Category Archives: Market Insights
Will the Japanese Yen See a Big U-Turn in 2023?
Written on December 29, 2022 at 6:01 am, by 力士通
On Wednesday, the Bank of Japan released a summary of opinions from its December meeting. The meeting, originally held on 20 December, saw the BoJ increase its 10-year benchmark yield ceiling in a surprise move that boosted the yen over 3% by investors betting on a Hawkish turn by the BoJ. However, Wednesday’s summary revealedContinue Reading
Bank of Japan’s Surprise Bond Cap Raise
Written on December 26, 2022 at 7:26 am, by 力士通
Japan’s outgoing central bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda surprised markets with an increase of 25 basis points on the cap for the BoJ’s 10-year yields, effectively doubling the limit. The surprise has caught economists by surprise in light of the BoJ’s extreme dovishness even as the rest of the world embraces tightening. While the BoJ hasContinue Reading
Outlook on Crude Positive for Early 2023 on China Reopening and OPEC+ Cuts
Written on December 22, 2022 at 8:50 am, by 力士通
U.S. crude oil stockpiles fell much more than expected, according to the data of the American Petroleum Institute (API). The weekly report released by the organisation reported a draw of nearly 3.1 million barrels of crude oil for the week ending in December 16th. Compared to a build up of more than 7.8 million barrelsContinue Reading
U.S. Charges Sam Bankman-Fried for Fraud
Written on December 19, 2022 at 7:22 am, by 力士通
Embattled FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has been slapped with 8 charges by federal prosecutors, including conspiracy and wire fraud. The ex-CEO was arrested in the Bahamas on Monday – the first move by the authorities to hold those involved in the FTX meltdown and the subsequent loss of billions in client funds accountable. In addition,Continue Reading
Scaled-Down 50bps Hike From Fed Belies Hawkish Outlook
Written on December 15, 2022 at 6:28 am, by 力士通
On Wednesday, 14 December, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced its last rate hike of the year – a 50-basis point increase to the Fed fund rate, well in line with the market’s expectations. This brings the Fed benchmark rate to 4.25% – 4.5%, the highest in 15 years. While a dovish step down from theContinue Reading
U.S. to Send More Aid to Ukraine
Written on December 12, 2022 at 6:11 am, by 力士通
The U.S. will send another security package to Ukraine, worth US$275 million, consisting of new capabilities to boost its air defences. This puts the total amount of direct aid the U.S. has delivered to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion at $13 billion. U.S. President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have both affirmed continued aidContinue Reading
Gold Struggles to Find Direction even as China Eases Covid Restrictions
Written on December 8, 2022 at 5:09 am, by 力士通
China has announced that it will be lifting its strictest covid policies, including being forced to quarantine in state facilities and the need to test before entering most venues. The easing has been released in a series of new guidelines that include a ban on blocking fire exits, encouraging vaccinations among the elderly, and shortenedContinue Reading
Will Dovish Signalling Underscore the Effects of the Upcoming NFP?
Written on December 1, 2022 at 3:14 am, by 力士通
On Wednesday evening, November’s ADP Nonfarm Employment Change numbers were released, vastly underperforming expectations with an increase of 127,000 private payroll jobs, well below the estimate of 190,000 and the previous month’s 239,000. The leisure and hospitality sector was the largest gainer, with an increase in 224,000 jobs. The most significant sector losses include manufacturing,Continue Reading
Covid Protests Erupt Across China
Written on November 28, 2022 at 5:56 am, by 力士通
As frustrations mount over China’s zero covid policy and continued lockdowns, protests, a rare sight in China, have sprung up all over the country. The lastest happened on Sunday, where protesters and and police clashed in Shanghai. In Wuhan, Chengdu and the capital of Beijing, demonstraters have also taken to the streets, citing disatisfaction withContinue Reading
FOMC Minutes Point to Less Hawks Decisions
Written on November 24, 2022 at 3:24 am, by 力士通
On Wednesday, 24 November (GMT+2), the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released the minutes of its 1-2 November meeting. Reflecting statements multiple officials have made over the last several weeks, the meeting summary concluded that a substantial majority of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) agreed it would probably moderate the pace of interest rate hikes.Continue Reading