Monetary
A benchmark overall duration stance is still warranted, as central banks will maintain exceptionally accommodative monetary policies to offset potential Brexit-related shocks to confidence.
Global uncertainty is elevated, but markets know this. Brexit could prove extremely negative for the global economy if it prompts a questioning of the EU's integrity. The cyclical outlook for the pound remains poor, but a short-term opportunity to buy GBP/JPY has emerged. We still like the SEK and commodity currencies. The SNB will continue to intervene, but the peg is increasingly dangerous.
Even if commodity markets are not yet pricing a higher probability of fiscal stimulus following the U.K.'s Brexit vote, we believe they will begin doing so in very short order.
The Brexit vote has ended the reflation trade, but does not represent a "Lehman moment" either. Stick close to benchmark in terms of broad asset allocation, and watch European bank CDS for signs that another financial crisis is brewing.
If the damage of the Brexit is contained in the U.K., the direct economic impact on China should be marginal. China's relatively closed financial system makes it less exposed to global shocks than most other countries. It is too soon to expect a policy response from the Chinese authorities just yet, but Brexit has pushed China's "balancing act" needle further toward stimulus.
At the margin Brexit only serves to reinforce the divergences in global growth that were already in place. Maintain duration at benchmark and look to increase duration exposure on any meaningful back-up in Treasury yields. Corporate spreads are still not attractive, but any Brexit related sell-off could present an opportunity to initiate a tactical overweight.
Equity and Treasury market positioning support the notion of a bounce in risk assets, possibly egged on by dollar weakness.
Among the myriad of troubling signs for the global economy, some developments on the inventory and deflationary fronts could point to a brighter future. While still not our base case, those factors need to be monitored. With Brexit over and done with, we are reshuffling our GBP portfolio. Remain bullish EUR/USD. Go short CAD/NOK.
Global oil demand will continue to surprise to the upside over the balance of the year - growing at a rate of 1.6 MMb/d - following an unexpected surge over the first five months of 2016.
The Chinese government is engaging in a difficult balancing act between the imperative of maintaining growth momentum and structural reforms. Policymakers have eased off the gas pedal, but the impact of previous stimulative measures should continue to filter through the economy. Investors should also curb their enthusiasm in assessing China's demand-side countercyclical initiatives.
