KBank Capital Market perspectives May 18 markets wrap up - positioning for ...KBank Fx Dealing Room
Global markets are experiencing renewed volatility due to concerns about the future of the eurozone and slowing economic growth. Investors have sold risky assets like stocks and bought safe-haven assets such as the U.S. dollar, Japanese yen, U.S. treasuries and German bunds. The U.S. dollar has strengthened about 8% against other major currencies over the past year. Asian currencies have also weakened against the dollar, with the Thai baht declining about 2%.
1) A parliamentary election in Greece failed to form a new government, increasing the risk of Greece defaulting on its debt obligations or leaving the eurozone.
2) If Greece stops implementing austerity measures required for its bailouts, it will have no choice but to default, as it will have no incoming or outgoing funds. This will be a showdown between Greece's new leader and European creditors.
3) During the period of uncertainty until the next election, volatility in currency markets like the USD/THB will likely rise. However, the eurozone will ultimately take steps to keep Greece in the eurozone and inject more liquidity, reducing volatility once a solution is reached.
The document provides a summary of movements in various financial markets and commodities over the past quarter. It notes that the USD/THB remained in a sideways channel tracking EUR and gold. The EUR/USD was rangebound between 1.3000-1.3400 with focus on Spain. The USDJPY strengthened from 84 to 81 after the BoJ signaled no further easing but the market expects more bond purchases. The THB interest rate swap rose in Q1 on improved sentiment in Europe. NYMEX crude oil remained in an uptrend channel between $100-110. Coal prices continued to drop due to oversupply of the cheaper substitute, natural gas. Rubber rebounded in Q1 but
The document provides a summary of movements in various financial markets and commodities over the past quarter. It notes that the USD/THB remained in a sideways trend influenced by EUR and gold movements. The EUR/USD traded in a narrow range of 1.3000-1.3400 with focus on Spain. The USDJPY strengthened from 84 to 81 after the BoJ signaled no further easing but the market expects more bond purchases. THB interest rate swaps rose in Q1 on improved sentiment in Europe and comments from Thailand's central bank. NYMEX crude oil remained in an uptrend channel between $100-110. Coal prices continued to drop due to oversupply of the cheaper substitute,
1) Portugal's debt problems stem from rigid product and labor market regulations that have led to declining productivity and competitiveness.
2) While political risks are lower than other troubled European countries, more time is needed to restore Portugal's economy as significant reforms have been implemented.
3) The IMF assesses that existing financial assistance for Portugal is adequate, but risks remain and additional funds from Europe may be needed, though funds are available.
- The Federal Reserve decided to keep the target range for the Federal Funds rate at 0-0.25%, as it has since December 2008, and expects to maintain this accommodative stance through late 2014.
- While the economy has been expanding moderately and unemployment has declined, the Fed judges that conditions still warrant exceptionally low interest rates.
- Inflation has picked up due to higher oil and gas prices but core inflation remains stable, and the Fed expects inflation to remain at or below its target in the medium term.
- The Fed will continue its program to extend the average maturity of its securities holdings and is prepared to adjust the size and composition of holdings as needed.
KBank Capital Market perspectives May 18 markets wrap up - positioning for ...KBank Fx Dealing Room
Global markets are experiencing renewed volatility due to concerns about the future of the eurozone and slowing economic growth. Investors have sold risky assets like stocks and bought safe-haven assets such as the U.S. dollar, Japanese yen, U.S. treasuries and German bunds. The U.S. dollar has strengthened about 8% against other major currencies over the past year. Asian currencies have also weakened against the dollar, with the Thai baht declining about 2%.
1) A parliamentary election in Greece failed to form a new government, increasing the risk of Greece defaulting on its debt obligations or leaving the eurozone.
2) If Greece stops implementing austerity measures required for its bailouts, it will have no choice but to default, as it will have no incoming or outgoing funds. This will be a showdown between Greece's new leader and European creditors.
3) During the period of uncertainty until the next election, volatility in currency markets like the USD/THB will likely rise. However, the eurozone will ultimately take steps to keep Greece in the eurozone and inject more liquidity, reducing volatility once a solution is reached.
The document provides a summary of movements in various financial markets and commodities over the past quarter. It notes that the USD/THB remained in a sideways channel tracking EUR and gold. The EUR/USD was rangebound between 1.3000-1.3400 with focus on Spain. The USDJPY strengthened from 84 to 81 after the BoJ signaled no further easing but the market expects more bond purchases. The THB interest rate swap rose in Q1 on improved sentiment in Europe. NYMEX crude oil remained in an uptrend channel between $100-110. Coal prices continued to drop due to oversupply of the cheaper substitute, natural gas. Rubber rebounded in Q1 but
The document provides a summary of movements in various financial markets and commodities over the past quarter. It notes that the USD/THB remained in a sideways trend influenced by EUR and gold movements. The EUR/USD traded in a narrow range of 1.3000-1.3400 with focus on Spain. The USDJPY strengthened from 84 to 81 after the BoJ signaled no further easing but the market expects more bond purchases. THB interest rate swaps rose in Q1 on improved sentiment in Europe and comments from Thailand's central bank. NYMEX crude oil remained in an uptrend channel between $100-110. Coal prices continued to drop due to oversupply of the cheaper substitute,
1) Portugal's debt problems stem from rigid product and labor market regulations that have led to declining productivity and competitiveness.
