Head of Fixed Income Strategy
Instrument: Alpha Bank 2.5% February 2023 (XS1762980065)
Price Target: n/a
Market Price: 2.35% yield
Greece is the last country in the periphery to show signals of economic recovery and yet is paying a considerably higher yield compared to its peers. GDP growth is finally starting to accelerate and unemployment is declining. If positive momentum continues, the country will be able to decrease its debt burden, which at the moment accounts for approx. 180% of gross domestic product. Not only will Greek banks benefit from an economic recovery, but they are now better positioned to handle adverse scenarios as their CET1 positions are stronger than compared to three years ago. We expect Greek banks to pass the upcoming European Central Bank stress test.
Entry: 2.35% yield
Stop: n/a
Target: Repayment and coupon payment.
Time Horizon: strategic
We believe that Alpha Bank 2.5% covered bonds due November 2023 (Ba3/B+) offer an attractive yield (approximately 2.35%) and not only offer a competitive yield compared to peers, but they also offer extra security within the capital structure of the bank. National Bank of Greece (Ba2/B+) has covered notes with October 2020 maturity that offer approximately 1.50% in yield, and Eurobank Ergasias 2.75% 2020 offers approximately 2% in yield but has an extendable maturity up to 2050.
Investors should be aware that although Greek banks’ credit quality is improving, there is still a great amount of bad loans that negatively affects local banks’ balance sheet. The bond can suffer from increased ECB interest rates and potential rating downgrades. This instrument can also be sensitive to headlines concerning the end of the bailout program. Do remember, because this is a recovery story, default is always a risk
Minimum piece is 100,000 nominal EUR with 1,000 nominal EUR increments. Return objective is primarily repayment and coupon payment.
2024: The wasted year
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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.
