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The US CPI data was positive but lower-than-expected

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
05 November 2022
The CPI fell to 8.3% and the underlying one to 6.2%, higher than the average market forecasts

The immediate market reaction was negative, with US indices retreating sharply and the 10-year bond yields rising to 3.04%.

But the truth is that the CPI figure shows signs of decline for the first time, and although not as much as expected, it may be the first symptom that inflation is reaching a peak. However, it has not worsened in April.

 

These types of immediate reactions after publishing a relevant figure, like yesterday's, are quite common. The market responds negatively with orders guided by algorithms to a figure less positive than expected without a deeper analysis of the true meaning of the data.

It is also usual that after a more detailed analysis, the market acts in the opposite direction, as it happened yesterday in the case of stock indices; this happened only for a short period.

 

Bond yields returned to their starting point, the US 10-year to the 2.92% zone. The Wall Street indices were sold off strongly after a brief subsequent recovery.

The negative correlation between treasury bond yields and stock indices that had been going on for weeks unraveled yesterday. Even though long-term interest rates remained low, perhaps because of the falling inflation data, the stock markets experienced a pronounced decrease, especially the Nasdaq, which lost almost 3%.

 

The question that arises from this behavior among market analysts is whether investors' concerns are no longer related to higher interest rates but to a deep slowdown in the economy. The growth data and the economy’s leading indicators published will become relevant again, possibly setting the course for the markets, at least in the coming weeks.

 

On the other hand, oil experienced a rise of almost 6% even though inventory figures grew well above forecasts. This movement, however, would not fit in with a forecast of an economic slowdown which, if it occurred, would mean a drop in global demand. There is talk that purchases for storage are taking place in anticipation of a worsening of the Ukraine conflict. In short, we can conclude that yesterday's session was somewhat abnormal because the usual correlations between assets, events, and the published data were not followed.

Normally, when the market behaves in a way that does not coincide with the fundamentals, it tends to adjust sooner or later. 

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Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.