Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

Executive Summary: The US Treasury bond market rally gave up the ghost at the longer-end of the curve while excess cash levels compressed rates at the short-end last week. The Treasury curve bull steepened for the first time in over three weeks.Market participants re-positioned into month-end and ahead of April data releases over the next two weeks. Expectations are for strong economic data. High readings could prove bearish for Treasury prices. However, since the markets are forward looking, the question is also why are rates not already higher?As markets focused on upside inflation risks, with commodity prices continuing to surge, both Sweden’s Riksbank and the Bank of Japan highlighted soft inflation pressures in their latest policy meetings. These statements may add to uncertainty over how sustainable the current rise in US inflation may prove to be.At the same time, the run-off of the US Treasury Department’s cash balances at the Fed continues to keep pressure on repo rates. This in turn is resulting in a melt-up with two year and under area yields being squeezed tighter as investors move up the curve for a return. For more on this melt-up approach, please see: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50971/Bank%20Credit%20Strategy:%20Melt-Up%20Before%20Meltdown,%20Where%20to%20Position.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/W1NcQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Strategy: Melt-Up Before Meltdown, Where to Position</a>. In bank credit, with short-end interest rates compressing week-on-week and short-end credit tightening, positive total returns were easy to generate. Although credit spreads tightened more in the long- than short-end, Treasury curve steepening meant that positive total returns were not realized in longer dated notes. Most Asia-headquartered bank credits tightened by two- to three- basis points week-on-week. Tier 2 and HY Senior Unsecured notes tended to outperform on a spread basis. Most European-headquartered bank credits tightened by three- to four- basis points week-on-week. Lower risk Senior Bail-in bonds delivered higher average spread tighteningWith peak earnings season now behind us, the upcoming week will essentially complete Q1 reports for most major financial institutions. US banks signaled that they anticipate significantly higher interest rates by raising record breaking amounts in the debt capital markets following their Q1 earnings announcements. Other banks may follow. May is historically the start of a bullish period for Treasuries. However, as we start the month, the absence of evidence should not be taken as evidence of its absence. Various holidays around the world may reduce visibility over the next week. Markets in China, Japan and the UK are closed on Monday, with those in Tokyo and China shut through Wednesday. Look to the end of the week for more directionality. We explore these market themes within.Market Outlook: Already looking past upcoming spikes in inflation and job creation, the Treasury market is more constrained in terms of rates than was previously expected. This should be risk asset supportive. The concern is that of impotent monetary policy and a constrained fiscal response in a shorter than expected business cycle.

Executive Summary: The US Treasury bond market rally gave up the ghost at the longer-end of the curve while excess cash levels compressed rates at the short-end last week. The Treasury curve bull steepened for the first time in over three weeks.Market participants re-positioned into month-end and ahead of April data releases over the next two weeks. Expectations are for strong economic data. High readings could prove bearish for Treasury prices. However, since the markets are forward looking, the question is also why are rates not already higher?As markets focused on upside inflation risks, with commodity prices continuing to surge, both Sweden’s Riksbank and the Bank of Japan highlighted soft inflation pressures in their latest policy meetings. These statements may add to uncertainty over how sustainable the current rise in US inflation may prove to be.At the same time, the run-off of the US Treasury Department’s cash balances at the Fed continues to keep pressure on repo rates. This in turn is resulting in a melt-up with two year and under area yields being squeezed tighter as investors move up the curve for a return. For more on this melt-up approach, please see: Bank Credit Strategy: Melt-Up Before Meltdown, Where to Position. In bank credit, with short-end interest rates compressing week-on-week and short-end credit tightening, positive total returns were easy to generate. Although credit spreads tightened more in the long- than short-end, Treasury curve steepening meant that positive total returns were not realized in longer dated notes. Most Asia-headquartered bank credits tightened by two- to three- basis points week-on-week. Tier 2 and HY Senior Unsecured notes tended to outperform on a spread basis. Most European-headquartered bank credits tightened by three- to four- basis points week-on-week. Lower risk Senior Bail-in bonds delivered higher average spread tighteningWith peak earnings season now behind us, the upcoming week will essentially complete Q1 reports for most major financial institutions. US banks signaled that they anticipate significantly higher interest rates by raising record breaking amounts in the debt capital markets following their Q1 earnings announcements. Other banks may follow. May is historically the start of a bullish period for Treasuries. However, as we start the month, the absence of evidence should not be taken as evidence of its absence. Various holidays around the world may reduce visibility over the next week. Markets in China, Japan and the UK are closed on Monday, with those in Tokyo and China shut through Wednesday. Look to the end of the week for more directionality. We explore these market themes within.Market Outlook: Already looking past upcoming spikes in inflation and job creation, the Treasury market is more constrained in terms of rates than was previously expected. This should be risk asset supportive. The concern is that of impotent monetary policy and a constrained fiscal response in a shorter than expected business cycle.  

