美元、美股“双杀” 外国投资者急寻外汇对冲保护

Core Viewpoint - The long-standing strategy of foreign investors buying US dollars and investing in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices has faced significant challenges due to the recent trade war initiated by the Trump administration, leading to substantial losses in both stock and currency investments [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The S&P 500 index has declined by 6% this year, while returns for investors using euros and yen have dropped by 14% [1] - The rapid deterioration of this trading strategy has caused anxiety among foreign investors who previously viewed the US as a safe haven for returns [1] Group 2: Currency Hedging - Many foreign investors are now eager to increase currency hedging in their US stock portfolios, with current foreign investment assets in the US stock market amounting to approximately $18 trillion, nearly one-fifth of the total market capitalization [1][5] - The overall currency hedging ratio for foreign investors in US stocks is currently at 23%, significantly lower than the nearly 50% level seen in 2020 [5] Group 3: Hedging Costs and Strategies - The cost of hedging for investors based on currencies like the Swiss franc or yen is approximately 4% annualized for three-month hedges, while for euro-based investors, it exceeds 2% [6] - The demand for options trading as a hedging method has surged, with the trading volume of euro-dollar options reaching new highs, although increased volatility has also raised hedging costs by about 15% this year [7] Group 4: Market Outlook - Despite the current challenges, some market participants remain cautious about predicting the dollar's future movements, citing unpredictability in exchange rate fluctuations [11] - Analysts suggest that even a small outflow of international investment from the US could lead to significant market impacts, given that international investors hold approximately $28 trillion in US assets [11]