Fixed Income and Currency Strategist

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

FX & Rates

<ul>
<li>The Russian ruble has been the worst-performing currency in EM over the past month leading to the question: Is the currency cheap based on the risk premium priced in it?</li>
<li>Comparing the current episode with the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, we conclude that the market is pricing in a 10% probability of an invasion followed by crippling sanctions.</li>
<li>With the currency not particularly cheap and given the asymmetric risk-reward, I would opt to not have any exposure to it for the time being.</li>
</ul>


The Russian ruble has been the worst-performing currency in EM over the past month leading to the question: Is the currency cheap based on the risk premium priced in it?
Comparing the current episode with the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, we conclude that the market is pricing in a 10% probability of an invasion followed by crippling sanctions.
With the currency not particularly cheap and given the asymmetric risk-reward, I would opt to not have any exposure to it for the time being.


Is the Risk Premium High Enough in the Russian Ruble?

<ul>
<li>The South African rand gave up much of its earlier outperformance towards the end of last year but still ended as one of the year's best performers.</li>
<li>In 2022 though I expect the currency to underperform on the back of a weak economic outlook with the ongoing pandemic adding to previous structural constraints to growth. </li>
<li>In addition, the currency's carry is likely to stay low especially relative to its volatility and the commodity tailwind should fade as the year progresses.</li>
</ul>


The South African rand gave up much of its earlier outperformance towards the end of last year but still ended as one of the year's best performers.
In 2022 though I expect the currency to underperform on the back of a weak economic outlook with the ongoing pandemic adding to previous structural constraints to growth. 
In addition, the currency's carry is likely to stay low especially relative to its volatility and the commodity tailwind should fade as the year progresses.


South African Rand – Watch for Headwinds in 2022

<ul>
<li>With rates in India vulnerable to a further correction in the US, I recommend paying India 5y vs receiving Mexico 5y rate in a beta-neutral ratio.</li>
<li>Real rates in India are the lowest among major emerging countries, which along with rising inflation expectations and strong growth should pressure the RBI to raise rates soon.</li>
<li>Mexico is appealing as a receiver against paying in India because the central bank is further along in its monetary tightening cycle as is evident from the high real rates.</li>
</ul>


With rates in India vulnerable to a further correction in the US, I recommend paying India 5y vs receiving Mexico 5y rate in a beta-neutral ratio.
Real rates in India are the lowest among major emerging countries, which along with rising inflation expectations and strong growth should pressure the RBI to raise rates soon.
Mexico is appealing as a receiver against paying in India because the central bank is further along in its monetary tightening cycle as is evident from the high real rates.


Alpha Bites: Pay India 5y Vs Receive Mexico 5y Local Rate

<ul>
<li>I explore the 2021 winners and losers among EM currencies, leading into the discussion on which of these performances were appropriate and which currencies may offer opportunities this year.</li>
<li>The currencies to track this year for opportunities to buy are Chilean peso and Peruvian sol, and to sell are Colombian peso and South African rand. </li>
<li>Among currencies that already look appealing to buy are the Indian rupee and the Thai baht, while the Chinese yuan and the Czech koruna appear expensive.</li>
</ul>


I explore the 2021 winners and losers among EM currencies, leading into the discussion on which of these performances were appropriate and which currencies may offer opportunities this year.
The currencies to track this year for opportunities to buy are Chilean peso and Peruvian sol, and to sell are Colombian peso and South African rand. 
Among currencies that already look appealing to buy are the Indian rupee and the Thai baht, while the Chinese yuan and the Czech koruna appear expensive.


Not All Winners Are Equal: 2021 EM FX Outliers and Implications for 2022

Founder & Chief Market Strategist - SAV Markets, SAV Markets

Shyam Devani

Founder & Chief Market Strategist - SAV Markets

Provide Comprehensive Analysis & Commentary

SAV Markets

SAV Markets aims to provide comprehensive analysis & commentary on foreign exchange and asset markets. The approach is multi asset as markets are typically interlinked. Cause and effect are always at work, even if those effects take time to manifest. As nothing is permanent we strive to get ahead of the curve in an ever changing world.

Technical Analysis

<ul>
<li>India’s Nifty Index has started the year significantly up and is testing key levels</li>
<li>These converge at 17,485-17,640 and should be watched closely in the short term</li>
<li>We have already seen a break when the Nifty Index is measured in USD terms</li>
</ul>


India’s Nifty Index has started the year significantly up and is testing key levels
These converge at 17,485-17,640 and should be watched closely in the short term
We have already seen a break when the Nifty Index is measured in USD terms


India

The Indian rupee is the official currency of India. 

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Is the Risk Premium High Enough in the Russian Ruble?

Despite the recent underperformance of the Russian ruble, the currency is not particularly cheap. Given the asymmetric risk-reward profile, I would...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

South African Rand – Watch for Headwinds in 2022

In 2022, I expect the South African rand to underperform on the back of a weak economic outlook, low carry relative to its volatility, and the...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Alpha Bites: Pay India 5y Vs Receive Mexico 5y Local Rate

With rates in India one of the most vulnerable to a further correction in the US, I recommend paying the 5-year local rate in India vs receiving...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Not All Winners Are Equal: 2021 EM FX Outliers and Implications for 2022

I explore the 2021 winners and losers among EM currencies, leading into the discussion on which of these performances were appropriate and which...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

India: The First Break of the Year?

The rebound in India's Nifty Index is looking increasingly encouraging, especially if we can break above 17,640. There is already a bullish break...

Shyam Devani

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