Markets
On the whole, this market trades a new narrative every other day (and sometimes goes through four economic cycles in one session); this sell-off could all revert just as quickly as it has rolled over.
Still, it does not feel like investors are in a rush to buy the dip or defend any technical territory just yet.
As the two-day rollover has been vicious, I would keep an eye on miners, considering investors have been constructive on this group given commodity supercycle views.
I would watch the S&P 500 names—Nucor (NYSE:NUE), Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold (NYSE:FCX), Newmont Goldcorp (NYSE:NEM)—which have been among the worst performers the last two sessions.
And you certainly do not want to be the last one on the dance floor if the commodity supercycle music stops.
So, where does this leave markets?
Real yields should remain the dominant macro variable of 2022 from any pro's concern. It is remarkable how low they stay. I would expect traders to gravitate around a concept that real yields have further to rise—either because inflation expectations come down as growth expectations slow or further central bank hawkishness.
The environment thus remains exceptionally challenging for risk appetite as long-duration assets are bound to feel the pinch.
Oil
Commodities finished soft across the board, and oil closed down 168bp on Friday.
For oil, reports that Chinese oil demand has fallen by the most since the Wuhan lockdown of 2020 reversed any thoughts of a weekend rally.
Other reports also indicate that Russian oil has started to find new ways to reduce the risk of a global shortfall, which is also weighing on sentiment.
There's evidence of old commodities tricks at play with an increase in the number of tankers leaving Russia for "destination unknown." Indeed, this is a telltale sign the oil is being taken to larger ships at sea and unloaded and comingled with other cargo blurring the lines.
The circular nature of much of the energy economy and how displaced Russian crude is sold to somewhere like India can free up other supplies for western economies.
Thoughts of a commodities supercycle gradually give way to recession fears that are compounded by a Fed that continues to ante up rate hike rhetoric.
What about the dollar?
I look for the US dollar to remain firm through the higher US yields channel and turn king during periods when the market focuses on slow global growth and triggers weaker risk sentiment.
EUR
The market was pricing a July ECB hike. But Fed repricing has been even more aggressive, leaving EUR/USD tracking rate differentials and the dollar benefiting from a very hawkish Fed.
GBP
Not all inflation is the same. UK inflation could be three times the BoE's target, but cost-push rather than demand-pull pressures are driving it; the UK consumer is already struggling with the higher cost of living, indicating the demand side of the economy is already waving the red flags.
The BoE has been open and transparent that it will raise rates further, but the market overestimates just how far that tightening will go. The terminal rate in the US could easily be 3.5%. In the UK, it is unlikely to be more than 1.5%.
JPY
Tokyo demand for USD/JPY took the pair from 128.20/30 up to a high near 128.70 before sellers returned. This was the fourth time last week that the pair has topped out in the 128.70 zone, and this level remains critical resistance in the short term.
Media reports that Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki and US Treasury Secretary Yellen did discuss joint intervention to support JPY. The tone on the US side was one of "positive consideration," sending USD/JPY down to the overnight lows near 127.74, but dip buyers were waiting.
Japanese March CPI data showed prices increasing at the fastest pace in more than two years; however, this move was driven by energy and validated BoJ Governor Kuroda's thesis that this is cost-push inflation (not demand-pull).
Consequently, it is unlikely the BoJ will change policy near-term (unless it explicitly wants JPY to strengthen). It is also unlikely that the MoF will intervene at these levels, especially with the BoJ reaffirming its adherence to YCC.
CNH
It is hard to pick a top. But if the PBoC gets uncomfortable with the pace of the move, which might cause some participants to back off, indeed, this could be a messy correction lower. We saw profit-taking when we neared 6.55.
But none of the factors you would lay out for this move higher in USD/CNH are different than what the market was arguing for months, so, interestingly, everyone piled in on this move last week, and it has so far worked out.