16 May 2013
16 May 2013
FX Blueprint Dashing Buck
Theme In: Japanese Takeaway
We expect sensitivity to the JPY and offshore
portfolio allocation preferences will continue to
drive Asian FX. We are long USD/KRVV, USD/SGD
& MYR/JPY.
Asian FX returns this year have largely been driven by
varying sensitivities to the JPY. Correlations to the JPY
(first chart) differentiate the relative laggards - that
compete for exports and portfolio flows with Japan -
from the relative leaders - that are integrated into
Japanese supply chains and should benefit from
Japanese import demand, FDI, and potential QE-
induced portfolio investment. With USD/JPY breaking
into the triple-digit atmosphere, and a bulk of the "real"
flow impact from Japanese policies yet to materialize,
these divergent correlations remain the best guide to
regional FX trends. in our view. In addition to the JPY,
the outperformance of EM debt over EM equity fund
flows has boosted debt-centric ASEAN FX over equity-
centric North Asian FX. We believe this trend has legs
but will become more selective.
KR1.1V has the most to lose from JP? weakness.
Competitiveness metrics such as export similarity
indices point to a trade channel vulnerability. But the
real pressure point comes from the portfolio channel.
Earnings expectation downgrades for Korean
companies and upgrades in Japan are driving relative
equity market performance, resulting in flows into
Japan and away from Korea. Importantly, an identical
trend unfolded during the JPY weakness of 2004.07
(second chart). Politicization of FX may also drive
further monetary easing and FX intervention in Korea.
By comparison, TVVD losses should be more subdued
from here given weaker export competition with Japan,
stronger equity inflows and central bank USD supply.
SEA) is the Ftuntst USD WU, in Asia. By virtue of its
NEER framework, the USD IVO has consistently been
the top driver of USD/SGD. Unsurprisingly then, the
importance of the JPY to SGD has surged since the
USD/JPY uptrend began in October. Importantly, a long
USD/SGD view is predicated in principal on USD
strength broadening across Singapore's trading
partners. It is thus even compatible with SSNEER
tracking near the top band, although this positioning
makes the risk-reward that much more attractive.
MYR should ou?phrform, given good inflow potential
and a growing trade surplus with Japan. The status
quo election result should sponsor portfolio rebalancing
towards Malaysia. Equities have considerable scope to
catch up to ASEAN peers, where valuations are now
unattractive. IPOs should resume in force and could
attract offshore interest. Bond allocations should pick
up as underweights are covered (third chart) and as
Thailand considers penalizing bond market access for
foreigners. Malaysia meanwhile is unlikely to consider
capital controls or a line in the sand on FX.
Page 14 JPY has been a key driver of Asian FX performance
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Sam Dandle Bank Bent Ikon dale a carocrod to,, tA• esspectint cowers *Wert scar ors
Sameer Goer, Singapore, +65 6423 6973
Mara° Sachdeva, Singapore, +6564238947
Deutsche Bank AG/London
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