Markets

In the following post I list a number of risk factors which I believe investors should give serious consideration, but I do not for one second pretend for that list to be exhaustive. Neither should you read anything into the order of which…

Brazil hiked bank reserve requirements on time deposits to 20% from 15% and on cash deposits to 12% from 8%. Measures will take effect December 13 and an estimated BRL61 bln will be removed from the system. Central bank chief Meirelles…

The US dollar rally continued to soften as the market awaits the November jobs report. The market expects a 150k increase in non-farm payrolls with a 158k increase in private payrolls. The ECB must be pleased with itself. The strategic…

Considering taking profit from AUD/JPY at current levels with a stop of 80.76. Stay Long USD/JPY at current levels with a stop of JPY82.46. Enter short AUD/CAD at current levels with a stop of 0.9659. Enter short EUR/NOK at 8.10 with a…

The US dollar rally continued to soften as the market prepares for the ECB rate announcement. The market expects the ECB to announce additional liquidity provisions to attempt to quell the fears emanating from Europe’s liquidity/solvency…

There ain't nothing as good as a good short covering/melt-up rally day. The market has been in a flux the past weeks, but today's move proves, I think, that the upside surprise is much stronger than the downside and that the equity still…

Moody’s put Indonesia’s rating on review for possible upgrade. This is a stronger statement than the June move to positive outlook on the Ba2 rating (equivalent to BB), and we think an upgrade will be seen soon. Indeed, the agencies are…

In a time when there is much discussion of peak oil and the idea that other commodities are less abundant or more costly to access, one issue that might not get enough attention among investors is the shortage of water. Some political…

The US dollar rally was interrupted against most of the majors as strong Chinese data supported risk. The fears engulfing the euro toned down a little amid speculation that the ECB could take action tomorrow to contain the debt crisis,…

We have long felt that the market was underestimating tightening potential in 2011, but it appears to be coming around to our view. Weekly central bank survey shows market is now looking for an end-2011 policy rate of 12.25%, up from 12.0%…