JGBS: Futures Stronger Overnight With US Tsys On Fed Cut Hopes

Aug-13 23:27

In post-Tokyo trade, JGB futures closed stronger, +14 compared to settlement levels, after a strong day for US tsys as the market priced for increased prospects for a -50 bp easing in September. 

  • The implied rate now shows -26.5 bps in cuts next month. Dovish comments from Treasury Secretary Bessent, urging the FOMC to lower rates by -150 bps to -175 bps, were the catalyst and added to the dovish momentum following the benign CPI.
  • There is also speculation Chair Powell will note the weaker July jobs report and strike a more dovish tone at next week's Jackson Hole symposium. 
  • (Bloomberg) -- "Rakuten Bank Ltd. will likely hold back from actively buying Japanese government bonds until the central bank raises interest rates again, according to the bank's Chief Executive Officer Tomotaka Torin. It is looking for investments, but Japan's sovereign debt is not a current option due to market volatility. Torin said the bank will maintain its current approach until it sees at least another rate hike or two, and will focus on managing its operations to avoid setbacks against rising yields."
  • Today, the local calendar will be empty ahead of Q2 GDP on Friday.

Historical bullets

JGBS: Futures Unchanged Overnight, Car Trade With The US In Focus

Jul-14 23:22

In post-Tokyo trade, JGB futures closed unchanged compared to settlement levels, after US tsys finished Monday’s session 1-3bps cheaper. Focus is on Tuesday's June CPI inflation data and several Fed speakers ahead of Friday evening's policy blackout.

  • (Bloomberg) - "The BOJ's next rate hike shouldn't come until next year, when officials have more information on the state of the economy, according to Japan Securities Dealers Association Chairman Takashi Hibino."
  • "President Trump attacked the car trade imbalance between the US and Japan, saying "They sell us millions and millions of cars a year. We sell them no cars because they won't accept our cars." Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said American cars are left-hand drive, large, and fuel inefficient, making them a tough sell in Japan." – BBG
  • "Trump indicated he is open to more trade negotiations, including with the European Union: https://blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories/SZE9AZDWRGG0, even as he insisted that his letters threatening new tariff rates are "the deals" for US trading partners." - BBG
  • Today, the local calendar will be empty apart from 5-year Climate Transition supply.

AUSSIE BONDS: Little Changed, Market's Await Today's US CPI Data

Jul-14 23:11

ACGBs (YM flat & XM +1.0) are little changed after a relatively subdued start to a potentially volatile week amid myriad drivers, including inflation and sales data, earnings, and Fedspeak. 

  • US equities opened slightly weaker after news of 30% levies on the EU and Mexico, effective August 1. However, the EU's willingness to talk, coupled with President Trump's openness to negotiation, helped calm concerns.
  • (Bloomberg) -- "China's economy appears to have gained momentum in the three months through June. A rebound in exports after the trade-war truce with the US in mid-May has spurred related production and service sectors. Stimulus has also helped."
  • Cash ACGBs are little changed with the AU-US 10-year yield differential at -7bps.
  • The bills strip slightly weaker.
  • RBA-dated OIS pricing is little changed across meetings today. A 25bp rate cut in August is given a 90% probability, with a cumulative 59bps of easing priced by year-end (based on an effective cash rate of 3.84%).
  • Today, the local calendar will see Westpac Consumer Confidence.
  • The AOFM plans to sell A$300mn of the 4.75% 21 June 2054 bond today followed by A$800mn of the 4.25% 21 March 2036 bond on Wednesday and A$1100mn of the 1.00% 21 November 2031 bond on Friday.

BONDS: NZGBS: Little Changed, US Tsys Focus On Today’s CPI Report

Jul-14 23:01

In local morning trade, NZGBs are little changed after US tsys finished Monday’s session 1-3bps cheaper.

  • Focus is on Tuesday's June CPI inflation data and several Fed speakers ahead of Friday evening's policy blackout. Consensus sees core CPI inflation at a seasonally adjusted 0.3% M/M in June on a rounded basis, but with a sizeable risk of undershooting at 0.2% (MNI median unrounded estimate at 0.24% M/M /average 0.25%).
  • Cleveland Fed President Hammack (non-2025 voter, hawk) reiterated her patient approach to any future policy easing in an interview with Fox Business Monday. Hammack had previously cited a wide range of estimates of neutral rates from 2% to 4.6%.
  • Bloomberg - "Jerome Powell made a formal request that the Fed's inspector general review its $2.5 billion building renovation."
  • Swap rates are unchanged.
  • RBNZ dated OIS pricing is little changed across meetings. 19bps of easing is priced for August, with a cumulative 34bps by November 2025.
  • Today, the local calendar will be empty.
  • On Thursday, the NZ Treasury plans to sell NZ$200mn of the 4.50% May-30 bond, NZ$200mn of the 4.25% May-36 bond and NZ$50mn of the 1.75% May-41 bond.