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.