Fixed Income and Currency Strategist

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

FX & Rates

<ul>
<li>The Indonesian rupiah has outperformed most EM currencies, particularly other Asian currencies, and has done so with low volatility in contrast with the rising volatility of the EM FX index.</li>
<li>Looking ahead, headwinds may be appearing with the interest-rate differential working against the currency as the Fed starts raising rates and higher inflation leading to lower real rates.</li>
<li>While the rise in commodity prices is generating trade surpluses for now, the current account may turn negative from positive with a rise in imports accompanying the economy's reopening.</li>
</ul>


The Indonesian rupiah has outperformed most EM currencies, particularly other Asian currencies, and has done so with low volatility in contrast with the rising volatility of the EM FX index.
Looking ahead, headwinds may be appearing with the interest-rate differential working against the currency as the Fed starts raising rates and higher inflation leading to lower real rates.
While the rise in commodity prices is generating trade surpluses for now, the current account may turn negative from positive with a rise in imports accompanying the economy's reopening.


Indonesian Rupiah Shines in Volatile Times

<ul>
<li>In line with my view, the US dollar remains strong, with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia providing additional safe-haven bids and putting pressure on EM currencies. </li>
<li>Among EM currencies, the worst hit are Central European currencies as the war has created headwinds to growth in the region especially due to the spike in energy prices.</li>
<li>Authorities in the eurozone and Central Europe have taken steps to mitigate the impact on their economies but the proximity to the war means that some risk premium will remain.</li>
</ul>


In line with my view, the US dollar remains strong, with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia providing additional safe-haven bids and putting pressure on EM currencies. 
Among EM currencies, the worst hit are Central European currencies as the war has created headwinds to growth in the region especially due to the spike in energy prices.
Authorities in the eurozone and Central Europe have taken steps to mitigate the impact on their economies but the proximity to the war means that some risk premium will remain.


In the Line of Fire – Impact on Central European Currencies from Russia’s Invasion

<ul>
<li>In my monthly recap note, I provide a performance update of my trade recommendations in emerging markets FX and rates.</li>
<li>Of the total of 35 trade recommendations made so far, I have recommended closing 25 of which 18 were in the money.</li>
<li>I also update my views on the open trade recommendations and go over the rationale behind those that I closed recently.</li>
</ul>


In my monthly recap note, I provide a performance update of my trade recommendations in emerging markets FX and rates.
Of the total of 35 trade recommendations made so far, I have recommended closing 25 of which 18 were in the money.
I also update my views on the open trade recommendations and go over the rationale behind those that I closed recently.


Alpha Bites: Performance Summary of Trade Recommendations in FX and Rates – March 2022

<ul>
<li>In an environment marked by uncertainty with regards to the dollar's next move, EM currencies have been stable and LatAm currencies have outperformed Asia and CEEMEA so far this year.</li>
<li>The strong start for LatAm currencies is partly to make up for their underperformance last year and partly supported by their high carry relative to other currencies.</li>
<li>If risk aversion remains low, this trend should persist but given the uncertainty, it is best to be selective and target relative-value trades to take advantage of differences across countries.</li>
</ul>


In an environment marked by uncertainty with regards to the dollar's next move, EM currencies have been stable and LatAm currencies have outperformed Asia and CEEMEA so far this year.
The strong start for LatAm currencies is partly to make up for their underperformance last year and partly supported by their high carry relative to other currencies.
If risk aversion remains low, this trend should persist but given the uncertainty, it is best to be selective and target relative-value trades to take advantage of differences across countries.


Will Latin American Currencies Continue to Outperform Against Asia and CEEMEA?

<ul>
<li>The turnaround of Asian currencies is likely to continue with growth resurfacing in the region ex-China and the interest rate differential with the rest of emerging markets narrowing.</li>
<li>The main risks to watch are whether the slowdown in China worsens and weighs on the region as a whole and whether central banks embark on FX interventions again.</li>
<li>While the overall view on Asian currencies is constructive, I prefer cross-country trades to take advantage of differences arising from idiosyncratic drivers and to eliminate the dollar risk.</li>
</ul>


The turnaround of Asian currencies is likely to continue with growth resurfacing in the region ex-China and the interest rate differential with the rest of emerging markets narrowing.
The main risks to watch are whether the slowdown in China worsens and weighs on the region as a whole and whether central banks embark on FX interventions again.
While the overall view on Asian currencies is constructive, I prefer cross-country trades to take advantage of differences arising from idiosyncratic drivers and to eliminate the dollar risk.


Drivers Behind the Turnaround of Asian Currencies

South Korea

The South Korean won is the official currency of The Republic of Korea (South Korea). 

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Indonesian Rupiah Shines in Volatile Times

The Indonesian rupiah has outperformed most other EM currencies but headwinds may be appearing for the currency as the Fed starts raising rates and...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

In the Line of Fire – Impact on Central European Currencies from Russia’s Invasion

Russia's invasion has given another leg up to the US dollar, weighing on EM currencies, particularly in Central Europe despite the steps they have...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Alpha Bites: Performance Summary of Trade Recommendations in FX and Rates – March 2022

I provide a performance update of all my trade recommendations along with discussing the open trades. I have closed 25 of the 35 trades recommended...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Will Latin American Currencies Continue to Outperform Against Asia and CEEMEA?

If risk aversion remains low, LatAm currencies should continue to outperform but given the uncertainty, it is best to target relative-value trades...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Drivers Behind the Turnaround of Asian Currencies

The turnaround of Asian currencies is likely to continue with growth resurfacing in the region ex-China and interest rate differential with the...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)