CHILE: Stable Inflation Backdrop Paves the Way for a December BCCh Rate Cut
- Today’s CPI inflation data look to have cemented the case for a renewed 25bp BCCh rate cut on December 16, as inflation tracked below the central bank’s expectations in November. Besides the slight downside surprise in headline inflation (which held at 3.4% y/y), the central bank’s preferred ex-volatiles CPI measure was also unchanged at 3.45%, keeping it well within the 2-4% target range.
- This leave core inflation tracking below the central bank’s forecasts from its latest monetary policy report. And given that core inflation was tracking close to 4% through Q3 this should be enough to assuage BCCh concerns about persistent core CPI pressures.
- With no major surprises from the data, USDCLP has edged lower to fresh two-week lows around 917 in early trade. The trend condition in USDCLP remains bearish and scope is seen for a move towards 900.00.
- Within core, services inflation ticked up to 4.45% y/y, keeping it around the same level it has been since mid-year. This was offset, however, by a further moderation in core goods inflation to 2.0% y/y (see Charts below). Within the volatiles components, a slight pick-up in food inflation was offset by lower energy inflation as expected.
With the policy rate already approaching a neutral level, the easing cycle is already near an end. However, recent survey data suggest that a further 25bp rate cut is expected this month, followed by a final move to a neutral 4.25% next year. Latest BCCh analysts and traders surveys are due next week.
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ECB: One-year ETS2 Delay Prompts Steepening In 2s3s EUR Inflation Curve
EU member states have agreed to delay ETS2 - the new carbon market pricing scheme - by one year to 2028. The ECB had estimated that this scheme would push up 2027 inflation by ~0.3pp in its September macroeconomic projections. As such, the delay should imply a mechanical reduction of the 2027 inflation projection December, compensated almost one-for-one with an increase in the 2028 projection (which will be presented for the first time next month).
- Following the news, the 2s3s EUR inflation curve has steepened almost 5bps to 1.6bps. However, it’s notable to us that this has solely been driven by the 3-year swap (1.84% vs 1.79% yesterday), with the 2-year swap little changed at 1.83%. This may leave scope for further near-term steepening in 2s3s.
- Recent policymaker signalling suggests the ECB will avoid making monetary policy decisions (i.e. delivering another cut) solely on the basis of an ETS2-implied undershoot in 2027/2028.
- In an interview released yesterday (i.e. before the ETS2 announcement), Bank of Greece Governor Stournaras told MNI that while the 2028 projections will be a “key input” for the ECB, other data and “judgement” will play an important role. He suggested that he would be more concerned if spot inflation rates fall below target (Flash October headline was 2.1% Y/Y, core was 2.4%).
- Other relevant comments over the last few weeks:
- Kazaks (31 Oct) "The 2028 forecast will be very important to look at, to see where inflation dynamics are going, but I would not overestimate the importance,"...."Uncertainty remains high and is unlikely to disappear, so forecasts will come with a very large margin of error"
- Kocher (31 Oct): “The 2028 projection is of course a projection that is far out into the future,” ....“So putting too much weight on this projection, on this single data point, I think would not be appropriate.”
MNI: US MBA: MARKET COMPOSITE -1.9% SA THRU OCT 31 WK
- MNI: US MBA: MARKET COMPOSITE -1.9% SA THRU OCT 31 WK
EGBS: OATs The Risk Proxy Of Choice, Limiting Recovery In SPGB/OAT/PGB Fly
The SPGB/OAT/PGB butterfly is off all-time lows, but the bounce has been limited and has already started to fade as weakness in equity markets weighs on OATs in RV terms.
- OATs have become more of a risk proxy given France’s ongoing fiscal deterioration and political risk premium.
- This contrasts with the positive fiscal dynamics and sovereign rating trajectories for Spain and Portugal, and the clear differentiation continues to hamper French paper on this structure.
- Ongoing French political risks and prolonged Budget uncertainty only deepen downside risks for OATs here, particularly with no clear outcome in sight at this stage.
- Note that the latest local media reports point to French PM Lecornu being set to offer concessions to the Socialist Party in order to advance the social security budget (covered by our political risk team recently), although it is uncertain whether the offer will actually be tabled/accepted.
Fig. 1: 10-Year Spain/France Portugal Butterfly
Source: MNI - Market News/Bloomberg Finance L.P.
