Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Industry Overview - **Focus**: Global Foreign Exchange (FX) and Rates Strategy, particularly in Asia ex-Japan, Euro Area, and Europe Core Insights and Arguments - **USD Outlook**: There is a risk of a more stable near-term USD, with current expectations for 2026 Fed rate cuts at approximately 50.7 basis points [1] - **Top FX Trades**: - Long SGD/IDR with a target of 13,530 by end-March, conviction level raised to 4/5 [19] - Short USD/NOK with a target of 9.20 by end-April, conviction level raised to 4/5 [15] - Short USD/CNH with a target of 6.70 by mid-April, conviction level at 4/5 [18] - Long NZD/USD with a target of 0.6275 by end-March, conviction level at 4/5 [13] - Long USD/INR with a target of 96.0 by end-May, conviction level at 4/5 [25] Important Developments - **USD Weakness**: Recent declines in USD attributed to capital flow slowdowns into the US, with average daily inflows into US-focused ETFs dropping from USD850 million to USD90 million [4] - **US Treasury Comments**: Treasury Secretary Bessent reiterated a strong USD policy, which temporarily supported USD but raised questions about the sustainability of portfolio inflows [5] - **Market Sentiment**: Concerns over political uncertainty and potential trade issues affecting capital flows into the US, particularly from Europe [6] Additional Insights - **Asia FX Strategy**: - Strong corporate FX settlement demand in China, with expectations for CNH appreciation due to favorable trade conditions [18] - Concerns over Indonesia's central bank independence and MSCI's reassessment of Indonesia's market accessibility could lead to significant foreign equity outflows [22] - **Australia's RBA**: Anticipation of a rate hike due to stronger CPI data, but expectations of a cautious approach from the RBA [35] - **Korean Market**: Continued outflows from Korean retail investors into US equities, with significant implications for KRW depreciation [24] Risks and Considerations - **Geopolitical Risks**: Potential geopolitical tensions and their impact on currency valuations, particularly in relation to USD and regional currencies [21] - **Economic Indicators**: Upcoming economic data releases, including inflation and GDP figures, will be critical in shaping market expectations and currency movements [32][33] This summary encapsulates the key themes and insights from the conference call, highlighting the strategic positions and market outlooks relevant to the foreign exchange and rates landscape in Asia and beyond.

Core Insights - CME Group (CME) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.75 per share, a 9.1% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $1.63 billion, reflecting a 6.7% year-over-year increase [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 0.1% in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [2] - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor actions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between these revisions and short-term stock performance [3] Revenue Projections - Analysts project 'Revenues- Other' to reach $111.34 million, a slight decrease of 0.1% from the previous year [5] - 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees' are expected to be $1.32 billion, marking a 6.8% increase year-over-year [5] - 'Revenues- Market data and information services' are estimated at $203.62 million, reflecting a 12.1% increase from the prior year [6] - 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Interest rates' are projected at $405.78 million, indicating a 1.2% decrease year-over-year [6] - 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Foreign exchange' is expected to be $45.67 million, a decrease of 5.4% from the year-ago quarter [7] Average Daily Volume Estimates - The average daily volume (including NYMEX and COMEX) is projected to reach 27.49 million, up from 25.50 million in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Average daily volume - Metals (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is expected to be 1.30 million, compared to 673.00 thousand a year ago [8] - 'Average daily volume - Interest rates (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is estimated at 13.33 million, slightly up from 13.24 million year-over-year [8] - 'Average daily volume - Equity indexes (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is projected to reach 7.61 million, an increase from 6.34 million a year ago [9] - 'Average daily volume - Foreign exchange (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is expected to be 881.82 thousand, down from 969.00 thousand in the same quarter last year [9] - 'Average daily volume - Energy (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is forecasted at 2.56 million, compared to 2.52 million last year [10] - 'Average daily volume - Agricultural commodities (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is estimated at 1.81 million, up from 1.76 million year-over-year [10] Stock Performance - Over the past month, CME shares have returned +6.1%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.9% change [10]

