Latest G10 DEER valuations
For major G10 currencies, the JPY and CAD are the two most undervalued, and GBP the least overvalued. JPY’s undervaluation has widened back to extremes seen in Nov after the BOJ increased flexibility of YCC slightly in July, with a reference range that is +/-0.5% around the 0% target. The CAD undervaluation has widened marginally, given a stronger USD. GBP has reversed its undervaluation and is now slightly above fair value, as BOE shifts to a 50bps rate hike in June to tackle persistent inflation.
USD, CHF, and NZD remain the three most over-valued, based on our DEER valuations. The USD’s over-valuation has expanded slightly, with growth remaining strong in Q2. CHF’s valuation has risen along with continued SNB FX intervention to dampen price pressures. SNB’s FX reserves have now fallen to its lowest since Q3 2017. NZD’s over-valuation has narrowed after RBNZ left rates unchanged in July.
DEER Strategy Recommendations
Given no change in the ranking of DEER valuations, our DEER strategy maintains longs in JPY, GBP, and CAD. The JPY’s valuation is back to extreme lows, as markets expect the BOJ to be patient in maintaining easing. Still, there has been a meaningful shift after the BOJ changed its YCC target range to an elastic reference range instead, with a new hard cap of 1%. Given increased uncertainty over inflation, the BOJ may be prepared to allow more market determination of yields going forward. If so, the corresponding rise in yield volatility should support the JPY (see here). Furthermore, large domestic bond outflows could reverse if yields are allowed to rise by a larger extent. Downside risks for the JPY should also be limited after the Japanese government repeatedly warned of excessive FX volatility, raising risks of MOF intervention in FX markets to support the JPY.
GBP could benefit from further BOE policy tightening, with markets expecting at least a 25bps hike for Aug. BOE might also accelerate QT by increasing government bond sales. Though the impact on gilts is estimated to be small, the move could reinforce BOE’s inflation credibility, alongside the appointment of ex-Fed Chair Bernanke to review its inflation forecasting record. On the trade front, the UK is expected to lodge its accession into CPTPP within the next 12 months, facilitating its cross-border provision of services. While growth is not particularly strong, the UK still seems to have done better than other major European economies in Q2.
CAD is mostly stable against the USD, helped by the BOC restarting rate hikes in June after being on pause since January. Canada’s economy remains strong, and the BoC is now worried that disinflation towards its 2% target could stall amid excess demand and persistent underlying inflation. While BOC seeks a balance between risks of under- and over-tightening, stronger than expected growth momentum could perhaps necessitate further tightening.
Our strategy maintains shorts against USD, CHF, and the EUR. The US economy is admittedly stronger than expected given the policy tightening delivered, and so the USD has proven resilient despite its high valuation. But with the Fed likely done with rate hikes by now given slowing inflation, USD strength is likely to abate.
The ECB has shifted to a more data-dependent stance, after a series of consecutive rate hikes this year. Guidance for further rate hikes has thus changed to consideration on a meeting-by-meeting basis. While Eurozone’s Q2 growth of 0.3% q/q is reasonable, German growth is flat for two quarters already and the Italian economy had contracted in Q2. Space for further ECB rate hikes look limited amid uneven growth and could thus curb EUR gains.
In Switzerland, the manufacturing sector, which contributes 18% of GDP, has entered a deep recession. Swiss manufacturing PMI tanked to 38.5 in July, well below its 1H average of 46.4 and marks its lowest read since April 2009. Inflation has also been decisively tackled, having fallen below 2% in June. The SNB should be more concerned about growth than inflation at this juncture and should cease its efforts to strengthen the franc.
Comparison with individual FX forecasts
The DEER model valuations are entirely based on data, and there can be differences with our FX forecasts, which are based on analyst judgement. Analysis is based not just on the DEER factors, but numerous other factors that include monetary policy shifts, broader market developments, and even soft data such as sentiment. Still, our readers could benefit from a comparison of our DEER model recommendations with our published FX forecasts for EUR, JPY, and GBP.
