EU TRANSPORTATION: Air Portugal: Privatisation Updates (x2)

The 10-year BTP/Bund spread trades close to session lows of ~78.5bps, benefiting from the latest extension higher in global equity futures. 

• We highlighted last week that having already tightened by ~35bps this year, the 10-year BTP/Bund spread has struggled to sustainably consolidated below 80bps in recent months.
• Signs of a more resilient domestic growth outlook may be a necessary condition for further narrowing. Although the 2026 draft budget projects the Italian deficit to fall to 2.8% next year, a weak growth trajectory may impede continued improvements in fiscal metrics.  Q3 flash GDP is due on October 30.
• Note that EUR 3m10y swaption vol has also moved away from multi-year lows through October, which may be limiting near-term tightening impulses.
• BTP futures are +7 ticks at 121.53, off session lows of 121.58. Initial resistance is Friday’s opening high of 121.94.
• Italy is issuing the new retail-only 7-year Oct-32 BTP Valore this week. Day 1 books are currently E4.9bln. That’s above the E3.7bln raised on the first day of the last BTP Valore issue in May 2024, but currently below the E5.6bln raised on the first day of the BTP Piu issue in February 2025. 

• Firms expecting inflation exceeding BOC target rate declined from 74% in Q2 to 69% in Q3.
• Two-thirds of consumers foresee a recession within a year, blaming trade war, yet also see inflation at 3.72% now and 4% a year from now.
• CSCE indicator -0.85 from prior -1.07; remains below historical levels.
• 70% of consumers believe the worst inflation spill-over is yet to come from tariffs.
• Surveys mostly gathered from July through Sept. BOC has said it will remain cautious on interest rates after a return to cutting last month. 

• MNI: BOC OUTLOOK SURVEY: FUTURE SALES GROWTH BALANCE OF OPINION -2
• BANK OF CANADA BUSINESS OUTLOOK SURVEY OVERALL INDICATOR -2.28
• BOC: CONSUMERS SEE INFLATION AT 3.72% NOW, 4% IN 1 YEAR