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Developed Countries

The Norwegian krone’s fortunes have recently reversed. It has been the best performing G10 currency since the end of May. This comes after a period of pronounced weakness during which it was the only G10 currency to depreciate vis-à-vis the US dollar between…
President Joe Biden’s approval rating trended down from a peak in February this year of 45.8% to the current level of 42.1%. Meanwhile his disapproval rating rose from a trough of 50.9% to its current 54.3%. The negative trend is worrisome for the Biden…
BCA Research’s US Bond Strategy service cautions against turning bullish on corporate bonds. Corporate bonds have delivered strong excess returns versus duration-matched Treasuries during the past two months. Yet the team’s fair value models, based on…

Our Portfolio Allocation Summary for August 2023.

The S&P 500 rally broadened in July, lifting this year’s laggards. Surging long yields are altering the macroeconomic backdrop, as the market absorbs that monetary policy will stay restrictive for a long time. Yet, a move down in yields is more likely than a move up over a tactical horizon. Q2 earnings were better than expected but investors were unimpressed – the good news is already priced in. The market is overvalued and is close to being overbought, which makes it vulnerable to disappointment.

August offers an opportunity to review our key views. European growth is turning the corner and inflation is improving, but does it guarantee an imminent breakout in European stocks?

Nonfarm payroll employment increased by less than anticipated in July, rising by 187 thousand versus expectations of 200 thousand. In addition, the June increase was revised down from 209 thousand to 185 thousand. Similarly, average weekly hours worked…
The S&P 500 has had a rough start to August. The index’s selloff since the end of July has pushed it down by 2.4%. Notably, the weakness is broad-based with all S&P 500 sectors in the red over this period. This marks a sharp reversal in performance…
Ever since the bottom below 0.96, the euro has staged a powerful rally. At 1.1, the euro is up 14.6% from its lows. The key question going forward is if investors should chase the rally, or fade strength in the common currency. Our FX strategists suggest…

Some thoughts on this week’s bear-steepening of the Treasury curve and this morning’s employment report.