Bank Credit Weekly: Bull Steepening, but Is It Sustainable?

Korea / Special Situations, Clepsydra Capital

Sanghyun Park

Korea / Special Situations

Korea / Special Sits, Pairs, Index Rebalancing

Clepsydra Capital

Investigate special situations, pairs, and index rebalancing trades in Korea.

Event-Driven

Korea has 6 closely correlated and co-integrated sector pairs. All of them have a +0.8 180-day correlation coefficient. Also, they all have a sufficiently linear 180-day price scattered chart showing the nature of their high cointegration.<table class="table table-striped">
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<tr><td colspan="5" rowspan="1" style="width: 723.636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Closely correlated &amp; co-integrated sector pairs in Korea"}'>Closely correlated &amp; co-integrated sector pairs in Korea</td></tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Name"}'>Name</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Ticker"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]'>Ticker</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Name"}'>Name</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Ticker"}'>Ticker</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"180-day correlation"}'>180-day correlation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd."}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-2]C[1]">Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"055550"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-1]C[0]">055550</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"KB Financial Group Inc"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-2]C[0]">KB Financial Group Inc</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"105560"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-1]C[-1]">105560</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.9610517352067552}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00000",1]' data-sheets-formula="=correl('1'!R870C10:R994C10, '1'!R870C11:R994C11)">0.96105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"LG Uplus Corp"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-3]C[3]">LG Uplus Corp</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"032640"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-2]C[2]">032640</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"SK Telecom Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-3]C[2]">SK Telecom Co Ltd</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"017670"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-2]C[1]">017670</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.8992786663054949}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00000",1]' data-sheets-formula="=correl('2'!R870C10:R994C10, '2'!R870C11:R994C11)">0.89928</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Kia Corp"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-4]C[5]">Kia Corp</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"000270"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-3]C[4]">000270</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Hyundai Motor Co"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-4]C[4]">Hyundai Motor Co</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"005380"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-3]C[3]">005380</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.8668911065680154}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00000",1]' data-sheets-formula="=correl('3'!R870C10:R994C10, '3'!R870C11:R994C11)">0.86689</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Celltrion HealthCare Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-5]C[7]">Celltrion HealthCare Co Ltd</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"091990"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-4]C[6]">091990</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Celltrion, Inc."}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-5]C[6]">Celltrion, Inc.</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"068270"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-4]C[5]">068270</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.850526307159412}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00000",1]' data-sheets-formula="=correl('4'!R870C10:R994C10, '4'!R870C11:R994C11)">0.85053</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BGF Retail Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-6]C[9]">BGF Retail Co Ltd</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"282330"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-5]C[8]">282330</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"GS Retail Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-6]C[8]">GS Retail Co Ltd</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"007070"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-5]C[7]">007070</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.7760017852780396}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00000",1]' data-sheets-formula="=correl('5'!R870C10:R994C10, '5'!R870C11:R994C11)">0.77600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 181.818px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Hyundai Department Store Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-7]C[11]">Hyundai Department Store Co Ltd</td>
<td style="width: 96.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"069960"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-6]C[10]">069960</td>
<td style="width: 165.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Shinsegae Inc"}' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-7]C[10]">Shinsegae Inc</td>
<td style="width: 60.9091px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"004170"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]' data-sheets-formula="=Data!R[-6]C[9]">004170</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 135.455px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.9327816777063404}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00000",1]' data-sheets-formula="=correl('6'!R870C10:R994C10, '6'!R870C11:R994C11)">0.93278</td>
</tr>
<tr><td colspan="5" rowspan="1" style="width: 723.636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Source: KRX"}'>Source: KRX</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>In the light of the short-selling resumption next week, these sector pairs will likely draw attention.Then, which pair is at an extreme sigma (±2.0σ) on a 20-day moving average? At the last close, three pairs come on the radar.<ol>
<li>Shinhan Financial and KB Financial: +2.16σ</li>
<li>Kia Corp and Hyundai Motor: -2.04σ</li>
<li>Hyundai Department Store and Shinsegae: -1.81σ</li>
</ol><table class="table table-striped">
