Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the Hong Kong financial market, specifically the behavior of the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) and the implications of liquidity management by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) [1][2]. Core Insights and Arguments - HKMA has recently spent US$2.5 billion to maintain the currency peg at 7.85, following a US$1.2 billion expenditure the previous week. This action has reduced the Aggregate Balance (AB) to HKD 144 billion from a peak of HKD 173 billion, indicating that liquidity remains ample despite the decline [1][2]. - The "equilibrium level" for the 1-month HIBOR is estimated to be around 2.3%, suggesting that the 3-month HIBOR may range between 2.5% and 2.6%. This estimation is based on historical spreads of 20-30 basis points between the 1-month and 3-month HIBOR over the past decade [3][5]. - The 1-month HKD-USD rate differential averaged -90 basis points in the first half of 2024, and the USDHKD did not reach 7.85 even in a strong USD environment. The last occurrence of USDHKD touching 7.85 was in the first half of 2023 when the Fed was still increasing rates [3][5]. - The current weaker USD environment suggests that the "equilibrium HK-US rate differential" needed to keep USDHKD below 7.85 is likely wider, estimated at least -130 basis points. This is considered a conservative estimate given the smaller AB in 2024 [3][5]. - With expectations of three 25 basis point cuts by the Fed this year, the effective Fed funds rate is projected to decline from 4.33% to 3.58%, leading to an estimated 1-month HIBOR equilibrium rate of approximately 2.3% [3][5]. Additional Important Insights - The market is currently pricing 3-9 month forwards of 3-month rates at 2.8-3%, which is higher than the estimated equilibrium level of 2.5-2.6% for the 3-month HIBOR. This indicates that the market may be overestimating the potential increase in HIBOR [6][7]. - Historical data shows that when the AB remains above HKD 100 billion, liquidity conditions are generally flush, and the rise in HIBOR due to a decline in AB has been limited. A significant increase in HIBOR typically occurs only when AB falls below HKD 100 billion [6][7]. - The expectation is that it may take 3-6 months for the 1-month HIBOR to reach the equilibrium rate of approximately 2.3% due to the current weak USD environment and anticipated Fed cuts [6][7]. - There is a strong economic linkage between Hong Kong and China, low loan demand, and significant capital inflows (US$93 billion in Southbound equity inflows year-to-date), suggesting that HK rates are likely to remain low for an extended period [8][9]. - The USDHKD carry trade remains attractive, with the >9 month outright USDHKD levels staying below 7.75, which is the lower end of the band. However, recession risks in the US economy could lead to a sharp repricing of front-end US rates [10][11]. Conclusion - The analysis indicates that while liquidity remains ample in Hong Kong, the market may be overpricing future increases in HIBOR. The expected Fed rate cuts and the current economic conditions suggest a prolonged period of low rates in Hong Kong, with potential implications for investment strategies in the region [8][9][10].