NAB Morning Call

Friday 18th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9There are mixed signals in the markets today. Equities have taken a hit from continued uncertainty over Ukraine, but oil prices are down, perhaps because negotiators are close to agreeing a deal over Iranian oil. NAB’s David de Garis says many traders will also be assessing their positions ahead of a long weekend in the US. Yesterday’s FOMC meeting seems to have shortened the odds for a half percent rate hike from the Fed, although there’s been a lot of strong US data since that meeting. Words from the ECB’s Philip Lane have reinforced the idea that the bank is rethinking its position on holding off on rate rises. Today’s main stats are the retail numbers for the UK, which are unlikely to bounce back as quickly as we saw in the US yesterday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 17th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9There are no signs of inflation abating just yet, or of Vladimir Putin pulling his troops from the Ukraine border. That means there’s more caution in the markets. On today’s Morning Call NAB’s David de Garis talks through the likely market response if Russia does invade and Biden responds with sanctions. Meanwhile, inflation is creating enough of a concern for everyone, with CPI up in the UK, South Africa and Canada, with rising US retail sales adding to the pressure in the US. In Europe a couple of ECB members are starting to get nervous about house prices. Only in China do they seem to have inflation under control, and the potential for more easing by the central bank. Whilst in Australia the Labour Market data will be the main focus this morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 16th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9There’s a bit more positivity in the markets today, certainly since yesterday morning, because Russia hasn’t invaded Ukraine, and talks continue. But NAB’s Rodrigo Catril says there is still plenty to be cautious about. NATO can’t confirm Russian troops have moved from the border, as Putin had claimed, and the central issue of Ukraine’s right to NATO membership remains unresolved. Still, markets have taken it as good news, offsetting any inflation concerns that should have arisen from US PPI numbers yesterday. UK jobs numbers also showed wage pressures and today, loads more, inflation and producer prices for many parts of the world. We also get to see the RBA’s Debelle and Bullock in front of the senate tonight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 15th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9The rhetoric is still that Russia is on the brink of war with Ukraine, although, as NAB’s Ray Attrill points out, markets took some comfort from a television event that saw Putin saying he supported continued diplomat efforts with the west, but have since repsnded to military movements that suggest something is about to happen. For a while, the talk of more talks allowed a little more focus to return to central banks, with the Fed’s James Bullard again calling for a front loading of hikes because the policy is out of sync with the economy. Today, with inflation still on the rise just about everywhere, including New Zealand, US producer prices will be watched keenly later today, along with UK wages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 14th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9There was a swift response on Friday to speculation that Putin would launch an attack on Ukraine as soon as this week. The US dollar gained ground at the expense of the Euro, whilst bond yields, which had risen on the upside inflation surprise on Thursday, came falling down again. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says more negative new over Ukraine will add to the strength of the US dollar, but similarly, markets could slowly reverse their positions if weeks go by without any resolution. Meanwhile, second guessing the actions of central banks remains a focus on markets, with Aussie bond yields shooting up on Friday as Philip Lowe suggested a rate rise this year was “consistent with their central scenario”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 11th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9Markets reacted swiftly to a higher-than-expected rise in the US CPI. NAB’s Gavin Friend says its unlikely that the Fed will raise rates by half a percent in March, even though many now expect it and the Fed’s Bullard has said he isn’t opposed to the idea. Gavin’s point, if they were to do that, why haven’t they stopped QE dead in its tracks? Today’s podcast looks at the market reaction in the US and yield movements in Europe. There’s been more discussion about Ukraine, but one British former diplomat has described the whole thing as a Russian fishing trip. And new Yuan loans have seen a heap of extra money piled into the Chinese economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 10th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9Bond yields have fallen back a bit a little ahead of US CPI numbers later on today. Phil Dobbie asks NAB’s David de Garis what he will be looking for in the data, to give a clearer picture of where inflation is heading. In particular, are we seeing signs that supply chain difficulties are easing? Central bank speakers are out in force, but its pretty clear now that few have a clear picture about the path beyond the next hike. Equities are up for a second day, driven by positive earnings, but with uncertainty over forward guidance they too will be susceptible to a move in tonight’s