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>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

<ul>
<li>Chile's political polarization was apparent in Sunday's general elections where the two leading candidates for the presidency who are headed for a run-off election are leftist and ultra-conservative. </li>
<li>The markets reacted positively to the elections in which right-wing parties performed well, which allowed me to recommend taking profits on a long Chilean peso vs South African rand trade.</li>
<li>While there is room for the peso to continue to outperform, I recommend closing the trade for now as I anticipate market volatility to pick up again.</li>
</ul>


Chile's political polarization was apparent in Sunday's general elections where the two leading candidates for the presidency who are headed for a run-off election are leftist and ultra-conservative. 
The markets reacted positively to the elections in which right-wing parties performed well, which allowed me to recommend taking profits on a long Chilean peso vs South African rand trade.
While there is room for the peso to continue to outperform, I recommend closing the trade for now as I anticipate market volatility to pick up again.


Chile’s Market-Friendly Election Outcome Allows Exit from Trade Recommendation

<ul>
<li>The Hungarian central bank increased the size of the rate hike from the previous meeting, but it failed to provide much support to the currency.</li>
<li>I expect the forint to lag in the near term unless the central bank turns more aggressive because real rates remain negative and the carry of the currency is low.</li>
<li>Complicating the task of the central bank are the upcoming election in 2022, which has led to the prime minister ramping up pre-election spending, adding to inflationary pressures.</li>
</ul>


The Hungarian central bank increased the size of the rate hike from the previous meeting, but it failed to provide much support to the currency.
I expect the forint to lag in the near term unless the central bank turns more aggressive because real rates remain negative and the carry of the currency is low.
Complicating the task of the central bank are the upcoming election in 2022, which has led to the prime minister ramping up pre-election spending, adding to inflationary pressures.


Forint to Lag Even as the Hungarian Central Bank Raises the Pace of Rate Hikes

<ul>
<li>In my monthly recap note , I provide a performance update of my weekly trade recommendations in emerging markets FX and rates</li>
<li>Of the total of 27 trade recommendations made so far, I have recommended closing 18 of which 15 were in the money.</li>
<li>I also go over my open trade recommendations as well as those that I have closed recently.</li>
</ul>


In my monthly recap note , I provide a performance update of my weekly trade recommendations in emerging markets FX and rates
Of the total of 27 trade recommendations made so far, I have recommended closing 18 of which 15 were in the money.
I also go over my open trade recommendations as well as those that I have closed recently.


Alpha Bites: Performance Summary of Trade Recommendations – November 2021

Thailand

The Thai baht is the official currency of Thailand. 

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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

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

Chile’s Market-Friendly Election Outcome Allows Exit from Trade Recommendation

The markets reacted positively to Chile's elections in which right-wing parties performed well, which allowed me to recommend taking profits on a...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Forint to Lag Even as the Hungarian Central Bank Raises the Pace of Rate Hikes

I expect the forint to lag in the near term unless the central bank turns more aggressive because real rates remain negative, the carry of the...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Alpha Bites: Performance Summary of Trade Recommendations – November 2021

I provide a performance update of all my trade recommendations along with discussing the open trades. I have recommended closing 18 of the 27...

Gautam Jain, PhD, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)