JGBS: Futures Bid On Risk Aversion, But Sub Resistance, Tamaki PM Odds Firm
Like elsewhere, JGB futures have caught a bid as fresh US-China tensions (this time centered on the shipping sector), drive safe haven flows into bonds. The 10yr future was last 136.39, +.49, versus settlement levels. Key short-term resistance has been defined at 137.30, the Sep 8 high, so we are still some distance away but this bounce is challenging the recent bearish break of 136.19, the Sep 4 low.
- The China announcement targets US shipping entities via Hanwha Ocean, a large South Korean shipbuilder. The authorities also provided details on a broader probe into the impact of the US investigation into China shipping (mkt jitters with be heightened given the potential for escalation from here).
- In the cash JGB yield space, shifts lower have accelerated, led by the 7yr down 5bps. to 1.41%. The 10yr is back to 1.66%, while the 30 and 40yr tenors are holding around 2bps higher.
- The 2/30s curve is maintaining a steepening bias, last +234bps, +5.5bps.
- The other focus point remains domestic politics. "*TAMAKI: WILL HOLD 3-WAY DPP, ISHIN, CDP SEC-GEN MEETING TODAY" (via BBG). There is a possibility of former LDP coalition partner Komeito backing a non-LDP candidate for PM (based off comments yesterday). Tamaki's, the leader of the DPP, PM odds have risen to +17.5, per Polymarket. Note earlier this year Tamaki "urged the BOJ to loosen, not tighten, monetary policy to keep the yen from rising and hurting the export-reliant economy." (via Asahi).
- Note tomorrow has a 20yr debt auction.
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AUSSIE 3-YEAR TECHS: (U5) Bounces Further Off Support
- RES 3: 97.190 - High May 5 2023
- RES 2: 96.932 - 76.4% of Mar-Nov ‘23 bear leg
- RES 1: 96.860 - High Apr 07
- PRICE: 96.550 @ 15:36 BST Sep 12
- SUP 1: 96.430/95.900 - Low Sep 3 / Low Jan 14
- SUP 2: 95.760 - Low 14 Nov ‘24
- SUP 3: 95.480 - Low Jan 11 2023 and a major support
Aussie 3-yr futures are trading off recent lows. A resumption of gains from here would further narrow the gap with resistance at 96.730, the Sep 17 ‘24 high, leaving 96.860 as the next key level. Any continuation lower would instead strengthen a bearish threat. This would refocus attention on 95.760, the 14 Nov ‘24 low. Conversely, a reversal higher would open 96.860, the Apr 7 high.
FED: MNI Fed Preview-September 2025: A Reluctant Return To Easing
We've published our preview of the upcoming FOMC meeting - Download Full Report Here
- The Federal Reserve is set to resume its easing cycle at the September 16-17 meeting with a 25bp cut to the funds rate range to 4.00-4.25%.
- The decision to cut after a 5-meeting pause was well-telegraphed by Chair Powell, whose Jackson Hole speech described a “shifting balance of risks” toward a weaker labor market that “may warrant adjusting our policy stance”.
- The updated quarterly projections aren’t likely to bring many changes to the macroeconomic variables, but as usual the signal sent from the Fed rate “Dot Plot” will garner attention. A Committee split between expecting one or two further cuts this year is likely, keeping each of the remaining meetings of 2025 “live”.
- The Statement will downgrade the description of the labor market to reflect a rise in the unemployment rate and poor payrolls growth, and is likely to include at least one dissent to the rate decision.
- But with a Committee that is fairly divided on the way forward, Powell will be noncommittal on future action, reiterating that policy is not on a preset course, and upcoming decisions will be data-dependent.
- A key undercurrent is an increasingly activist approach to Fed personnel management from the White House, which leaves the composition of the FOMC uncertain not just over the medium-term but also at this meeting.
MNI’s separate preview of sell-side analyst summaries to follow on Monday Sep 15
RATINGS: Fitch: France Cut To A+ From AA, Portugal Up To A From A-
Fitch has downgraded France's sovereign rating to A+ (with stable outlook) from AA-. Release here.
- Among other factors in the decision, Fitch cites "High and Rising Debt Ratio", "Political Fragmentation Hinders Consolidation", "Weak Fiscal Record", "High 2025 Deficit", "Uncertain Fiscal Consolidation Path", and "Fiscal Rigidities".
- In "Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative Rating Action/Downgrade", Fitch cites "Public Finances: A sustained increase in government debt/GDP over the medium term, due to failure to implement fiscal consolidation measures and/or a persistent increase in financing costs" and "Macro: Materially lower economic growth prospects and weakened competitiveness." Conversely, potentially leading to positive ratings action would be "Public Finances: Confidence that government debt/GDP will be put on a downward trajectory over the medium term, for example, due to fiscal consolidation and/or stronger economic growth".
- Fitch also raised Portugal to A (stable outlook) from A-, while elsewhere, S&P raised Spain to A+ (stable outlook) from A.
- As MNI wrote earlier, we expected France to be downgraded to A+ and Portugal to be upgraded to A.