2) While political risks are lower than other troubled European countries, more time is needed to restore Portugal's economy as significant reforms have been implemented.
3) The IMF assesses that existing financial assistance for Portugal is adequate, but risks remain and additional funds from Europe may be needed, though funds are available.
- The Federal Reserve decided to keep the target range for the Federal Funds rate at 0-0.25%, as it has since December 2008, and expects to maintain this accommodative stance through late 2014.
- While the economy has been expanding moderately and unemployment has declined, the Fed judges that conditions still warrant exceptionally low interest rates.
- Inflation has picked up due to higher oil and gas prices but core inflation remains stable, and the Fed expects inflation to remain at or below its target in the medium term.
- The Fed will continue its program to extend the average maturity of its securities holdings and is prepared to adjust the size and composition of holdings as needed.
- Thai economic indicators showed broad-based improvement in January from the impacts of flooding in 2011, but growth remains below pre-flood levels. Private consumption and investments increased.
- Manufacturing production continued rising as supply chain issues ease, though export-dependent sectors saw slower growth. Inflation declined further.
- The document discusses risks from higher oil prices and the ongoing European debt crisis, as well as positive factors like the risky asset rally and additional European funding measures.
Thailand has been placed on FATF's watch list due to a lack of progress in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing. FATF noted that Thailand has not fully implemented its action plan to address deficiencies, including adequately criminalizing terrorist financing and strengthening anti-money laundering supervision. Being placed on the watch list means fund transfers involving Thailand will face higher scrutiny and could lead to economic sanctions if issues are not addressed. As FATF members account for 83% of the global economy, sanctions would significantly impact Thailand. Thai authorities must now comply with FATF's recommendations to avoid further consequences.
§ Thai GDP dropped 9.0% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2011 due to declines in domestic and external demand from severe flooding, much less than forecasts.
§ The floods resulted in decreases in private consumption, government spending, investment and exports while imports also dropped.
§ For 2011, Thai GDP growth was only 0.1%, far below previous forecasts, due to the flooding impact.
§ NESDB expects Thai GDP growth to recover to 5.5-6.5% in 2012 as investment increases, though exports growth was forecast lower, and inflation is projected at 3.5-4.0%.
The document provides a market movement update for February 2012, summarizing trends in currency exchange rates and commodity prices over various time periods. It notes that the USD/THB spot rate has fallen over 22% since 2007 but only 7% since 2011. Other currency pairs and commodity prices such as oil, gold, and copper are also discussed. The document concludes by highlighting opportunities for cheap baht funding through currency swaps and recommending options hedging strategies.
The document provides a summary and analysis of economic conditions in Thailand and other regions. It discusses:
1) Continued concerns about the eurozone debt crisis fueling demand for safe-haven currencies like the US dollar and depressing risk assets.
2) While US money supply growth looks better than the EU or Japan, high unemployment will likely lead the Fed to resume quantitative easing in mid-2012.
3) Local authorities in Thailand face challenges from losses at the Fiscal Debt Fund and risks of bond yield curve steepening given planned large bond issuances.
4) The analysis predicts the Bank of Thailand will cut its policy rate again in January and forecasts Thailand's economy could experience a V-shaped
The document provides a summary and analysis of economic conditions in Thailand and other regions. It discusses:
1) Continued concerns about the eurozone debt crisis fueling demand for safe-haven currencies like the US dollar and depressing risk assets.
2) While US money supply growth looks better than the EU or Japan, high unemployment will likely lead the Fed to resume quantitative easing in mid-2012.
3) Local authorities in Thailand face challenges from losses at the Fiscal Debt Fund and risks of bond yield curve steepening given planned large bond issuances.
4) The analysis predicts the Bank of Thailand will cut its policy rate again in January and forecasts Thailand's economy could experience a V-shaped
This document provides an economic update on Thailand with data from November and December 2011. It discusses declines in the SET index, farm income, manufacturing production, private consumption, investment, exports and imports due to the European debt crisis and flooding in Thailand. Headline inflation declined to 3.53% in December as food and transportation prices fell with improved flooding conditions. Government bond yields rebounded at the end of December on news of large planned bond issuances in the coming quarters.
KBank Capital Market perspectives Dec 30 flooding and economic slowdown in n...KBank Fx Dealing Room
The Thai economy contracted sharply in November 2011 due to the severe flooding which impacted all economic sectors. Key economic indicators such as manufacturing production, exports, private consumption, and investment all declined significantly from the prior month and year. The Thai baht also weakened substantially against the US dollar in November amid the slowing global economy and flooding impacts on Thailand.
- Exports and imports in Thailand fell in November, with exports down 12.4% year-over-year and imports down 2.4%, leading to a larger trade deficit of $1.373 billion.
- The declines were due to ongoing effects of severe flooding during the quarter, which disrupted manufacturing production and supply chains. Exports of industrial goods and vehicles fell sharply.
- Weak exports will likely warrant a more dismal economic outlook, leading the Bank of Thailand to consider further interest rate cuts to support recovery. The document forecasts USD/THB volatility in the first half of 2012, with a target rate of 29.50 by year-end.