CPI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 9th February 2022View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9In the absence of any big statistical releases markets are treading water ahead of US CPI numbers later in the week. US 10-year Treasury yields hit a two-year high for a short while, whilst equities have been choppy in face of all the uncertainty. How much will the Fed lift rates in March? What will be the end rate? NAB’s Ray Attrill says focus is now also shifting to the actions of the ECB. Even though Christine Lagarde is still talking about a gradual shift in policy, other ECB members are not so sure and European bond yields have been rising accordingly. Much of the focus today will continue to be on inflation prospects, in the NAB Business Survey and in the NFIB small business survey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

View our disclaimer and terms of use: nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide: nab.co/3rvJtI9In the absence of any big statistical releases markets are treading water ahead of US CPI numbers later in the week. US 10-year Treasury yields hit a two-year high for a short while, whilst equities have been choppy in face of all the uncertainty. How much will the Fed lift rates in March? What will be the end rate? NAB’s Ray Attrill says focus is now also shifting to the actions of the ECB. Even though Christine Lagarde is still talking about a gradual shift in policy, other ECB members are not so sure and European bond yields have been rising accordingly. Much of the focus today will continue to be on inflation prospects, in the NAB Business Survey and in the NFIB small business survey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 7th February 2021Friday’s non-farm payrolls data showed how more people returned to work in the US whilst Omicron saw the highest wave of COVID-19 infections across the country. Over the border Canada saw a fall in jobs in the face of continuing lockdowns. Phil Dobbie asks NAB’s Rodrigo Catril whether this means US jobs will bounce back further next month, and what does this mean for inflation, with the US data showing another increase in hourly wages. China is back at work today, with the possibility that they will add to the rising cost of oil as they seek to replenish dwindling reserves.View our disclaimer and terms of use: https://nab.co/3shJyypView our NAB Financial Services Guide): https://nab.co/3rvJtI9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 4th February 2022The Bank of England is certainly all out to stop any risk of wages pushing inflation out of control. The decision was one vote away from a half percent rate rise, with NAB’s Gavin Friend saying the bank is trying to send a firm signal, even though the eventual number of rises this year might fall below current market expectations. The rise comes at a time of strong headwinds for UK households and the broader economy. Meanwhile, a strong reaction on bond markets to the ECB meeting. The announcement itself wasn’t a surprise, but some ground was given during the press conference suggesting the ECB might move faster than they have been letting on. Tonight, of course, non-farm payrolls. Before that, the RBA Statement of Monetary Policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 2rd February 2022You could say its the best of times and the worst of times, with a rampant jobs recovery tempered by high inflation. Certainly, two central banks have a different perspective on the underlying economic strength. As NAB’s David de Garis discusses on today’s podcast, the Bank of England are expected to raise rates today, whilst the ECB will continue to sit on its hands with Christine Lagarde, only yesterday, continuing to argue that inflation is temporary. Meanwhile, yesterday the RBA’s Philip Lowe finally admitted that a rate rise this year was plausible. Overnight we saw staggering earnings results from Google and disappointing jobs data in the US. Omicron almost certainly contributed to both of those outcomes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 2nd February 2022The RBA is still reticent to signal a rate rise this year, even as they lift their inflation forecasts. NAB’s Ivan Colhoun says a lot rests on what Governor Lowe has to say today. The ECB is also playing it cool, but with 2-year German Bund yields climbing higher than the loan rate its clear the markets don’t agree with them either. NAB’s Rodrigo Catril talks through the latest data from Europe and the US, and reasons why equities are so much calmer and why the Aussie dollar has bounced back today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 1st February 2022It seems more likely than not that the RBA will announce an end to QEW today. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says core timed mean inflation is running two years ahead of the RBA’s forecasts which suggests a rate rise this year is also likely. The front end of the yield yield curve rose a little in the US after Raphael Bostic argued for a 50 basis point rate rise in March, although he retreated a little form those remarks today. Inflation is rising in Europe, with figures out just in time for the ECB this week, and the BoE will almost certainly raise rates too. So is inflation the only driver now? What if the rates push major economies into a downturn? