Asia biased macro & technical analysis, Untying The Gordian Knot

Untying The Gordian Knot

Asia biased macro & technical analysis

A differentiated process with a primary focus on Asia. Technical Analysis as core and Macro drivers that could bring the view to fruition & changes that could make the idea fall apart. The objective is to be the best in class, hence corner shop.

Cross Asset Strategy

<ul><li>Throughout 2024, we’ve witnessed tight trading ranges across various markets: oil, FX, and Credit spreads.</li><li>Notably, Semiconductors (light blue), Gold (depicted in blue), High-Yield OAS (in red), and Bitcoin (represented in black) exhibit remarkably similar chart patterns.</li><li>In essence, these assets no longer offer diversification benefits; they have effectively become indistinguishable trades.</li></ul>

Throughout 2024, we’ve witnessed tight trading ranges across various markets: oil, FX, and Credit spreads.Notably, Semiconductors (light blue), Gold (depicted in blue), High-Yield OAS (in red), and Bitcoin (represented in black) exhibit remarkably similar chart patterns.In essence, these assets no longer offer diversification benefits; they have effectively become indistinguishable trades.

Commodities

Silver is the metallic element with the atomic number 47. Its symbol is Ag, from the Latin argentum, derived from the Greek ὰργὀς (literally "shiny" or "white"), and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European language root reconstructed as *h₂erǵ-, "grey" or "shining". A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any metal. The metal is found in the Earth's crust in the pure, free elemental form ("native silver"), as an alloy with gold and other metals, and in minerals such as argentite and chlorargyrite. Most silver is produced as a byproduct of copper, gold, lead, and zinc refining.

<ul><li>Gold and Silver have remained unresponsive to lower rates, escalating geopolitical risks and higher China and India seasonal demand.</li><li>Notably, early February saw the emergence of two contrarian signals that merited closer attention.</li><li>While these signals are not foolproof market timing tools, they warrant attention when they align with technical support levels within an established consolidation pattern.</li></ul>

Gold and Silver have remained unresponsive to lower rates, escalating geopolitical risks and higher China and India seasonal demand.Notably, early February saw the emergence of two contrarian signals that merited closer attention.While these signals are not foolproof market timing tools, they warrant attention when they align with technical support levels within an established consolidation pattern.

Macroeconomics

<ul><li>The recent rally in Chinese stocks has been corrective in nature and was triggered by several factors: National Team Intervention: Authorities intervened to stabilise the market.</li><li>Banning of Short Sales: Short selling was restricted to prevent excessive downward pressure.</li><li>No Net Selling by Funds: Fund managers refrained from net selling.</li></ul>

The recent rally in Chinese stocks has been corrective in nature and was triggered by several factors: National Team Intervention: Authorities intervened to stabilise the market.Banning of Short Sales: Short selling was restricted to prevent excessive downward pressure.No Net Selling by Funds: Fund managers refrained from net selling.

<ul><li>The past four weeks have been a whirlwind for fixed-income markets, with seemingly contradictory signals emerging across US and UK rates.</li><li>While volatility reigns supreme, the question remains: are we witnessing a fundamental shift or temporary turbulence?</li><li>Recent weeks have seen wide weekly ranges (28bps) despite minimal net change (-2bps), suggesting unease amongst investors.</li></ul>

The past four weeks have been a whirlwind for fixed-income markets, with seemingly contradictory signals emerging across US and UK rates.While volatility reigns supreme, the question remains: are we witnessing a fundamental shift or temporary turbulence?Recent weeks have seen wide weekly ranges (28bps) despite minimal net change (-2bps), suggesting unease amongst investors.

Turbulent Stillness: US & UK Rates Amidst Volatility

FX & Rates

The US dollar is the official currency of the United States of America.

<ul><li>U.S. interest rates have been climbing since early January 2024 after reaching their lowest points between December 27th and January 11th.</li><li>For example, the yield on 2-year Treasury bonds has increased by 52 basis points (bps), and the yield on 10-year bonds has risen by 49 bps since their respective lows.</li><li>Similarly, the Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the U.S. dollar against a basket of other currencies, experienced its weakest point on December 28th, 2023.</li></ul>

U.S. interest rates have been climbing since early January 2024 after reaching their lowest points between December 27th and January 11th.For example, the yield on 2-year Treasury bonds has increased by 52 basis points (bps), and the yield on 10-year bonds has risen by 49 bps since their respective lows.Similarly, the Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the U.S. dollar against a basket of other currencies, experienced its weakest point on December 28th, 2023.

US Dollar: Trend Reversal or Start of Bull Run