Macro Matters – Weekly review, w/c May 22
Macro Matters – Weekly review, w/c May 22
TradeDay Macro Matters
Macroeconomic/Geopolitical Developments
• US debt ceiling agreement imminent
• Treasury yields rise as Fed hawks resurface
US Debt Ceiling Set to Be Resolved
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy indicates a deal to raise the debt ceiling may be finalized soon. With the brinkmanship subsiding, markets have rallied positively. However, the focus may quickly shift back to concerns over a slowing US economy.
Treasury Yields Climb Sharply
Yields on US Treasuries have risen significantly, driven by expectations of further Fed rate hikes.
• 2-Year Yield: Broke above 4.25%, signaling a possible June rate hike.
• 10-Year Yield: Surged past 3.64%, reaching highs not seen since March.
Hawkish commentary from FOMC members like Thomas Barkin supports the likelihood of additional tightening to combat inflation.
The US
• USD Recovery: The Dollar Index has broken a seven-month downtrend, fueled by rising rate expectations. Key support now lies at 102.80.
• NASDAQ Surge: The tech-heavy NASDAQ continues its remarkable 2023 rally, but overbought momentum indicators suggest caution.
• Earnings Season Wrap-Up: While tech stocks like Alphabet and Microsoft outperformed, broader markets like the S&P 500 show weaker advance/decline trends, signaling underlying fragility.
Europe
• UK Inflation in Focus: Headline CPI is expected to drop to 8.3%, but persistent core inflation at 6.2% may keep the Bank of England on track for additional rate hikes.
• German DAX Hits All-Time Highs: Risk-on sentiment has pushed the DAX above 16,000, with further gains likely unless profit-taking sets in.
Asia
• USD/JPY Breakout: Yield differentials continue to drive USD/JPY higher, as the US 10-year yield rises while the JGB remains stagnant.
• Nikkei Soars: Japanese stocks reach multi-decade highs, though overbought conditions suggest potential for a pullback.
Commodities
• Oil: Choppy trading continues as mixed factors like Chinese data and US debt ceiling optimism weigh on sentiment. Resistance at $73.89 will be crucial.
• Gold: A stronger USD and reduced safe-haven demand have pushed Gold futures below $1970, signaling further downside toward $1900.
On the Calendar
Macro Data:
• 22 May: Eurozone Consumer Confidence
• 23 May: Flash PMIs (Japan, Eurozone, UK, US), New Home Sales
• 24 May: UK CPI, German Ifo, FOMC Minutes
• 25 May: US Weekly Jobless Claims, Pending Home Sales
• 26 May: UK Retail Sales, US Core PCE Inflation, Michigan Sentiment