POWER: UK Must Invest in Subsea Infrastructure to Lead Floating Wind: GUH

Feb-21 15:56

 A UK trade body argues that without support for critical subsea infrastructure—such as undersea cables, moorings, and anchoring systems—the UK risks losing its competitive edge in the floating offshore wind sector, Global Underwater Hub (GUH) said.

  • The group argues that government investment is needed to support upgrading port infrastructure as deep-water ports are essential for manufacturing and assembling floating offshore wind components.
  • Additionally, strengthening the UK’s grid capacity is also necessary to integrate the increasing supply of offshore wind power.
  • And providing project certainty through clear timelines and streamlined consenting processes will help attract investor confidence and accelerate development.
  • The UK is targeting around 5GW of floating offshore wind by 2030.

Historical bullets

JPY: USD/JPY Nears Resistance As Core Global Yields Edge Higher

Jan-22 15:55

An uptick in core global FI yields biases USD/JPY higher, with a fresh session high of 156.37 registered in recent trade.

  • The technical setup in the pair remains bullish, with initial resistance located just above at the 20-day EMA (156.46).
  • A clean break and extension there would shift focus to the January 15 high (158.08).
  • The BoJ decision presents the key Japanese risk event this week (expect our full preview to be released during Asia-Pac hours on Thursday).
  • A 25bp rate hike is widely expected at that event, with focus set to fall on the BoJ’s guidance and Governor Ueda’s post-meeting press conference, assuming a hike is delivered.

GILTS: Yields Now Higher On The Day

Jan-22 15:46

Gilts have generally tracked swings in wider core global FI markets today.

  • The open saw the recent recovery rally extend a little further, although early session highs have not been retested, with the opening move now more than fully reversed.
  • Futures last -21 at 92.02, after registering a fresh session low at 91.99 in recent trade.
  • Technical parameters flagged earlier remain untouched.
  • The overarching technical setup remains bearish, but the recent recovery poses a risk to that trend.
  • Fibonacci resistance located at 92.75.
  • Bears need to force a move through the Jan 16 low (90.68) to assert fresh pressure.
  • Yields 1.0-2.5bp higher across the curve.
  • 10-Year spread to Bunds ~2bp wider around 210bp after Tuesday saw the first close below that level since November.
  • Higher-than-expected PSNB may have contributed to today’s widening.
  • Looking ahead, tomorrow will bring GBP4.25bln of 4.375% Mar-28 supply.
  • Friday will then bring the release of the flash PMI data. Markets could prove to be increasingly sensitive to that data given downside risks to UK economic growth.

OIL: Trump Comments on Venezuelan Oil Sees as Negotiating Tactic: Platts

Jan-22 15:41

President Donald Trump's suggestion that the US will "probably" stop buying oil from Venezuela is seen as a negotiating tactic rather than policy, Platts said.

  • David Goldwyn, president of Goldwyn Global Strategies and chair of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center's Energy Advisory Group, believes Trump is increasing pressure on Venezuela ahead of negotiations.
  • Goldwyn argued that Trump's "America First" policy aims to reduce migration pressure, avoid reintroducing certain countries to Venezuelan oil control, moderate US energy prices, and prevent a humanitarian crisis.
  • Trump advisors told Axios earlier in the week that the administration wants regime change in Venezuela but that “doesn't necessarily mean military action.”
  • Experts are divided on whether Trump will revoke US licenses for oil companies operating in Venezuela.
  • Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested licenses might be reversed but it won’t necessarily lead to the return of "maximum pressure".
  • However, replacing Venezuelan crude would be complex as local US grades are misaligned with refinery needs.