Based on current market prices, our DEER recommendations for EUR and JPY should deliver a positive return if our forecasts for 3Q 2024 are realized. But it is not a perfect association, with the DEER recommendation for GBP expected to underperform based on our forecast. Nevertheless, the addition of GBP offers a valuable diversification benefit, by negating excessive European concentration in shorts. The return of the DEER strategy portfolio should be viewed in totality on a risk-adjusted basis, and not singularly focussed on individual currencies.
Recent DEER return breakdown and analysis
We review the returns of our previous DEER recommendations made on 9 May 2023 (see here). The returns are calculated based on closing prices on 2 Aug 2023 vs forward prices on 8 May 2023.
The USD had a mixed return this quarter, as support from previous Fed rate hikes is diminishing, but the US economy is still showing resilience. Both our short EUR and long GBP positions delivered a positive return of 1.1% and 0.6% respectively, with the BOE’s larger rate hikes helping GBP become the best performing G10 currency year-to-date. The EUR is now lagging, as growth concerns are starting to restrain ECB hawkishness. Our CAD long is flat, with the BOC balanced between under- and over-tightening. Our CHF short show a marginal loss of 0.3%, given persistent CHF strength.
Finally, our JPY long posted a large 7.6% loss and continues to be an outsized drag on the DEER Strategy return, even with diversification. USD/JPY volatility has grown extreme, with JPY weakness driven by large domestic bond outflows this year. Given low JPY valuations and heavy short positioning in the JPY for carry, we see risks of a snapback in the JPY if market volatility jumps, or if the BOJ allows a more significant rise in JGB yields.
On an aggregated basis, our DEER strategy posted a 2.1% loss from 8 May 2022 to 2 Aug 2023. JPY underperformance due to monetary policy divergence has been a setback for our strategy, but the negative impact from short-term rate differentials and US rates volatility could be over if the Fed halts further rate hikes.
Since inception, our DEER Strategy has underperformed the S&P500 Index and the global HY index, as risky assets outperformed on a better US outlook. It still outperforms the DM short-term bond index, US 10y Treasury, as well as the global IG credit index.
In our correlation analysis based on weekly returns, the DEER strategy continues to display small correlations (between 0.20 to 0.32) with equity and bond assets, proxied by the S&P 500 and the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index. Low correlations against traditional assets implies that the DEER Strategy can offer a valuable diversification benefit for most portfolios. Currency strategies still provide good diversification, even as bonds and equities are now showing greater correlations in returns (between 0.48 to 0.74).
Latest Asian ex-Japan DEER valuations
For Asian ex-Japan currencies, both PHP and THB remain the two most over-valued. However, the THB’s over-valuation has narrowed substantially, given protracted political uncertainty post elections. The PM is still not appointed, with the Move Forward party failing to get enough support for its leader.
MYR and RMB remain the two most under-valued Asian currencies. The MYR had strengthened noticeably in July though, as the Malaysian government announced some success in courting FDI investment, particularly from China. The RMB is also stabilizing despite a growth slowdown. Chinese authorities had made clear their preference for a stronger RMB via daily CNY fixings, relaxing regulatory parameters to allow more foreign borrowings by Chinese companies, and providing guidance to banks to delay their USD purchases. An already undervalued RMB means that the authorities are not likely to consider RMB depreciation as a policy option to support growth.
To read the full report, click here to Download the PDF.
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates)
The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). This report is intended for “Accredited Investors” and “Institutional Investors” (defined under the Financial Advisers Act and Securities and Futures Act of Singapore, and their subsidiary legislation), as well as “Professional Investors” (defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong) only. It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies. The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.
This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.
DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.
DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability. 13th Floor One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong SAR
Virtual currencies are highly speculative digital "virtual commodities", and are not currencies. It is not a financial product approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, and the safeguards of the existing investor protection regime does not apply. The prices of virtual currencies may fluctuate greatly, and the investment risk is high. Before engaging in such transactions, the investor should carefully assess the risks, and seek its own independent advice.