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<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Sigma (σ) on a 20-day moving average"}'>Sigma (σ) on a 20-day moving average</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Today"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]'>Today</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"T-1"}'>T-1</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"T-2"}'>T-2</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"T-3"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]'>T-3</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"T-4"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]'>T-4</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"T-5"}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"[$₩]#,##0"]'>T-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd./KB Financial Group Inc"}' data-sheets-formula='=Data!R[-11]C[1]&amp;"/"&amp;Data!R[-11]C[2]'>Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd./KB Financial Group Inc</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":2.160993227615466}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$2")'>2.16</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":2.542772683735228}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$3")'>2.54</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1.786381555409661}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$4")'>1.79</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1.1128800501751042}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$5")'>1.11</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.181530165798035}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$6")'>0.18</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.22641999615163677}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$7")'>-0.23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"LG Uplus Corp/SK Telecom Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula='=Data!R[-12]C[3]&amp;"/"&amp;Data!R[-12]C[4]'>LG Uplus Corp/SK Telecom Co Ltd</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.24660010671563912}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$2")'>-0.25</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.10403426571856596}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$3")'>-0.10</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.6117954095017157}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$4")'>-1.61</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.6376484979254156}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$5")'>-1.64</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.4249128627679264}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$6")'>-1.42</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.087684413507805}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$7")'>-2.09</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Kia Corp/Hyundai Motor Co"}' data-sheets-formula='=Data!R[-13]C[5]&amp;"/"&amp;Data!R[-13]C[6]'>Kia Corp/Hyundai Motor Co</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.0407109696616685}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$2")'>-2.04</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.0025888653486463}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$3")'>-2.00</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.1695043509161958}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$4")'>-1.17</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.004698906236027549}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$5")'>0.00</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.10273148905333784}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$6")'>0.10</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.0802292544899608}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$7")'>-1.08</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Celltrion HealthCare Co Ltd/Celltrion, Inc."}' data-sheets-formula='=Data!R[-14]C[7]&amp;"/"&amp;Data!R[-14]C[8]'>Celltrion HealthCare Co Ltd/Celltrion, Inc.</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.31044173489418}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$2")'>-0.31</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.7388105592067177}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$3")'>-0.74</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.0110561898756243}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$4")'>-1.01</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.0565672498648304}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$5")'>-0.06</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.1863196550598434}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$6")'>-0.19</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.5127886597937376}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$7")'>0.51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BGF Retail Co Ltd/GS Retail Co Ltd"}' data-sheets-formula='=Data!R[-15]C[9]&amp;"/"&amp;Data!R[-15]C[10]'>BGF Retail Co Ltd/GS Retail Co Ltd</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.2360588141562515}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$2")'>0.24</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.102593735245234}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$3")'>-2.10</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.5568836748773385}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$4")'>-2.56</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.3214237049099196}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$5")'>-2.32</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.024092449046153583}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$6")'>-0.02</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.4712110272418423}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$7")'>0.47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 320.909px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Hyundai Department Store Co Ltd/Shinsegae Inc"}' data-sheets-formula='=Data!R[-16]C[11]&amp;"/"&amp;Data!R[-16]C[12]'>Hyundai Department Store Co Ltd/Shinsegae Inc</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.807722354711979}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$2")'>-1.81</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 45.4545px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.309293992473888}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$3")'>-2.31</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-2.530789825470454}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$4")'>-2.53</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.733312375711856}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$5")'>-1.73</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-1.3190244950375916}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$6")'>-1.32</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 46.3636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.03766239765956894}' data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-formula='=indirect(R[0]C8&amp;"!$I$7")'>-0.04</td>
</tr>
<tr><td colspan="7" rowspan="1" style="width: 723.636px;" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Source: KRX"}'>Source: KRX</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>Out of these three pairs currently at ±2.0σ, the Kia Corp/Hyundai Motor pair deserves special attention as mean reversion appears already in progress for the other two pairs.

