Overnight NOKSEK vols have topped 10 points as tomorrow’s Riksbank and Norges Bank decisions come into view, the highest level since August and above the 7.2 YTD average. Although the rate decisions (25bp Riksbank cut and Norges Bank hold) are widely expected, focus will be on the updated rate path projections and guidance around the outlook for policy rates next year.
- That helps explain the 1-point O/N vol premium compared to the November decisions (which were also on the same day, but did not feature new projections).
- Overall, we view the risks to both decisions as slightly tilted in a hawkish direction, but the proximity of the events (Riksbank at 0830GMT and Norges at 0900GMT) still leaves scope for volatility in NOKSEK.
- An overnight ATM NOKSEK straddle requires a ~40 pip swing from current levels to break-even. On the downside, this would bring yesterday’s low at 0.9732 into view, clearance of which would strengthen a developing bearish threat in the cross. Initial resistance is the 50-day EMA at 0.9810.
- Our Riksbank preview is here and our Norges Bank preview is here