ASIA RATES: Dealing Mixed, Global Bonds Cheapen Today Despite Iran’s Weekend Attack

Apr-15 05:58

Asian rates are dealing mixed after conflicting signals from global bond markets after Iran’s military launched drones and missiles against Israel over the weekend, in a significant escalation of hostilities. US tsys finished Friday’s session 4-8bps richer in response to simmering tensions in the Middle East. However, US tsys are dealing 3-4bps cheaper in today’s Asia-Pac session.

  • China Government Bonds are dealing flat to 1bp cheaper after the Government vows to tighten stock market supervision as the rebound stalls. China equities are higher. (See link)
  • Additionally, China withdrew cash from the banking system for a second consecutive month, signalling its caution toward monetary easing as currency depreciation pressures mount. (See link)
  • China’s calendar will see New Home Prices, GDP, Industrial Production & Retail Sales tomorrow.
  • The South Korean Sovereign Bond curve has twist-steepened, pivoting at the 3s, with yields 3bps lower to 2bps higher, after the BoK said it will take measures promptly if there is concern over volatility increase in FX and financial markets.
  • Fitch Ratings says South Korea’s election leaves obstacles to the Government reform agenda. However, they believe there is still scope to advance fiscal consolidation. (See link)

Historical bullets

JGB TECHS: (M4) Trend Signals Remain Bullish

Mar-15 23:45
  • RES 3: 149.53 - High Mar 22 (cont) and a key resistance
  • RES 2: 148.74 - High Jul 24 (cont)
  • RES 1: 147.74 - High Jan 15 and bull trigger
  • PRICE: 145.13 @ 15:40 GMT Mar 15
  • SUP 1: 144.60 - Low Dec 08 and 11 (cont)
  • SUP 2: 143.44 - Low Oct 31 (cont)
  • SUP 3: 143.29 - 2.618 proj of the Mar 22 - Apr 18 - May 12 swing

Recent weakness in JGBs resulted in a low print of 144.90 on Friday. A stronger reversal higher is required to signal the end of the recent corrective phase. The bull trigger has been defined at 147.74, the mid-January high. A break would resume the uptrend. Moving average studies remain in a bull-mode set-up, highlighting an uptrend. For bears, a resumption of weakness would potentially open the 144.60 support.

USDCAD TECHS: Remains Above The Mar 8 Low

Mar-15 21:00
  • RES 4: 1.3729 76.4% retracement of the Nov 1 - Dec 27 bear leg
  • RES 3: 1.3661 High Nov 27
  • RES 2: 1.3623 61.8% retracement of the Nov 1 - Dec 27 bear leg
  • RES 1: 1.3606 High Feb 28 and the bull trigger
  • PRICE: 1.3532 @ 16:18 GMT Mar 15
  • SUP 1: 1.3420 Low Mar 8
  • SUP 2: 1.3359 Low Jan 31 and key S/T support
  • SUP 3: 1.3343 Low Jan 12
  • SUP 4: 1.3288 Low Jan 5

USDCAD short-term conditions remain bearish, however, a continuation of the latest recovery would undermine this theme and expose key resistance and the bull trigger at 1.3606, the Feb 28 high. Clearance of this level would confirm a resumption of the uptrend that has been in place since December 27. For bears, a move below 1.3420, the Mar 8 low, would resume bearish activity and open 1.3359, the Jan 31 low.

AUDUSD TECHS: Pierces Support At The 50-Day EMA

Mar-15 20:30
  • RES 4: 0.6748 High Jan 5
  • RES 3: 0.6729 High Jan 12
  • RES 2: 0.6708 61.8% retracement of the Dec 28 - Feb 13 bear cycle
  • RES 1: 0.6668 High Mar 8 and the bull trigger
  • PRICE: 0.6567 @ 16:16 GMT Mar 15
  • SUP 1: 0.6552 Low Mar 15
  • SUP 2: 0.6478/6443 Low Mar 5 / Low Feb 13 and the bear trigger
  • SUP 3: 0.6412 76.4% Fibonacci retracement for Oct - Dec upleg
  • SUP 4: 0.6360 Low Nov 14

The latest pullback in AUDUSD appears to be a correction. The pair has pierced support around the 50-day EMA - at 0.6572. A clear break of this average would signal scope for a deeper pullback towards the next key support at 0.6478, the Mar 5 low. On the upside, clearance of resistance at 0.6668, the Mar 8 high, is required to resume the bull cycle and open 0.6708, a Fibonacci retracement.