Korea has 6 closely correlated and co-integrated sector pairs. All of them have a +0.8 180-day correlation coefficient. Also, they all have a sufficiently linear 180-day price scattered chart showing the nature of their high cointegration.








Closely correlated &amp; co-integrated sector pairs in Korea

Name
Ticker
Name
Ticker
180-day correlation


Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.
055550
KB Financial Group Inc
105560
0.96105


LG Uplus Corp
032640
SK Telecom Co Ltd
017670
0.89928


Kia Corp
000270
Hyundai Motor Co
005380
0.86689


Celltrion HealthCare Co Ltd
091990
Celltrion, Inc.
068270
0.85053


BGF Retail Co Ltd
282330
GS Retail Co Ltd
007070
0.77600


Hyundai Department Store Co Ltd
069960
Shinsegae Inc
004170
0.93278

Source: KRX

In the light of the short-selling resumption next week, these sector pairs will likely draw attention.Then, which pair is at an extreme sigma (±2.0σ) on a 20-day moving average? At the last close, three pairs come on the radar.
Shinhan Financial and KB Financial: +2.16σ
Kia Corp and Hyundai Motor: -2.04σ
Hyundai Department Store and Shinsegae: -1.81σ












Sigma (σ) on a 20-day moving average
Today
T-1
T-2
T-3
T-4
T-5


Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd./KB Financial Group Inc
2.16
2.54
1.79
1.11
0.18
-0.23


LG Uplus Corp/SK Telecom Co Ltd
-0.25
-0.10
-1.61
-1.64
-1.42
-2.09


Kia Corp/Hyundai Motor Co
-2.04
-2.00
-1.17
0.00
0.10
-1.08


Celltrion HealthCare Co Ltd/Celltrion, Inc.
-0.31
-0.74
-1.01
-0.06
-0.19
0.51


BGF Retail Co Ltd/GS Retail Co Ltd
0.24
-2.10
-2.56
-2.32
-0.02
0.47


Hyundai Department Store Co Ltd/Shinsegae Inc
-1.81
-2.31
-2.53
-1.73
-1.32
-0.04

Source: KRX

Out of these three pairs currently at ±2.0σ, the Kia Corp/Hyundai Motor pair deserves special attention as mean reversion appears already in progress for the other two pairs.

