Latest from BCA Research
While the Fed's recent forward guidance leading markets to increase the odds of a policy-rate hike earlier than previously expected will restrain the recovery in crude oil prices, fundamentals will dominate price formation now that markets have rebalanced.
The window for "stealth" RMB depreciation is likely closed for now. The Chinese authorities are stepping up efforts to boost infrastructure construction with several major announcements last month. Capital spending on transportation infrastructure will likely accelerate at least through next year.
A Fed rate hike in June, July or September is likely to send our 12-month fed funds discounter toward 70bps by the date of the next hike. This re-rating of rate expectations will cause significant flattening at the long-end of the curve. Investors should enter a 5/30 flattener to profit.
There is a risk that global bond yields move higher in the near term, although we prefer to position for that move via cross-market spread, yield curve and inflation trades.
Markets will remain stuck in a trading range, driven by two policy feedback loops: the Fed's and China's.
Investors have embraced renewed Fed hawkishness as a vote of economic confidence and confirmation of analysts' rosy earnings forecasts, but the bounce in financials looks unsustainable, outside of REITs. Hang on to gold shares.