The post-close tariff announcements this morning have a mild impact

Markets

The steepening trend, fueled by investor worries on fiscal sustainability in multiple developed countries including the UK, Japan and the US gradually lost some momentum yesterday. After recent rise in LT risk premia at least some investors moved to a more neutral approach. Some high profile yields/resistance levels coming nearby was also in play. Later in US dealings, the move was validated by a solid $39 bln US Treasury 10‐y note sale. US yields eased between 4.8 bps (2‐y) and 6.7 bps (10‐y). The Fed minutes of the June meeting showed ample uncertainty and a divide within the MPC on how tariffs will impact inflation going forward. This also translated into divergent views on the timing and the path of policy easing. However, that already appeared in the dot plot published at the time of the meeting. Some governors showed signs to be open for a July rate cut in case of soft data (Waller, Bowman), but this scenario in the meantime was ‘rejected’ by still decent US June payrolls published last week. German yields eased 1‐2 bps across the curve. Equities remained well bid despite multiple trade noise. The Nasdaq (+ 0.94%) even closed at a record. Only limited moves in the major cross rates (DXY close at 97.55, EUR/USD 1.1725). Yen underperformance halted (USD/JPY close 146.33 from 146.58). After sending a new batch of tariff letters to countries earlier in the session, US president Trump after the close threatened to impose 50% levy on Brazil exports to the US, mainly inspired by a political rift with president Lula Da Silva. Later, he also confirmed the 50% tariff on copper to take effect on August 1. Brazilian assets are hit. USD/BRL jumped from the 5.50 area to close near 5.573.  

The post‐close tariff announcements this morning have a mild impact. Asian equity markets are trading mixed to modestly higher (South Korea and China a.o.). US equity futures are ceding modest ground (about ‐0.3%), as does the dollar (DXY 97.4, EUR/USD 1.174, USD/JPY 146.21). A 20‐y Japan bond sale this morning was ok/neutral and might temper recent steepening trend, but uncertainty in the run‐up to the July 20 Japan Upper House elections persists. Today’s eco calendar is again thin. US jobless claims in the current environment still might cause intraday volatility. Markets will look out whether a $22 bln 30‐y US Note auction can copy yesterday’s benign 10‐y performance. Trade(war) noise evidently will continue to swirl.

News and views

The central bank of South Korea left its policy rate unchanged at 2.5%. The status quo was expected and comes as the Bank of Korea is striking a balance between having an accommodative policy to support an economy hit by trade uncertainty while watching potential imbalances fueled by booming house prices. South Korea was informed earlier this week of a 25% levy on its US exports. But the starting date, August 1, offers extra time for negotiations. Meanwhile the SK government is planning regulations to reign in (household) property borrowing. The BoK found the most prudent thing to do was to wait before making its next easing move. The decision was unanimous though four of the six members signaled openness to a cut in the next three months. The next BoK meeting takes place on August 28. The South Korean currency trades little changed in response to the policy outcome (USD/KRW 1373.4).

S&P Global Market Intelligence in its tri‐annual report found that German companies are the most optimistic about the economy since early 2022. The survey of around 12000 manufacturers and service providers also showed willingness to invest: for the first time in two years companies are planning to increase capex and R&D spending outweigh those anticipating cuts. Businesses referred to the government’s spending boost as supporting an economic upturn while further gains are seen by expanding into new markets, the adoption of technologies such as AI and digitalization that can improve efficiency. However, S&P Global adds that growth forecasts and investments intentions are still running below pre‐pandemic averages amid geopolitical concerns and increased US protectionism.

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