Korea Pair Trade Idea: 6 Closely Correlated & Cointegrated Sector Pairs

Executive Summary:  A flattening US interest rate yield curve changed the dynamics for credit investors for most of the month of April, in complete contrast to how interest rates behaved in March. The narrative changed to one that was Treasury bond supportive, and this supported shorter-duration securities. Meanwhile yield curve flattening pushed credit spreads in the opposite direction longer out the curve.The sweet spot for total return investors moved dramatically. Investors that were positioned in higher duration bonds witnessed underperformance on a total return basis. Meanwhile, investors in lower duration bonds outperformed on a total return basis. However, as the month ended, we began to witness a return of the reflation trade with US interest rates ending the month on an upswing. May could see a repeat of March’s carry-trade performance.From a pure credit spread perspective, ignoring movements in the risk-free rate, Asia’s bank bonds had a mixed performance with one-third of the +100 bonds that we track widening during the month. Vaccine versus virus concerns led to lower economic growth projections by the market than seen in the prior month. Expectations for an unsynchronized global recovery also factored. Taken together, this would delay the much needed catch-up in credit fundamentals to match the monetary accommodation driven spread compression over the last year. As such, bond spread tightening was less ebullient while widening lessened the amount of fundamental performance needed to justify lofty spread levels.

Executive Summary:  A flattening US interest rate yield curve changed the dynamics for credit investors for most of the month of April, in complete contrast to how interest rates behaved in March. The narrative changed to one that was Treasury bond supportive, and this supported shorter-duration securities. Meanwhile yield curve flattening pushed credit spreads in the opposite direction longer out the curve.The sweet spot for total return investors moved dramatically. Investors that were positioned in higher duration bonds witnessed underperformance on a total return basis. Meanwhile, investors in lower duration bonds outperformed on a total return basis. However, as the month ended, we began to witness a return of the reflation trade with US interest rates ending the month on an upswing. May could see a repeat of March’s carry-trade performance.From a pure credit spread perspective, ignoring movements in the risk-free rate, Asia’s bank bonds had a mixed performance with one-third of the +100 bonds that we track widening during the month. Vaccine versus virus concerns led to lower economic growth projections by the market than seen in the prior month. Expectations for an unsynchronized global recovery also factored. Taken together, this would delay the much needed catch-up in credit fundamentals to match the monetary accommodation driven spread compression over the last year. As such, bond spread tightening was less ebullient while widening lessened the amount of fundamental performance needed to justify lofty spread levels.

Bank Credit Compass: Total Return Sweet Spot Moves, but May Rebound

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Equity Capital Markets

Korea Investment Holdings Co, Ltd. / Equity Capital Markets

Korea Investment Holdings Co, Ltd. (071050 KS)

<div class="content-highlight">According to K-Bank, it gained 1.72 million new customers in 1Q 2021. This was more than the 1.57 million customers that K-Bank gained from 2018 to 2020. It is estimated about 70% of K-Bank's new customers in 2021 are young people in their 20s and 30s that are flocking to K-Bank to invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum at the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, which requires the users to have an account at K-Bank to deposit or withdraw money for cryptocurrency trading.</div><a href="https://www.hankyung.com/finance/article/2021041583121" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Korea Value Asset Mgmt</a> has a 27.1% stake in Kakao Bank. Korea Value Asset Mgmt is 100% owned by Korea Investment &amp; Securities, which is also 100% owned by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/korea-investment-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14839:1" rel="noopener">Korea Investment Holdings Co, Ltd. (071050 KS)</a>. Thus, Korea Investment &amp; Securities directly and indirectly owns 31.8% stake in Kakao Bank. Korea Investment &amp; Securities currently has a market cap of 5.8 trillion won. If Kakao Bank is valued at 20 trillion won, a 31.8% stake in the company would be worth 6.4 trillion won, which would be worth 110% of Korea Investment &amp; Securities' market cap. Therefore, although the exact number of how many new licenses for Internet banks remains uncertain, we believe that there could be any many as 2 to 3+ new Internet banks in the next 2-3 years. It is probably no coincidence that Kakao Bank is trying to complete its IPO this year. Kakao Bank will be aiming to accelerate this IPO prior to the Korean government giving out new licenses for Internet banks this year.

