US: Speaker Johnson Looks To Extend Debt Limit For Entirety Of Trump's Term

Jan-14 15:28

Jake Sherman at Punchbowl News reports on X that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is looking to extend the federal debt limit for the entirety of President-elect Donald Trump's term and will discuss options at a Republican conference meeting today.

  • Sherman adds Johnson said the move would be “costly” - meaning democrats would exact a price for their votes, should the extension be moved outside of reconciliation - the mechanism by which the government can pass budget-related legislation along party lines.  
  • Johnson said he’s “agnostic” whether the debt limit rides on reconciliation or via regular appropriations where it will need Democrat support. While Republicans are in a strong position to legislate a debt ceiling hike via reconciliation, including it in a major border security/energy/tax package could leave the GOP agenda vulnerable to a rebellion from conservative deficit hawks.  
  • Johnson's comments come amid a spat with Democrats after the Speaker yesterday floated tying the debt limit to California wildfire aid. As a lengthy debt limit extension outside of reconciliation will require Democrat support. Johnson's move to attach the debt limit to a supplemental disaster aid could hasten passage of the bill but will certainly draw Democrat criticism.
  • Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) said, in response to reports of the debt limit-aid tie-up: "They need to raise the debt ceiling to pass their massive tax cut for the super wealthy. So the message is: we will only rebuild California if our billionaire and corporate friends get their money. Unreal."

Historical bullets

MACRO ANALYSIS: MNI US Macro Weekly: Inflation Data Keep Fed Cut On Track

Dec-13 21:13

We have published and e-mailed to subscribers the MNI US Macro Weekly offering succinct MNI analysis across the range of macro developments over  the past week. Please find the full report here:

US week in macro_241213.pdf

USDCAD TECHS: Fresh Cycle High

Dec-13 21:00
  • RES 4: 1.4393 2.0% 10-dma envelope  
  • RES 3: 1.4327 2.382 proj of the Oct 17 - Nov 1 - 6 price swing
  • RES 2: 1.4296 2.236 proj of the Oct 17 - Nov 1 - 6 price swing
  • RES 1: 1.4246 2.00 proj of the Oct 17 - Nov 1 - 6 price swing
  • PRICE: 1.4236 @ 16:38 GMT Dec 13
  • SUP 1: 1.4069/3944 20- and 50-day EMA values  
  • SUP 2: 1.3928 Low Nov 25 and a key support 
  • SUP 3: 1.3822 Low Nov 6
  • SUP 4: 1.3747 Low Oct 17

The trend direction in USDCAD remains up and this week’s gains to a fresh cycle high, reinforces the current bullish theme. The pair has cleared 1.4178, the Nov 26 high, to confirm resumption of the uptrend and maintain the price sequence of higher highs and higher lows. Sights are on 1.4246 next, a Fibonacci projection. Key short-term support has been defined at 1.3928, the Nov 25 low. Initial support to watch lies at 1.4069, the 20-day EMA.   

US TSYS: Extending Late Session Lows, Curves Bear Steepen Ahead Next Wed's FOMC

Dec-13 20:40
  • Treasuries traded steadily lower throughout Friday's session, initially mirroring weak action in Bunds and Gilts. By the close, the Mar'25 10Y contract slipped to 109-26 (-18) the lowest level since November 22, 10Y yield rising to 4.4046% high (+.0768).
  • Initial technical support at 109-22 (76.4% Nov 15 - Dec 6 Upleg) followed by 109-20 (Low Nov 20/21).
  • Curves bear steepened: 2s10s +2.272 at 15.568 as short end rates outperformed ahead of next week's FOMC policy announcement where another 25bp rate cut was expected but not certain amid current macro and political uncertainty. That said, the latest unemployment and inflation data have kept the FOMC on track to cut the federal funds rate by 25bp (to 4.25-4.50%) next Wednesday.
  • Projected rate cuts into early 2025 look near steady to lower vs. this morning levels (*) as follows: Dec'24 cumulative -24.3bp (-23.7bp), Jan'25 -28.6bp (-29.6bp), Mar'25 -42.2bp (-43.9bp), May'25 -48.4bp (-50.5bp).
  • No reaction to this morning's import/export prices, Monday brings flash S&P Global PMIs, Retail Sales, IP & Cap-U on Tuesday.