BoE watched with focus on voting dynamics and economic projections

    Expectations are firmly set for BoE to keep interest rate unchanged at 5.25% today, marking the fourth consecutive session without a change. Several crucial factors could inject volatility into the financial markets, including the vote split, updated economic projections, and guidance.

    A critical aspect to watch is the voting pattern among the MPC’s nine members. It is unlikely that any member will advocate for an interest rate hike. The central question is whether any members, like known dove Swati Dhingra, will begin to vote for a rate cut.

    Another key area of interest lies in the revised economic forecasts. Given recent economic developments, it’s plausible that the growth forecasts may see a notable upgrade, while the near-term inflation outlook could be revised downwards. These changes would come with a lowered condition rate path.

    The meeting is also expected to see BoE finally dropping its tightening bias, aligning with the broader global central banking trend. However, BoE would likely try to temper any enthusiasm for imminent rate cuts by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining higher interest rates “for longer.” The central bank would require more evidence of wage growth deceleration before feeling confident enough to reduce rates.

    There is a divergence of opinions among economists regarding the timing of the first rate cut, with general consensus fluctuates between May and August of this year. Currently, August is the more probable scenario for the initial cut. However, if today’s meeting leans more dovishly than anticipated, it could tilt the scales in favor of a May cut.

    With today’s strong bounce, GBP/AUD’s sideway consolidation from 1.9415 appears to have completed at 1.9181 already. Rise from 1.8584 is probably ready to resume. Firm break of 1.9415 will confirm this bullish case. Nevertheless, break of 1.9181 support will dampen this view and mix up the outlook.

    In the bigger picture, corrective pattern from 1.9967 (2023 high) should have completed with three waves down to 1.8584 already. Rise from from there is resuming the long term up trend. Next target is 1.9967 high, with prospect of hitting 61.8% projection of 1.7218 to 1.9967 from 1.8584 at 2.0283.

    China’s Caixin PMI manufacturing unchanged at 50.8, economic challenges persist

      China’s Caixin PMI Manufacturing was unchanged at 50.8 in January, matched expectations. The sector showed modest production growth, although the overall sales expansion softened. Notably, this period marked the first rise in new export business in seven months, and business confidence reached a nine-month high. However, the employment sector continued to contract, and the market faced ongoing deflationary pressures.

      Wang Zhe, Senior Economist at Caixin Insight Group, highlighted that despite the stability in manufacturing, the Chinese economy still grapples with “significant challenges”, including weak demand, employment pressures, and subdued market expectations. He emphasized that these issues are yet to see a “fundamental shift reversal”.

      Full China Caixin PMI manufacturing release here.

      Japan’s PMI manufacturing finalized at 48.0, depressed economy and escalating cost pressures

        Japan’s PMI Manufacturing was finalized at 48.0 in January, a minimal increase from December’s 47.9, yet still indicative of ongoing challenges in the sector.

        According to S&P Global, this figure represents a “modest deterioration” in the health of the manufacturing sector, marking a “sustained downturn” at the start of the year.

        Usamah Bhatti of S&P Global Market Intelligence highlights the “depressed economic conditions” both domestically and globally as significant contributors to the sector’s struggles. The data also shows notable declines in both output and new orders, with the latter experiencing a particularly sharp drop.

        Manufacturers in Japan are also facing heightened pressures related to costs and supply. The cost burdens have been rising sharply, driven by increased prices of raw materials, labor, and fuel.

        Additionally, supplier performance has deteriorated significantly, marked as the worst in three months. Issues such as delivery and logistical delays have been frequently mentioned, with some attributing these challenges to the ongoing disruption in the Red Sea.

        Full Japan PMI manufacturing release here.

        US 10-year yield dives below 4% as fresh bank fears prompt flight-to-safety

          US 10-year yield declined significant overnight, closing below 4% psychological at 3.967, as investors flocked to the safety of bonds amidst growing concerns over the banking sector. This shift in sentiment was triggered by New York Community Bancorp’s unexpected quarterly loss and subsequent dividend cut, which led to a steep 34% drop in its stock. The unease quickly spread to other smaller lending institutions, reigniting memories of last year’s brief banking crisis and spurring a rush towards Treasury bonds.

