Fixed Income
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.
The Russo-Chinese relationship got a diplomatic boost this week, but can China provide Russia with the capital it needs to boost productivity meaningfully?
Government bond yields will remain at depressed levels as investors stay in safe haven assets given the lack of clarity on the next steps in the Brexit saga.
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.
If the U.K. ultimately exits the EU, it will be a major break in the 70 years of European integration. Multipolarity will be reinforced, increasing global geopolitical risk. We expect global risk assets to start taking cues from Europe, not the Fed and China. However, risks of N-Exit - that other EU member states follow suit - may be overstated.
The secular stagnation narrative is gaining traction amongst the FOMC. Expect further downward revisions to longer run FOMC interest rates forecasts, toward levels already discounted in the Treasury curve.
We prefer to fade the recent fall in yields by moving to neutral on U.K. Gilts and underweight Australia, while maintaining a benchmark overall stance on portfolio duration.
The Fed has reason to delay the next rate hike until at least September, even if volatility subsides after the June 23 Brexit vote.
Increasing uncertainty over the Brexit vote will keep the Fed from raising its overnight policy rate at this week's FOMC meeting, but it may not keep the USD from rallying in the event of a decisive win for Brexit advocates on June 23.