Core Viewpoint - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) is a leading automated electronic broker with a market cap of $109 billion, specializing in various trading and financial services, and is expected to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings for 2025 soon [1]. Financial Performance - Analysts anticipate IBKR will report a profit of $0.50 per share on a diluted basis for the upcoming quarter, reflecting a 2% decrease from $0.51 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the full fiscal year, EPS is projected to be $2.06, representing a 17.1% increase from $1.76 in fiscal 2024, with further growth expected to $2.23 in fiscal 2026, an 8.3% year-over-year rise [3]. Stock Performance - IBKR shares have increased by 47.9% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.5% gains and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's 14.7% returns during the same period [4]. Growth Drivers - The company's strong performance is attributed to significant net new account growth, heightened trading activity, and substantial increases in commission revenue and net interest income. IBKR has surpassed four million customers and $750 billion in client equity, driven by international client growth and innovations like crypto trading and futures contracts [5]. Recent Results - In Q3, IBKR reported revenue of $1.7 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.5 billion, with an adjusted EPS of $0.57, beating estimates by 6.1% [6]. Analyst Sentiment - The consensus opinion among analysts is bullish, with a "Strong Buy" rating from eight out of nine analysts covering the stock. The average price target for IBKR is $80.12, indicating a potential upside of 24.7% from current levels [7].

Core Insights - CME Group Inc. will announce its earnings for Q4 and the full year of 2025 on February 4, 2026, before market opening [1] - The company will provide written highlights at 6:00 a.m. Central Time and hold an investor conference call at 7:30 a.m. Central Time on the same day [1] Company Overview - CME Group is the world's leading derivatives marketplace, facilitating trading in futures, options, cash, and OTC markets [3] - The company offers a wide range of global benchmark products across major asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, cryptocurrencies, energy, agricultural products, and metals [3] - CME Group operates the CME Globex platform for futures and options trading, BrokerTec for fixed income trading, and EBS for foreign exchange trading [3] - It also functions as a leading central counterparty clearing provider through CME Clearing [3]

Summary of J.P. Morgan FX Technical Update Industry Overview - The report focuses on the foreign exchange (FX) market, particularly the performance of major currency pairs including the US dollar (DXY Index), EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD [2][3][7][20][25]. Key Points and Arguments US Dollar (DXY Index) - The DXY Index has rebounded from a key support level in the 96-handles, which includes a long-term trend line from 2011 to 2021 [2][4]. - The dollar is expected to consolidate in the coming weeks, with significant resistance near the 100 level [2][4]. - A break above the 98.099 50-day moving average could attract systematic trend-following buying interest [3][20]. EUR/USD - EUR/USD has rejected longer-term channel resistance for the second time in 2025, indicating a potential trend reversal if it breaks below the 1.1667-1.1743 support zone [7][8]. - Historical data shows that 63% of similar past signals since 1990 resulted in a lower EUR/USD price after eight weeks [11]. - The critical support zone for EUR/USD is identified at 1.1214-1.1391, which is expected to hold through the fourth quarter [7][8]. GBP/USD - GBP/USD has formed a potential double top at the 1.359-1.3669 resistance level, reinforcing a medium-term range outlook [16][17]. - A break below the 1.3331-1.3333 level could lead to a test of the 1.3119-1.3148 support zone, which includes the 200-day moving average [16][17]. USD/JPY - USD/JPY rebounded from key support at 144.97-146.84, maintaining a neutral bias within a multi-month trading range [20][21]. - Resistance levels are noted at 148.65 (200-day moving average) and 149.14 (early September high) [20][21]. - A breakdown below 145 could lead to a retest of critical support near 140 [20]. AUD/USD - AUD/USD has shown a bullish medium-term trend despite fading from the 0.6683-0.6722 Fibonacci retracement zone [25][26]. - Key support levels are identified at 0.6534-0.6569, with a significant medium-term support at 0.6396-0.6419 [25][26]. - The performance of industrial metals like LME copper and aluminum is highlighted as a potential influence on AUD/USD [25]. Other Important Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of technical analysis in understanding currency movements and potential trading strategies [3][20]. - The analysis includes historical performance data and technical indicators to support the outlook for each currency pair [11][12]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and technical analysis provided in the J.P. Morgan FX Technical Update, focusing on the current state and future outlook of major currency pairs in the foreign exchange market.