          This flight to safety was further influenced by the Treasury Department’s announcement. It revealed moderate increases in upcoming Treasury auctions for shorter-duration bonds, specifically two-, three-, and five-year government bonds, while signaling only minimal increases for longer durations, including 10 years and beyond. Notably, the Treasury indicated that these adjustments are likely to be the last for several quarters.

          Technically, 10-year yield’s rebound from 3.785 should have completed at 4.198, after rejection by 55 D EMA (now at 4.147), and ahead of 38.2% retracement of 4.997 to 3.785 at 4.247. Deeper fall is expected towards 3.785 low, but stronger support should be seen there to bring rebound, to extend sideway trading first. However, firm break of 3.785 will resume the whole decline from 4.997, with 3.253 medium term support as next target.

           

          Dow tumbles as Fed Powell rules out March rate cut

            US stocks plunged sharply overnight, following Fed’s decision to maintain the interest rate at 5.25-5.50%. While Fed finally dropped tightening bias, indicating the peak of the tightening cycle, it firmly dismissed the possibility of an imminent rate cut in March.

            Chair Jerome Powell’s statement during the post-meeting press conference was clear: “I don’t think it’s likely that the committee will reach a level of confidence by the time of the March meeting to identify March is the time to do that”.This comment has effectively quashed hopes for an early rate cut.

            Policy loosening is still underway, echoing December’s dot plot. Powell said, “We believe that our policy rate is likely at its peak for this tightening cycle and that if the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint, at some point this year.”

            In response to these developments, DOW closed down -317.01 pts or -0.81% at 38150.30. Near term focus is now on 37795.71 support. Decisive break there will confirm initial rejection by 100% projection of 28660.94 to 34712.28 from 32327.20, possibly on bearish divergence condition in D MACD too. That would kick start a correction phase back to 55 D EMA (now at 36856.81).

            Similarly, for S&P 500, break of 4802.40 support will confirm short term bottoming, after rejection by 100% projection of 3808.86 to 4607.07 from 4103.78, on bearish divergence condition in D MACD. Deeper correction should then be seen to 55 D EMA (now at 4697.73).

             

            Canada’s GDP grows 0.2% mom in Nov, primarily driven by goods-production sectors

              Canada’s GDP grew 0.2% mom in November, above expectation of 0.1% mom. Growth was primarily driven by goods-producing industries, which marked the highest expansion rate since January 2023 at 0.6% mom.

              Services-producing industries experienced a modest increase of 0.1% mom during the same period. This slight rise came despite the adverse impacts of strikes within Quebec’s public sector, which began in November.

              Overall, 13 of 20 industrial sectors increased in November.

              Additionally, preliminary data suggests continued upward trend, with an anticipated increase of 0.3% mom in real GDP for December.

              Full Canada GDP release here.

              US ADP jobs grows 107k, below expectation 143k

                US ADP private employment grew 107k in January, below expectation of 143k. By sector, goods-producing jobs rose 30k while service-providing jobs rose 77k. By establishment size, small companies added 25k jobs, medium added 61k, large added 31k.

                Pay gains for job-stayers slowed from 5.4% yoy to 5.2% yoy. Pay gains for job-changers slowed to 7.2% yoy, smallest gain since May 2021.

                “Progress on inflation has brightened the economic picture despite a slowdown in hiring and pay,” said Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. “Wages adjusted for inflation have improved over the past six months, and the economy looks like it’s headed toward a soft landing in the U.S. and globally.

                Full US ADP release here.

                ECB’s de Guindos see lower growth and inflation than Dec forecasts

                  ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos, in an interview with Die Zeit, offered indicated that the growth forecast for the region, previously set at 0.8% for this year, might fall short of expectations.

                  De Guindos highlighted several factors contributing to this revised outlook, saying, “The prospects have even deteriorated.” He pointed out the key issues impacting the forecast: a slowdown in world trade, heightened geopolitical uncertainties, and the more rapid than anticipated impact of ECB’s interest rate hikes on the economy.

                  De Guindos also touched upon inflation trends, noting a shift from previous projections. The December projections had inflation returning to the 2% target by the second half of 2025. However, recent data suggest a more optimistic scenario.