According to K-Bank, it gained 1.72 million new customers in 1Q 2021. This was more than the 1.57 million customers that K-Bank gained from 2018 to 2020. It is estimated about 70% of K-Bank's new customers in 2021 are young people in their 20s and 30s that are flocking to K-Bank to invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum at the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, which requires the users to have an account at K-Bank to deposit or withdraw money for cryptocurrency trading.Korea Value Asset Mgmt has a 27.1% stake in Kakao Bank. Korea Value Asset Mgmt is 100% owned by Korea Investment &amp; Securities, which is also 100% owned by Korea Investment Holdings Co, Ltd. (071050 KS). Thus, Korea Investment &amp; Securities directly and indirectly owns 31.8% stake in Kakao Bank. Korea Investment &amp; Securities currently has a market cap of 5.8 trillion won. If Kakao Bank is valued at 20 trillion won, a 31.8% stake in the company would be worth 6.4 trillion won, which would be worth 110% of Korea Investment &amp; Securities' market cap. Therefore, although the exact number of how many new licenses for Internet banks remains uncertain, we believe that there could be any many as 2 to 3+ new Internet banks in the next 2-3 years. It is probably no coincidence that Kakao Bank is trying to complete its IPO this year. Kakao Bank will be aiming to accelerate this IPO prior to the Korean government giving out new licenses for Internet banks this year. 

K-Bank Vs. Kakao Bank: A Big Change in New Customers Driven by Cryptos

Executive Summary: The narrative has changed and there is little to stand in the way of further Treasury market strength near term. This should lead to US dollar weakness and may be Emerging Market risk asset supportive. Nonetheless, we suspect that Asia will remain driven by concerns that China is tightening which could constrain investor sentiment in this market.Trading volume-, Treasury issuance- and economic data-risks were no match for short-position unwinding, data reappraisal, and Japanese investor re-entry into the Treasury bond market over the last week. Treasury yields continued their retracement, posting their biggest weekly rally since August. Furthermore, after the worst quarter since 1980, Treasuries have gained around 1% this month, paring 2021 losses to about 3.3%. We may have seen a sell-the-rumor, buy-the-fact market event occur with respect to Treasuries and the better-than-expected March economic data set.The narrative has changed to one that is Treasury bond supportive. Fixed income markets are discounting lower economic growth and price expectations. Scenarios with a declining growth rate may be increasingly discounted in the Treasury markets. With GDP growth anticipated to tail-off over the next few quarters, sustainable wage growth may not materialize. Meanwhile, supply chain bottlenecks and rising producer prices may negatively impact corporate margins rather than consumer wallets. We elaborate on each of these themes within.Against this backdrop, there are limited economic announcements which could impact the Treasury market over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Japanese investors may find buying US$ denominated bonds attractive after hedging the currency risk. This may be risk asset supportive going forward.  We review this inside.In the bank credit markets, March’s carry trade outperformance continued to unwind as shorter-duration bonds outperformed during the week. All recent higher coupon outperformers experienced large spread declines. Even the Turkish bank credit curve behaved in a manner consistent with other bonds globally, rather than trade at a discount. We identify the winners and losers.In China, while the immediate threat of Credit Armageddon may be lower, the ultimate game plan for China Huarong Asset Management is yet to be known. As such, the market may remain skittish while trading opportunities remain amongst the other asset management companies. Please see: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50463/China%20Huarong:%20Contagion%20Creates%20Opportunity.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/SmFJQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China Huarong: Contagion Creates Opportunity</a> for more details.US banks set a high bar for performance by announcing stellar investment banking and progressively improving core banking results last week. Then they signaled that they anticipate significantly higher interest rates later this year by hitting the market for record breaking amounts. Middle East- and Asia-headquartered banks may lead the headlines next week. Amongst major European names, only Credit Suisse is scheduled to provide final Q1 results on Tuesday, 20 April. For our thoughts, please see: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50463/Credit%20Suisse:%20Skating%20on%20a%20Thin%20Layer%20of%20Capital.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/rGLd5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Credit Suisse: Skating on a Thin Layer of Capital</a>.Market Outlook: Already looking past upcoming spikes in inflation and job creation, the Treasury market is repricing for lower growth and lower rates over a longer time-period. This should be risk asset supportive as the US dollar finally weakens. The risk is that of impotent monetary policy and a constrained fiscal response in a shorter than expected business cycle.

