Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Capital Markets: "Investors Shaken by Rising Rates"

 From Marc Chandler at Bannockburn Global Forex:

Overview: The surge in US interest rates and sharp losses in US stocks sent the dollar broadly higher in North America yesterday. The $42 bln of two-year notes auctioned by the US Treasury saw the highest yield in more than a quarter-of-a-century (4.67%) and it still produced a small tail. Sterling, helped by its own surprisingly strong data, was the only G10 currency to have gained against the surging dollar. Still, no important technical levels were breached, though the greenback rose to nearly seven-week highs against the Canadian dollar. The US dollar also rose to new highs for the year against the Japanese yen before settling at about JPY135.00. 

Rising US rates and falling stocks are the main driver and the FOMC minutes later today are the focus. While the US economic calendar is light today, Fed speakers return tomorrow, and the data highlight is the PCE deflator on Friday. The major US equity indices lost at least 2% yesterday and are little changed today. However, global equities were dragged lower, with sharp losses in Japan, Korea, and India. Europe's Stoxx 600 is off about 0.85%, the third largest swoon this year. European bond yields are mostly 1-2 bp higher. The G10 currencies are mostly heavier, but the yen and Swiss franc are slightly firmer, while the New Zealand dollar is virtually flat despite the 50 bp hike. Among emerging market currencies, the Mexican peso continues to shine, but nearly the rest are softer. Gold is holding above yesterday's $1830 low but is not making much of a recovery. April WTI is extending its pullback for the sixth consecutive session to trade below $76....

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