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
The research analyst(s) primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views. The analyst(s) also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in the report. The research analyst (s) primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that he or his associate[1] does not serve as an officer of the issuer or the new listing applicant (which includes in the case of a real estate investment trust, an officer of the management company of the real estate investment trust; and in the case of any other entity, an officer or its equivalent counterparty of the entity who is responsible for the management of the issuer or the new listing applicant) and the research analyst(s) primarily responsible for the content of this research report or his associate does not have financial interests[2] in relation to an issuer or a new listing applicant that the analyst reviews. DBS Group has procedures in place to eliminate, avoid and manage any potential conflicts of interests that may arise in connection with the production of research reports. The research analyst(s) responsible for this report operates as part of a separate and independent team to the investment banking function of the DBS Group and procedures are in place to ensure that confidential information held by either the research or investment banking function is handled appropriately. There is no direct link of DBS Group's compensation to any specific investment banking function of the DBS Group.
COMPANY-SPECIFIC / REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
Compensation for investment banking services:
Disclosure of previous investment recommendation produced:
RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION
General | This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. |
Australia | This report is being distributed in Australia by DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”) or DBSV HK. DBS Bank Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence no. 475946. DBS Bank Ltd, DBSVS and DBSV HK are exempted from the requirement to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence under the Corporation Act 2001 (“CA”) in respect of financial services provided to the recipients. Both DBS and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the laws of Singapore, and DBSV HK is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission under the laws of Hong Kong, which differ from Australian laws. Distribution of this report is intended only for “wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA. |
Hong Kong | This report has been prepared by a personnel of DBS Bank Ltd, who is not licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities in Hong Kong pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). This report is being distributed in Hong Kong and is attributable to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (''DBS HK''), a registered institution registered with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch is a limited liability company incorporated in Singapore. For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Dennis Lam (Reg No. AH8290) at [email protected] |
Indonesia | This report is being distributed in Indonesia by PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas Indonesia. |
Malaysia | This report is distributed in Malaysia by AllianceDBS Research Sdn Bhd ("ADBSR"). Recipients of this report, received from ADBSR are to contact the undersigned at 603-2604 3333 in respect of any matters arising from or in connection with this report. In addition to the General Disclosure/Disclaimer found at the preceding page, recipients of this report are advised that ADBSR (the preparer of this report), its holding company Alliance Investment Bank Berhad, their respective connected and associated corporations, affiliates, their directors, officers, employees, agents and parties related or associated with any of them may have positions in, and may effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking/corporate advisory and other services for the subject companies. They may also have received compensation and/or seek to obtain compensation for broking, investment banking/corporate advisory and other services from the subject companies. Wong Ming Tek, Executive Director, ADBSR |
Singapore | This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) or DBSVS (Company Regn No. 198600294G), both of which are Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBSVS, may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 6878 8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report. |
Thailand | This report is being distributed in Thailand by DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd. For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul at [email protected] |
United Kingdom | This report is produced by DBS Bank Ltd which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This report is disseminated in the United Kingdom by DBS Bank Ltd, London Branch (“DBS UK”). DBS UK is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request. In respect of the United Kingdom, this report is solely intended for the clients of DBS UK, its respective connected and associated corporations and affiliates only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form or by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBS UK, This communication is directed at persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments. Any investment activity following from this communication will only be engaged in with such persons. Persons who do not have professional experience in matters relating to investments should not rely on this communication. |