Executive Summary: The narrative has changed and there is little to stand in the way of further Treasury market strength near term. This should lead to US dollar weakness and may be Emerging Market risk asset supportive. Nonetheless, we suspect that Asia will remain driven by concerns that China is tightening which could constrain investor sentiment in this market.Trading volume-, Treasury issuance- and economic data-risks were no match for short-position unwinding, data reappraisal, and Japanese investor re-entry into the Treasury bond market over the last week. Treasury yields continued their retracement, posting their biggest weekly rally since August. Furthermore, after the worst quarter since 1980, Treasuries have gained around 1% this month, paring 2021 losses to about 3.3%. We may have seen a sell-the-rumor, buy-the-fact market event occur with respect to Treasuries and the better-than-expected March economic data set.The narrative has changed to one that is Treasury bond supportive. Fixed income markets are discounting lower economic growth and price expectations. Scenarios with a declining growth rate may be increasingly discounted in the Treasury markets. With GDP growth anticipated to tail-off over the next few quarters, sustainable wage growth may not materialize. Meanwhile, supply chain bottlenecks and rising producer prices may negatively impact corporate margins rather than consumer wallets. We elaborate on each of these themes within.Against this backdrop, there are limited economic announcements which could impact the Treasury market over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Japanese investors may find buying US$ denominated bonds attractive after hedging the currency risk. This may be risk asset supportive going forward.  We review this inside.In the bank credit markets, March’s carry trade outperformance continued to unwind as shorter-duration bonds outperformed during the week. All recent higher coupon outperformers experienced large spread declines. Even the Turkish bank credit curve behaved in a manner consistent with other bonds globally, rather than trade at a discount. We identify the winners and losers.In China, while the immediate threat of Credit Armageddon may be lower, the ultimate game plan for China Huarong Asset Management is yet to be known. As such, the market may remain skittish while trading opportunities remain amongst the other asset management companies. Please see: China Huarong: Contagion Creates Opportunity for more details.US banks set a high bar for performance by announcing stellar investment banking and progressively improving core banking results last week. Then they signaled that they anticipate significantly higher interest rates later this year by hitting the market for record breaking amounts. Middle East- and Asia-headquartered banks may lead the headlines next week. Amongst major European names, only Credit Suisse is scheduled to provide final Q1 results on Tuesday, 20 April. For our thoughts, please see: Credit Suisse: Skating on a Thin Layer of Capital.Market Outlook: Already looking past upcoming spikes in inflation and job creation, the Treasury market is repricing for lower growth and lower rates over a longer time-period. This should be risk asset supportive as the US dollar finally weakens. The risk is that of impotent monetary policy and a constrained fiscal response in a shorter than expected business cycle.  

Bank Credit Weekly: Narrative Change Pushes Carry-Trade Unwind as Treasuries Rally

South Korea

KB Financial Group Inc. (the "Company"), in accordance with Financial Holding Companies Act, was established on September 29, 2008, through stock transfer with the former shareholders of its subsidiaries including Kookmin Bank in order to provide management services and financing to associated companies. The headquarters are located at Seoul, Korea

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KB Financial ADR (KB US)

Bank Credit Weekly: Bull Steepening, but Is It Sustainable?

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Bank Credit Compass: Total Return Sweet Spot Moves, but May Rebound

The sweet spot for total return investors moved dramatically in April. However, as the month ended, the reflation trade returned. May could see a...

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K-Bank Vs. Kakao Bank: A Big Change in New Customers Driven by Cryptos

In this insight, we discuss the exploding growth of new customers at K-Bank, the IPO expectations of Kakao Bank, and the likelihood of additional...

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Bank Credit Weekly: Narrative Change Pushes Carry-Trade Unwind as Treasuries Rally

The narrative has changed. There is little to stand in the way of further Treasury market strength near term. This should lead to US$ weakness and...

Hank Calenti, CFA

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