                  De Guindos observed, “But inflation figures have mostly brought positive surprises recently.” He further speculated that inflation might settle “slightly lower” than their predictions.

                  Full interview of de Guindos here.

                  China’s NBS PMI manufacturing ticks up to 49.3, contraction continues

                    China’s manufacturing sector remained in contraction for the fourth consecutive month, with NBS PMI Manufacturing index marginally rising from 49.0 to 49.3 in January, slightly below the expected 49.3.

                    The continued manufacturing contraction is evident in the subindexes: new orders was 49.0, marking the fourth month of contraction, while new export orders index stood at 47.2, contracting for the tenth consecutive month. A concerning detail is the employment subindex, which fell to a 13-month low of 47.6, indicating contraction for 11 straight months.

                    On a positive note, the manufacturing sector’s production index attained a 4-month high, advancing to 51.3, and has sustained expansion for eight consecutive months.

                    In contrast, PMI Non-Manufacturing saw a slight improvement, rising from 50.4 to 50.7, marginally above the forecast of 50.6. Consequently, PMI Composite, which encompasses both manufacturing and services sectors, reached a four-month peak of 50.9, up from 50.3 in the previous month.

                    Australia’s CPI down to 4.1% yoy in Q4, monthly CPI down to 3.4% yoy in Dec

                      Australia’s inflation data for Q4 show notable easing in price pressures. CPI rose by 0.6% qoq, a considerable slowdown from the previous quarter’s 1.2% qoq and below expectation 0.8% qoq. This marks the smallest quarterly increase since Q1 2021. On an annual basis, CPI decelerated from 5.4% yoy to 4.1% yoy, coming in lower than the forecasted 4.3% yoy.

                      RBA’s trimmed mean CPI, which is a measure of core inflation, also reflected this trend. It increased by 0.8% qoq and 4.2% yoy, down from 1.2% qoq and 5.2% yoy respectively in the previous quarter. These figures were below the expected 0.9% qoq and 4.3% yoy. Notably, this represents the fourth consecutive quarter of declining annual trimmed mean inflation, falling from a peak of 6.8% in Q4 2022.

                      Additionally, monthly CPI showed a sharp slowdown from 4.3% yoy to 3.4% yoy, undershooting expectation of 3.7% yoy.

                      Full Australia CPI release here.

                      NZ ANZ business confidence rises to 36.6, inflation expectations lowest since Nov 2021

                        New Zealand ANZ Business Confidence rose from 33.2 to 36.6 in January. However, Own Activity Outlook fell from 29.3 to 25.6.

                        In a significant development, inflation expectations decreased from 4.61% to 4.28%, reaching their lowest point since November 2021. Despite this decline in inflation expectations, a high number of firms still plan to increase their prices, with the pricing intentions index only marginally decreasing from 50.2 to 49.7. Cost expectations also saw a slight reduction, moving from 76.2 to 75.6, but they remain at elevated levels.

                        ANZ’s commentary on the situation pointed out that the New Zealand economy is at a critical point, expressing a cautiously optimistic outlook. They anticipate that RBNZ has implemented sufficient tightening measures and expect a gradual realization of their impact, leading to a possible initiation of “a steady stream of OCR cuts” by August.

                        Full NZ ANZ business confidence release here.

                        Japan’s industrial production rises 1.8% mom in Dec, a bounce in seesawing pattern

                          Japan’s industrial production rose 1.8% mom in December, rebounding from prior month’s -0.9% mom contraction, but missed expectation of 2.4% mom.

                          Manufacturers have tempered expectations for the coming months, predicting a -6.2% mom drop in production in January, followed by a modest 2.2% mom increase in February. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry maintains its assessment of “seesawing” on production.

                          As an METI official indicated, the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake’s impact on manufacturing appears minimal for January. However, production forecasts are clouded by the suspension of operations at Daihatsu due to issues with collision-safety test irregularities.

                          “Although we believe that the production sentiment of companies is gradually getting out of the bearish phase, for the time being, we need to pay attention to the impact of the suspension of auto manufacturers’ operation,” the official said.

                          In separate release, retail sales grew 2.1% yoy in December, well below expectation of 5.0% yoy.