Dubai International Financial Centre | This communication is provided to you as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty as defined in the DFSA Rulebook Conduct of Business Module (the "COB Module"), and should not be relied upon or acted on by any person which does not meet the criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty under the DFSA rules. This communication is from the branch of DBS Bank Ltd operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (the "DIFC") under the trading name "DBS Bank Ltd. (DIFC Branch)" ("DBS DIFC"), registered with the DIFC Registrar of Companies under number 156 and having its registered office at units 608 - 610, 6th Floor, Gate Precinct Building 5, PO Box 506538, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. DBS DIFC is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (the "DFSA") with a DFSA reference number F000164. For more information on DBS DIFC and its affiliates, please see http://www.dbs.com/ae/our--network/default.page. Where this communication contains a research report, this research report is prepared by the entity referred to therein, which may be DBS Bank Ltd or a third party, and is provided to you by DBS DIFC. The research report has not been reviewed or authorised by the DFSA. Such research report is distributed on the express understanding that, whilst the information contained within is believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified by DBS DIFC. Unless otherwise indicated, this communication does not constitute an "Offer of Securities to the Public" as defined under Article 12 of the Markets Law (DIFC Law No.1 of 2012) or an "Offer of a Unit of a Fund" as defined under Article 19(2) of the Collective Investment Law (DIFC Law No.2 of 2010). The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying this communication or any associated documents in connection with this investment and it is not subject to any form of regulation or approval by the DFSA. Accordingly, the DFSA has not approved this communication or any other associated documents in connection with this investment nor taken any steps to verify the information set out in this communication or any associated documents, and has no responsibility for them. The DFSA has not assessed the suitability of any investments to which the communication relates and, in respect of any Islamic investments (or other investments identified to be Shari'a compliant), neither we nor the DFSA has determined whether they are Shari'a compliant in any way. Any investments which this communication relates to may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence on any investments. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorised financial adviser. |
United States | This report was prepared by DBS Bank Ltd. DBSVUSA did not participate in its preparation. The research analyst(s) named on this report are not registered as research analysts with FINRA and are not associated persons of DBSVUSA. The research analyst(s) are not subject to FINRA Rule 2241 restrictions on analyst compensation, communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst. This report is being distributed in the United States by DBSVUSA, which accepts responsibility for its contents. This report may only be distributed to Major U.S. Institutional Investors (as defined in SEC Rule 15a-6) and to such other institutional investors and qualified persons as DBSVUSA may authorize. Any U.S. person receiving this report who wishes to effect transactions in any securities referred to herein should contact DBSVUSA directly and not its affiliate. |
Other jurisdictions | In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for qualified, professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions. |
HONG KONG DBS (Hong Kong) Ltd Contact: Dennis Lam 13th Floor One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Tel: 852 3668 4181 Fax: 852 2521 1812 e-mail: [email protected] | SINGAPORE DBS Bank Ltd Contact: Paul Yong 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 Singapore 018982 Tel: 65 6878 8888 e-mail: [email protected] Company Regn. No. 196800306E
|
INDONESIA PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas (Indonesia) Contact: Maynard Priajaya Arif DBS Bank Tower Ciputra World 1, 32/F Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5 Jakarta 12940, Indonesia Tel: 62 21 3003 4900 Fax: 6221 3003 4943 e-mail: [email protected]
| THAILAND DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd Contact: Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul 989 Siam Piwat Tower Building, 9th, 14th-15th Floor Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok Thailand 10330 Tel. 66 2 857 7831 Fax: 66 2 658 1269 e-mail: [email protected] Company Regn. No 0105539127012 Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand |
[1] An associate is defined as (i) the spouse, or any minor child (natural or adopted) or minor step-child, of the analyst; (ii) the trustee of a trust of which the analyst, his spouse, minor child (natural or adopted) or minor step-child, is a beneficiary or discretionary object; or (iii) another person accustomed or obliged to act in accordance with the directions or instructions of the analyst.
[2] Financial interest is defined as interests that are commonly known financial interest, such as investment in the securities in respect of an issuer or a new listing applicant, or financial accommodation arrangement between the issuer or the new listing applicant and the firm or analysis. This term does not include commercial lending conducted at arm's length, or investments in any collective investment scheme other than an issuer or new listing applicant notwithstanding the fact that the scheme has investments in securities in respect of an issuer or a new listing applicant.