Norwegian mainland GDP was -0.4% Q/Q in Q4, after a stronger-than-expected 0.5% in Q3. On an annual basis, growth was 0.5% Y/Y (vs 1.4% prior). The quarterly reading was below Norges Bank and consensus expectations of 0.3% and the Q4 Regional Network Survey’s output expectations of 0.2%. All else equal, this will have a dovish impact on the March MPR rate path, potentially offsetting the effects of yesterday’s higher-than-expected CPI-ATE reading.
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Heavy option volumes reported Friday, SOFR outpacing Treasury flows with the former leaning towards downside puts as underlying futures retreated towards post data lows late in the session. Projected rate cuts through mid-2025 have retreated since this morning's data, current vs. morning levels* as follows: Jan'25 at -0.7bp (-1.7bp), Mar'25 -6.3bp (-10.1bp), May'25 -10.5bp (-15.9bp), Jun'25 -18.2bp (-25.6bp), Jul'25 -20.2bp (25.5bp).
A clear downtrend in JGB futures remains intact and the latest fresh cycle lows, reinforces this condition. Note too that moving average studies on the continuation chart are in a bear-mode setup, highlighting a clear downtrend. The move down exposes the 140.00 psychological handle next. For bulls, a reversal would open 142.73 and 144.48, the Dec 9 and Nov 11 high respectively.