awards.

The information or the products and services referred to on this site may be accessed worldwide, however is only intended for distribution to and use by recipients located in countries where such use does not constitute a violation of applicable legislation or regulations. Products and services offered on this website are not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity residing in the United States and Japan. Please click here to view our full disclaimer.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. AppStore is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.