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 31st January 2021Whilst it was quite a night for Rafael Nadal, Friday had a less positive ending for the Aussie dollar, falling below 70 US cents to its lowest level since mid-2020, despite rising commodity prices. NAB’s Ray Attrill says the sharp fall could be the result of portfolio rebalancing by Aussie investors, which means it could stay low today but recover after month-end. We’ll see. Meanwhile equities bounced back in the US on Friday but markets are still choppy. Wages grew slightly less than expected in the US in Q4 and consumption has slowed, which makes the path for interest hikes a little murkier. All eyes will be on the RBA tomorrow, with markets still expecting rate rises this year. Will the RBA join the group-think? And China takes a holiday this week, we look at the impact that could have on the Aussie dollar, as we welcome in the Year of the Tiger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 28th January 2022There has been quite a turnaround after the sharp falls in share prices and the rise in bond yields that we saw kicking off during the Jerome Powell press conference after the FOMC yesterday. Today, bond yields have been falling and shares attempted a climb back. So, given the Fed delivered exactly what was expected, why the strong market reaction. NAB’s Gavin Friend says markets were surprised by the hawkishness of the conference, but have perhaps since evaluated the vagueness of what was said. There was no timeline or detail on the number of rate hikes, for example. Today’s GDP numbers for Europe will provide evidence of the sharp contrast with the US, but that is expected to narrow as the year progresses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 27th January 2022The FOMC has met and reaffirmed that rates will rise from March. NAB’s David de Garis says it was exactly what the markets were expecting, although the response has been a rise in yields and a fall in equities. Jerome Powell was more reticent to talk about the speed of tightening beyond the next meeting, given the uncertainties that remain. The Bank of Canada will also hike rates soon. Also on today’s podcast, what does the US widening trade deficit mean for their GDP numbers out later today, how will The RBNZ react to today’s inflation numbers, and Brent oil hits $90. Where to from here? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 25th January 2022Markets have been gearing up for the FOMC meeting this week, but for a while at least tensions over Ukraine seem to have driven a strong risk-off push, with significant falls in share prices, a fall in bond yields and, to an extent, the US dollar seen as a safe-haven. But as the session progressed there was some re-evaluation of the risk, with shares and bond yields regaining some of the lost ground. As to the Fed, NAB’s Ray Attrill says the rising inflation is a major political headache for the Biden administration, so he’ll be eager to see the FDOMC do what it has to do to keep price sunder control. The question is, what will it do to the growth of the economy in the process? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 24th January 2022On today's podcast:Curiously bond yields retreated at the end of last week even though the assumption remains that the Fed will signal a March hike. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says the fall in yields is a response to the sharp sell-off in equities at the end of the week which is, itself, a response to the rising interest rate environment. Locally, the CPI numbers for Australia tomorrow will put the RBA’s timeline for rate rises into sharp focus. Global PMIs today might have less influence given they are influenced by transitory factors, such as lockdowns, and the focus on the Fed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 21st January 2022Australia’s job numbers were well above expectations yesterday. NAB’s Ivan Colhoun talks about what this means for the RBA, who are still at odds with the market on their timetable for rate hikes. NAB’s David de Garis in London talks about the move up in equities and bond prices this session, suggesting it is likely to be nothing more than a bounce. The expectation is still that the Fed will end QE and move to rate hikes swiftly this year. It’s a less definitive picture in Europe, with the ECB minutes highlighting the divided opinions of the board. UK and Canadian retail numbers are out later today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 20th January 2021The sell-off of US bonds has halted, temporarily, but it continues in Europe, particularly in the UK where high inflation numbers will heighten the Bank of England’s resolve to raise rates next month. Canada also reported a higher-than-expected level of CPI, increasing the expectation for a rate rise there next week. In Germany, 10-year bund yields moved into positive territory for the first time since 2019. As NAB’s Gavin Friend says, it’s not just a US dynamic, as central banks attempt to grapple with inflation. But what of Australia? Labour numbers today are expected to show the unemployment rate fall to 4.2%. Given many parts of the world are seeing wage-push inflation, could we see prices rise faster than anticipated? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 19th January 2021US bond yields are now at their highest levels for two years, with equities now joining the sell-off, particularly for tech stocks on expectations of rising bank rates. NAB’s Rodrigo Catril says markets oil is also rising sharply on the expected rise in demand in a post-COVID area, or at least a time when we learn to live with the virus. The UK has shown how that can be done, with better-than-expected employment numbers, despite the rising number of cases in late 2021. So, how prepared is Australia to live with COVID? Today’s monthly consumer confidence numbers will give us an indication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 18th January 2022Bond yields continue to rise as expectations heighten for faster central bank tightening. As NAB’s Tapas Strickland discusses on today’s Morning Call, the exception is the People’s Bank of China, which lowered rates yesterday on concerns about the spread of Omicron. President Xi has asked other central banks to sit tight, but that seems unlikely. Even the RBA is likely to bring forward its end to QE to next month. Whilst China faces more lockdowns, the rest of the world seems to be opening up The UK seems likely to end its Plan-B restrictions as soon as next week. The Empire Fed Manufacturing survey will be worth looking out for today, particularly after a sharp fall in the ISM Manufacturing Prices Paid Index. Could the supply chain disruption be easing – and maybe inflation was transitory after all? Perhaps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 17th January 2022The Fed kicks of its schedule of FOMC meetings next week. We know tackling inflation will be front and centre, but as NAB’s Ray Attrill points out, rate hikes are not the only tool they will be using. The minutes from the last meeting also suggest reducing their balance sheet will be part of the plan. Meanwhile, we’ve seen a significant sell-off in bonds, as investors expect a strong economic recovery this year, as Omicron’s impact wanes. Except in China, of course, which continues to pursue a zero-COVID policy, meaning supply chain disruption could remain, adding to inflation. China’s Q4 GDP is the data to look out for today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 22nd December 2021There was a lot more positive sentiment in the markets overnight. NAB’s Rodrigo Catril says it’s all down to Omicron news, with infection rates falling in South Africa and hopes that a pill can stave off the worst for people who catch it. If the news remains as positive as all that, how will markets fare in 2022? How quickly will China bounce back, given their zero-COVID policy will still force shutdowns? What will happen to inflation is consumer demand improves but supply chain bottlenecks remain? What actions will central banks take and will any step too far when it comes to balance sheet reductions? And what will happen with the Great Resignation, if there continue to be many more jobs than people to fill them? One thing we can be certain of, even if COVID dies down next year, uncertainty remains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 21st December 2021Energy markets are dominating market moves in the run up to Christmas. Oil prices have fallen significantly on fears that travel demand will fall as Omicron gains strength, whilst gas prices in Europe continue to rise on supply constraints from Russia. Equiites have also been hit hard by the virus uncertainty, on thinner holiday trading. NAB’s Ray Attrill says US numbers are just a couple of weeks behind the UK. And geopolitics is also at play, particularly in Chile and Turkey. Even in the UK Boris Johnson can’t be assured he won’t make it through Christmas without a roasting from his backbenchers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 20th December 2021Markets are very cautious ahead of the Christmas break, with concerns about the impact of the Omicron strain. The Netherlands has gone into another lockdown and restrictions are being introduced in many other parts of Europe. But that’s not stopping a more hawkish attitude from the FOMC. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says a March hike in the US is a real possibility, with Fed Governor Waller flagging concerns about an “alarmingly high” inflation rate. More discontinuity in supply chains from Omicron could add to inflation concerns, of course. Today, we also discuss rate hikes whilst winding down balance sheets. Could central banks go too far too quickly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 17th December 2021A rate rise by the Bank of England has surprised many, particularly in an environment of record COVID infections, and a hospitality industry calling for government support as pre-Christmas demand collapses. NAB’s Gavin Friend says it had been clear since August that they wanted to lift rates, the only reason for the delay was a question mark over whether employment numbers would fall after furlough ended, which it didn’t. The ECB gave clearer indications of how they would manage their asset purchase post March. The RBA’s Philip Lowe remains cautionary despite an outstanding set of employment numbers for Australia yesterday. In data releases, PMIs showed a significant fall in services for Europe that is not being seen in the US. A pick-up in housing starts I the US could be taken as a sign that supply chain concerns are easing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 16th December 2021The Fed, not surprisingly, are tapering faster as the race is on to lift rates next year. NAB’s David de Garis says the QE ending by March clears the decks, with a revised inflation forecast speeding up the expectations of rises. Markets were expecting a hawkish tilt, so they haven’t been surprised. The Bank of England decision is less easy to read later on, with Britain’s high inflation number overnight offset by the highest number of daily COVID infections since the pandemic began. The ECB follows shortly after that, in a busy day which also sees PMIs across the globe and Aussie employment numbers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 15th December 2021Markets are still pulled in two directions. First