                          BoJ summary of opinions suggests rate hike within reach

                            The Summary of Opinions from BoJ’s meeting on January 22-23 signaled the central bank’s intensified focus on initiating its first rate hike since 2007 and moving away from its long-standing negative interest rate policy. The deliberations, however, stopped short of providing a clear timeline for these policy shifts.

                            A notable hawkish sentiment within BoJ pointed to the “growing possibility” of significant wage revisions in the upcoming spring, at “relatively higher levels” than in the past. This perspective is underpinned by the recognition of “improving trend” in both economic activities and price. Such developments suggest that the necessary conditions for revising monetary policy, including ending the negative interest rate regime, are increasingly “being met”.

                            Concurrently, the impact of Noto Peninsula Earthquake on is a key factor under close observation. One opinion suggested that, after a thorough assessment of the earthquake’s effects over “the next one or two months”, BoJ is “highly likely to reach a point where it can normalize monetary policy”.

                            On the other side of the spectrum, a more cautious stance was also expressed. While acknowledging that the probability of achieving the BoJ’s 2 percent price stability target is becoming “more realistic”, it was noted that certainty in reaching this goal is not yet fully established. However, this view also supports the initiation of discussions regarding the exit from the current monetary policy stance.

                            Full BoJ Summary of Opinions here.

                            ECB’s Lagarde emphasizes wage growth as key determinant for rate cut decision

                              ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized that the central bank is not yet ready to initiate rate cuts, underscoring the need for comprehensive data analysis

                              In a CNN interview overnight, she stated, “We are not there yet,” added that the decision to loosen monetary policy hinges on “all sorts of data”. She also singled out the significance of wage data as “critically important.”

                              Despite acknowledging a clear disinflationary trend, Lagarde noted that ECB requires a deeper understanding and progression into this trend to make a well-informed decision. “We are on a disinflationary trend — no question about it,” she confirmed, “But we need to be further into that process.”

                              Lagarde’s remarks also touched upon the consensus within the ECB regarding the direction of the next policy move. “I think we all agree that the next move” will be a cut, she said, aligning with the general anticipation of eventual rate reductions. However, the timing remains uncertain and subject to thorough examination of upcoming economic data.

                              A key factor in the timeline for interest rate cuts is the availability of wage growth data, which is not expected until after ECB’s April meeting. This positions the June meeting as a more likely juncture for the consideration of rate cuts.

                              US consumer confidence hits 2-year high at 114.8, reflecting inflation slowdown and positive employment outlook

                                US Conference Board Consumer Confidence rose from 110.7 to 114.8 in January, above expectation of 113.2, and marks the highest level since December 2021. Present Situation Index rose sharply from 147.2 to 161.3. Expectations Index also improved slightly from 81.9 to 83.8.

                                Dana Peterson, The Conference Board’s Chief Economist, attributes this surge in consumer confidence to several key factors, including decelerating inflation, prospects of future interest rate reductions, and the robust employment environment, as companies exhibit a tendency to retain labor.

                                Furthermore, consumers’ perception of the likelihood of a US recession within the upcoming year has continued to diminish, aligning with the Expectations Index’s climb above 80.

                                Full US consumer confidence release here.

                                IMF raises 2024 global growth forecasts, risk of hard landing recedes

                                  In the World Economic Outlook update, IMF upgraded global growth forecast for 2024 by 0.2% to 3.1%. 2025 growth forecast was left unchanged at 3.2%. This upward revision largely stems from stronger-than-expected economic resilience in the US and key emerging markets, along with fiscal support measures in China.

                                  Also, IMF anticipates slowdown in global inflation to 5.8% in 2024 and a further reduction to 4.4% in 2025. With this expected disinflation and steady economic growth, “likelihood of a hard landing has receded”, and risks to global growth are now viewed as “broadly balanced”.

                                  IMF outlines several potential upside and downside risks to its forecast. Upside risks include faster disinflation potentially leading to looser financial conditions and temporary growth boosts from more expansionary fiscal policies. However, these could pose longer-term challenges. Enhanced structural reforms could also positively impact productivity and have cross-border benefits.

