The combination of the US-North Korea summit, crucial Brexit negotiations in the UK, mounting trade tensions, and a raft of central bank activity led some commentators to forecast that this would be the biggest week of the year. In fact, the beginning of the week was rather underwhelming, and it took a dovish ECB to really move markets. See how it all unfolded on today’s episode of Bond Vigilan…
Watch the videoEmerging market currencies have been back in the spotlight in recent weeks after significant repricing – so it seems like a good time to lift the lid on how we think about currency trading. While there are many different aspects to take into consideration, there are three key factors – carry, valuations and fundamentals – that we keep front of mind.
With lower returns from bonds in recent years…
Watch the videoWhile political instability is nothing new for Italy, last week’s developments have triggered major market moves. The 10-year Italian government spread to Bunds jumped to as high as 288bps last week, which is an impressive move if you consider that investors were only asking for a risk premium of 122bps at the beginning of the month. Despite a rebound in markets towards the end of the week, the…
Watch the videoAfter a significant policy error at the end of last year, Argentina has once again found itself in trouble – and back in the headlines – in recent months, suffering from dented credibility and a fast depreciating peso. This morning on BVTV, I look at whether current levels now offer a buying opportunity.
Also this morning: what’s behind EM FX market weakness, and is it actually a US dollar sto…
Watch the videoHaving lagged the broader market somewhat last year, US banks are expected to see revenue gains in 2018 as interest rates continue their rise. By contrast, the picture in Europe is less rosy, and earnings catalysts remain hard to find.
Stephanie Betts, an investment specialist in M&G’s equities team, joined me this morning to discuss prospects for bond and equity investors. Tune in to hear us d…
Read the articleAfter a stellar 2017, eurozone economic data releases have disappointed recently. Stefan Isaacs joined me this morning to discuss the region’s prospects, focusing on the key learnings from the latest ECB meeting, why the US Treasury sell-off has so far failed to have a material impact on European rates, and implications for credit markets.
Watch the videoJim recently updated an old chart from 2007 showing the relationship between a flattening yield curve and credit spread levels. Back then, this classic leading indicator of recessions correctly predicted a big sell-off in corporate bonds. The rest, as they say, is history.
More than 10 years later, Jim joined me this morning on BVTV to discuss if recent US flattening means we really could be he…
Watch the videoOn this week’s BVTV I am joined in the studio by fund manager Dr Wolfgang Bauer and we will be focusing on the recent escalation in geopolitical tensions after the US imposed further tough sanctions against Russia. What does all this mean for bond investors and should we be now thinking about de-risking our portfolios? As ever, the picture is more nuanced than it would first appear. While Russi…
Watch the videoBouts of market volatility have characterised the year so far as investors try to correctly price in news coming from the US. Is investor reaction truly reflecting the fundamental picture? Christophe Machu, investment specialist in the Multi Asset team, takes a look.
Watch the videoThis week on BVTV, I have a look at past US interest rate cycles. With new Fed Chair Jerome Powell now in the hot seat, bond investors are keen to understand whether he will be more hawkish than his predecessor, Janet Yellen. Turning to the UK, the market is now pricing in a high probability that the Monetary Policy Committee hikes interest rates in May, but the flattening of the gilt curve may…
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