there’s the continued uncertainty of the new COVID variant, which might be mild (or not), but is spreading like wildfire in the UK right now and the race is on to have booster jabs across the globe. Then there’s the inflation question and how quickly central banks will respond to it. A sharp increase in producer prices in the US has added to the ammunition for the Fed to move faster, with the next FOMC meeting tomorrow. It is assumed QE will end in March, the question is how many dot points for rate rises are expected next year. Whilst the Fed might predict two, markets are pricing for three. NAB’s Rodrigo Catril says if the FOMC suggests three, the markets might move their expectations to four. It seems whatever the Fed chooses, markets expect more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 14th December 2021There’s a little more caution this morning, with equities down, driven by banks, travel and energy, with stay at home stocks doing better. But NAB’s Tapas Strickland points out, the fall in the S&P is on the back of the 67th record high of 2021 on Friday night. He says we shouldn’t expect too many significant moves ahead of the FOMC, ECB and Bank of England later in the week, and little significant news expected before then. Turkey’s central bank has already met, responding to sky high inflation by lowering interest rates. An interesting approach. Whilst rising Omicron cases are adding to the cautious tone. Numbers in the UK have risen sharply again, with the first recorded fatality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 13th December 2021Markets were trading last week on the basis that the Omicron variant was not as lethal as the Delta strain, even though infections were spreading rapidly. NAB’s Ray Attrill says that’s been the view with central banks too, who are more concerned about inflation than and further impacts from COVID. That said, rising cases in the UK will almost certainly stop the Bank of England from raising rates this week, whilst the FOMC is expected to shorten its taper timeline, finishing in March. It’s a busy week for central banks and more data on Omicron will influence the direction too. Starting with a press conference from the UK’s Prime Minister (for now) shortly after the release of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 10th December 2021Things were definitely a bit quieter overnight, with markets stepping back a little as they wait to figure out just what impact Omicron is having, and which way inflation is heading. We get the latest indication on the latter with US CPI number out tonight, but NAB’s Ray Attrill says China’s consistently high producer prices don’t bode well. Also today, how China is trying to stop the appreciation in the Yuan and what to expect from the UK’s GDP number tonight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 9th December 2021Even though equity markets have slowed, bond markets are still reflecting positive sentiment around coping with the Omicron strain. NAB’s Gavin Friend says Pfizer has confirmed views that three jabs will guard against serious illness from the new variant, and yet just now the British Prime Minister, where almost a third of the population have had three jabs, has introduced tougher measures to control the spread, including mask wearing at almost all indoor venues, working from home and vaccine passports for larger venues. The Bank of Canada has delayed acting on rising inflation and it seems likely that all central banks will sit on their hands this side of Christmas until more is known about the impacts of Omicron. Yesterday the RBA’s Philip Lowe said he didn’t expect the new strain to delay the recovery, but what makes him think Australia is so unique? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 8th December 2021There’s a lot of positive sentiment around this morning. Equities are rising sharply in the US and Europe, oil is up and bond yields are rising. NAB’s Gavin Friend says it’s been driven by the efficacy numbers of a GlaxoSmithKline vaccine, and circumstantial evidence that the Omicron strain might not be that bad for those who have been jabbed. Data wise there were fairly in strong industrial production numbers in Germany, with Chinese imports picking up and the final GDP numbers showing a rise in European consumer spending. In other news, Janet Yellen has been channelling her inner Donald Trump when it comes to tariffs and tensions brew over Ukraine. And NAB’s Ivan Colhoun deciphers yesterday’s RBA meeting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 7th December 2021US equites are roaring back, so is oil, with bond yields rising again. This newfound optimism has been driven by policy easing measures from China’s central bank, and less concern about the impact of the Omicron strain. It’s still too early to draw definitive conclusions on the virus, says NAB’s Rodrigo Catril, with reports from South Africa that there is a concerning rise in younger patients. Tougher measures on mandatory vaccines for workers could also ignite more protests that could have the opposite impact on take-ups, which could slow economies, particularly in Europe. Not much is expected from the RBA today, but the build-up of positive data is likely to force a policy change in February. Meanwhile, the jury is still out on the Bank of England next week, but market expectations around a rate rise are falling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 6th December 2021Markets were far more cautious on Friday. In part there are still concerns about the new Omicron strain, although circumstantial evidence so far is pointing to it being a milder variant. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says tech stocks were hit the hardest, because there’s growing acceptance that the Fed will push ahead with faster tapering, irrespective of tailwinds. Payrolls numbers were weaker than anticipated, but not enough to stop them, it seems. That raises the question, will central banks push ahead with tightening measures before economies have recovered to the detriment of the longer term outlook? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 3rd December 2021Markets have displayed much mor epositive sentiment in the last 24 hours, but its not lasting. Gains in US equities have fallen away a little, and oil prices have risen sharply and fallen back again. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says Omicron news is mixed – it’s certainly spreading quickly but symptoms of those who are vaccinated appear to be mild. US Treasury yields have flattened further as more Fed officials pile on with calls for faster tapering. Oil prices fell sharply mid-session on the news that OPEC would lift supplies next month, but rose again on the news that they would pull back if demand falls because of Omicron. In short, another day of uncertainty all round. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 2nd December 2021Markets were choppy again overnight, but there is renewed hope with circumstantial evidence that the Omicron variant might be less severe. A WHO press conference suggested that existing vaccines will be enough to prevent many extreme cases, but we’ll still have to wait for the final verdict. NAB’s David de Garis says that was enough for the focus to shift a little to positive data reads out of the US, including a 534k rise in the ADP payrolls number an ISM manufacturing at 61.1 for November. Australia’s better than expected Q3 GDP number has done little to help the Aussie dollar – Dave suggests it has followed the fortunes of the S&P500. Today, the focus will stay with news around the virus and its impact on lockdowns and other contingency measures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 1st December 2021You might have expected that Jerome Powell would use the uncertainty of the new COVID strain to downplay the need to adjust the speed of tapering by the Federal Reserve, but instead, addressing the Congress, he talked up the need for faster tapering, to be discussed at the next FOMC meeting. So, what’s brought about this character transformation? NAB’s David de Garis says he is clearly now far more worried about inflation. The ECB, meanwhile, is happy to keep using the transitory word and believes inflation has just about peaked. Meanwhile, China’s PMIs and prices paid gave a glint of hope that supply chain issues might be easing, albeit very slowly. But progress could be destroyed by the impact of measures to constrain the new variant. The future is as clear as mud and markets today reflect that uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 30th November 2021On today’s Morning Call NAB’s Ray Attrill reminds us that the CSIRO’s Dr Rob Grenfell predicted, back in the middle of the year, that about now we would see a variant of COVID spreading from India or Africa. He now says the situation in South Africa is not a good comparator for Australia, and we should watch how it develops in Europe over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, markets are playing a waiting game. There was a mild bounce back in equities, bond yields and the US dollar, but volatility will remain, driven by the news cycle. The other unknown is the impact this will have on the speed of a global recovery, with border shutdowns and the like, and the subsequent impact on inflation. Lots of questions for Jerome Powell and Janet Yellen then, in front of a senate hearing today. China’s PMIs will be the numbers to watch today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 29th November 2021There was a very strong market response to the news of the Omicron virus strain on Friday. Equities were hit hard, currencies ran for the shelter of safe havens and there was a sharp fall in bond yields. How much of this was a knee-jerk reaction amongst the thin trading on the day after Thanksgiving. NAB’s Rodrigo Catril says we can expect Asian markets to follow the US today, before markets settle down, but we can expect volatility for some time as we wait for news that helps assess the risk posed by this new strain. So, what does this mean for central bank tightening? Where will the Aussie dollar head through this turbulent time? What impact will it have on oil and inflation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 26th November 2021As America gobbles up Turkeys NAB’s Gavi Friend talks through the latest positioning on tightening by central banks. The FOMC minutes suggested a more hawkish approach, and the latest data would suggest that view has been reinforced, but there’s still a disconnect between what the markets expect and the messaging from the Fed. The Riksbank has started to talk about rate rises, but not before 2024. The Bank of England looked certainly to raise rates last month, but it didn’t happen and a rise in December is now looking less certainly. The ECB are continuing down a dovish path, reinforced by their latest minutes overnight. Meanwhile, the RBA is holding firm, even though the bounce back in jobs yesterday (with retail sales data today) suggests a recovery that most nations would be envious off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 25th November 2021There were many more positive signs for the US economy overnight, with initial jobless claims at an all-time low. The US dollar remains in favour, with the DXY index reaching a 16-month high. On today’s podcast NAB’s Tapas Strickland says rising inflation concerns are turning even the most dovish FOMC members, with Mary Daly the latest calling for a faster taper to make room for rate rises. Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summer spoke again about his concerns about the Fed’s delay, worried that they won’t be able to find “a soft landing”. Meanwhile, the Kiwi dollar has been hit hard by the quarter percent rate rise by the RBNZ. Why was there such a sharp response? Plus, the latest on oil, with prices down today, but we can expect more volatility as OPEC takes on their customers. How dare they dip into reserves! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 24th November 2021There was a surprise for those expecting the PMI numbers on Tuesday to confirm the widening gap between US and European economic performance. Let’s be honest, the NAB Morning Call team were amongst those who weren’t expecting to see the narrowing of the divide, with Europe doing somewhat better than expected, and the US a little worse than forecast. But NAB’s David de Garis says the US bond yields are still up, the market still wants to hold US dollars in anticipation of a quickening of the taper and earlier rate rises. The RBNZ rate decision today will be watched closely – there’s still an outside chance the rise will be as much as half a percent. And Joe Biden’s attempts to bring down the cost of oil seems to have gone awry. Confirmation of a plan to dig into reserves, not just in the US, has seen oil prices shoot skywards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday 23rd November 2021The US dollar and bond yields rose on the news that Jerome Powell is to keep the top job at the Fed for another term, with Lael Brainard as deputy. Even though both are doves, NAB’s Ray Attrill says the market still has two or three rate rises priced in for next year. The Aussie dollar has avoided collateral damage from the raising US dollar, helped by the news of border reopenings, that will help foreign workers to return. Today is PMI day, which is expected to give a further clear delineation between the strength of thew US economy versus the woes faced in Europe. The Euro is expected to continue to bear the brunt of any rises in the dollar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 22nd November 2021The divide between the US and Europe became more pronounced at the end of last week, as NAB’s Rodrigo Catril explains 0n today’s Morning Call. On the one side of the Atlantic there are increasing infections, more lockdowns and, in Austria, mandatory vaccines, with a central bank pushing the line that tightening will only damage the recovery. On the other side, central bankers are talking up the need for faster tapering, presumably so they can move to raise rates sooner. But hardly anyone is moving as fast as New Zealand, with the RBNZ certain to lift rates this week, but by how much? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday 19th November 2021US equities have bounced back a little today, but, as NAB’s Gavi Friend describes, it’s been a session without significant event risk or data flow. Equities and bond yields have been stable compared to recent volatility, with the tech sector contributing to equity rises, including news of Apple’s self-drive car. Some companies are also reporting easing of supply chain difficulties. Those issues have certainly been holding back the speed of recovery, evidenced again by higher prices in the Philly Fed’s manufacturing index and a slowdown in the reduction of weekly jobless claims. If supply chains recover and jobs growth picks up, will inflation subside. That continues to be the view of the ECB, with Philip Lane reiterating it again overnight. Europe meanwhile has other issues to contend with – energy supplies, rising COVID cases and a likely trade dispute with the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 18th November 2021Australian wage growth is in line with expectations, but where to from here? Phil Dobbie asks NAB’s Ivan Colhoun if there’s a chance we’ll see wages escalate in the next few months? The UK’s inflation numbers surprised everyone overnight, reaching 4.2 percent year on year. Does this concrete in a BoE rate rise, or could they do what they did last time and do nothing? David de Garis gives his thoughts. Canada’s inflation is also increasing, but no more than anticipated. US housing starts are down, but there are clear signs they’ll soon pick up. Join us for a Morning Call triple header! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday 17th November 2021It’s been a positive session overnight, with US retail sales rising and US jobs bouncing back. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says it’s difficult to tell how much of the 1.7% month on month increase in sales is a result of rising prices and how much is more goods sold, but it shows consumers are prepared to spend even with supply constraints and inflation concerns. The UK jobs numbers are particulartly good because they have grown despite the end of a job furlough scheme with 1.1 million people on it. Mostly retained their jobs and there were many extra jobs besides. Is this the ammunition the Bank of England needs for a rate rise next month? Meanwhile Governor Lowe continues to be cautious about rate hikes for Australia, reiterating nothing is likely to happen until 2024, even though the market has priced in 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.