                                  On the downside, IMF cautions against risks like new commodity price increases due to geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea. Persistent inflation could maintain the need for tight monetary policies. Further, troubles in China’s property market or unexpected fiscal tightening in other regions could lead to lower growth than anticipated.

                                  Looking at some details growth forecast:

                                  • US at 2.1% in 2024 (up 0.6% from October estimate), 1.7% in 2025 (down -0.1% from October estimate).
                                  • Eurozone at 0.9% in 2024 (down -0.3%), 1.7% in 2025 (down -0.1%).
                                  • Japan at 0.9% in 2024 (down -0.1%), 0.8% in 2025 (up 0.2%).
                                  • UK at 0.6% in 2024 (unchanged), 1.6% in 2025 (down -0.4%).
                                  • Canada at 1.4% in 2024 (down -0.2%), 2.3% in 2025 (down -0.1%).
                                  • China at 4.6% in 2024 (up 0.4%), 4.1% in 2025 (unchanged).

                                  Full IMF release here.

                                  ECB’s Vujcic emphasizes gradual transition in monetary policy, downplays recession risks

                                    ECB Governing Council member Boris Vujcic emphasizing that a “smooth transition” in monetary policy is more important then the timing of the first rate cut. Also, he’d prefer to move in smaller steps.

                                    “April or June doesn’t really make much of a difference for the economy,” he stated, “I think it’s more important that we achieve a kind of smooth transition.”

                                    Vujcic also expressed a preference for gradual rate adjustments, favoring 25 basis point moves as opposed to larger steps. Additionally, there would be some “pauses” in between every rate move.

                                    Regarding the economy, Vujcic said, “the risk of a recession in the euro zone is getting smaller and smaller”, projecting an upcoming phase characterized by modest economic growth coupled with further disinflation.

                                     

                                    Eurozone GDP stable in Q4, avoids contraction

                                      Eurozone GDP was stable in Q4, better than expectation of -0.1% qoq contraction. Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, GDP increased by 0.1% yoy. EU GDP was also stable in Q4, and increased 0.2% yoy.

                                      Among the Member States for which data are available, Portugal (+0.8%) recorded the highest increase compared to the previous quarter, followed by Spain (+0.6%), Belgium and Latvia (both +0.4%). Declines were recorded in Ireland (-0.7%), Germany and Lithuania (both -0.3%). The year on year growth rates were positive for six countries and negative for five.

                                      Full Eurozone GDP release here.

                                      Ifo: German economy to contract -0.2% in Q1, restrictive monetary policy taking full effect

                                        Germany’s economy is bracing for a challenging first quarter, with ifo Institute projecting a contraction in GDP by -0.2%. Timo Wollmershäuser, Head of Forecasts at ifo, indicated that this decline would “tip the German economy into recession.”

                                        Wollmershäuser explainsed, “Companies in almost all sectors of the economy are complaining about falling demand”. In the manufacturing and construction sectors, where once robust order backlogs have significantly “melted away”. A concerning trend of decreasing incoming orders has been observed for several months, with residential construction experiencing a notable surge in cancellations.

                                        “It appears that restrictive monetary policy in Europe and North America, with its aim of stabilizing prices through sharp rises in key interest rates, is now taking full effect,” Wollmershäuser added

                                        Unique factors further aggravate the situation. Wollmershäuser notes, “High illness levels, rail strikes at Deutsche Bahn, and an unusually cold and snowy January,” are additional burdens on the economy. Despite these factors, he finds a silver lining in private consumption, which shows some positive trends.

                                        Full press release of ifo

                                        Swiss KOF rises to 101.5, signaling imminent economic recovery

                                          Swiss KOF Economic Barometer rose from 98.0 to 101.5 in January, above expectation of 98.2. That was the third consecutive month of increase, and the first instance since March of the previous year that the barometer has exceeded its medium-term average. This development is being interpreted as “increasing signs that the Swiss economy will soon recover”.

                                          The improvement is particularly noticeable in the accommodation industry and other service sectors. The combined indicators for manufacturing, construction, and foreign demand are also “develop slightly positive”. Consumer demand, however, is “virtually unchanged”. The only sector that appears to be facing challenges is the financial and insurance activities, where the outlook has deteriorated.

                                          Full Swiss KOF release here.