Investment Rating - The report indicates that the overall USD positioning remains net short despite some covering of shorts in recent weeks [7][12]. Core Insights - USD shorts were covered through July, but the demand for USD puts has softened, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [7][12]. - There are signs of re-engagement with USD downside, particularly following the Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) data, with notable activity in EUR/USD [7][12]. - In the G10 space, JPY positioning appears relatively clean for re-entering USD shorts, suggesting potential opportunities for investors [7][12]. - The USD Trade-Weighted Index (TWI) continues to track US equity inflows, which have shown signs of consolidation and a modest rebound [7][30]. - There are indications that EUR/GBP longs may be trimmed following the Bank of England meeting, while demand for EUR/CHF topside is rebounding [7][30]. Summary by Sections USD Positioning - USD shorts have been covered in recent weeks, with approximately two-thirds of the net-USD short unwound, yet it remains at -0.4-sigma compared to five-year averages as of August 5 [12]. - The demand for USD downside in options has moderated, but recent data suggests renewed interest in USD shorts post-NFP revisions [12]. FX Volumes - FX volumes have been declining, with total FX turnover trending lower, except for a spike in early July [9][30]. - The average number of daily FX options transactions has continued to soften since April, aligning with two-year averages [9]. EUR and JPY Positioning - Large EUR call demand indicates a re-engagement with the dollar-lower theme, particularly after weaker payroll numbers [12][19]. - JPY positioning against USD looks cleaner compared to other currencies, suggesting more scope for re-engagement [12][18]. Equity Inflows and Currency Trends - The USD TWI has shown a slight increase, coinciding with a rebound in US equity ETF inflows, which moderated significantly in Q2 but has improved in Q3 [30][31]. - The relative flow of US and European equity ETFs indicates a similar trend for EUR/USD, with strong demand for European equities earlier in the year now moderating [30][32].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a bearish outlook on the USD, indicating a potential for further weakness due to various macroeconomic factors [1][17][42]. Core Insights - The quality of USD carry has deteriorated, influenced by softer growth, lower real yields, and rising term premiums, which historically correlate with negative outcomes for the USD [17][42]. - FX hedge rebalancing from under-hedged sectors in Europe and APAC is expected to continue acting as a depressant on the dollar [17][42]. - The report emphasizes thematic differentiation across FX, favoring mid- to low-yielding currencies and highlighting the outperformance of current account surplus currencies [17][43]. Summary by Sections FX Outlook - The report suggests staying bearish on the USD, with valuation undershooting compared to rates and equities, and a lack of discrete catalysts for strength [1][17]. - Historical data indicates that significant CNY strength is not a prerequisite for USD weakness, and constructing carry-efficient short dollar proxies is recommended [1][17]. Macro Trade Recommendations - The report recommends being overweight in JPY, EUR, Scandi, and Antipodeans while underweighting USD and GBP [2][43]. - It suggests re-selling CAD/NOK as a carry-efficient EUR/USD proxy and buying 6m USD/CAD put spreads [2]. Emerging Markets FX - The report is optimistic about emerging markets FX heading into H2, supported by diminishing US exceptionalism, with a preference for EM Asia 'creditor' currencies and CEE euro-proxies [3][43]. - It advises staying selective in commodity and frontier markets [3]. FX Derivatives - FX volatility is expected to remain neutral into Q3, with a potential pickup later on, and positioning for USD skew underperformance is recommended [4][43]. - The bearish USD trend may see some pause in the summer, but it is too early to suggest a lasting bottom for the dollar [4]. Technical Strategy - The report indicates that the bearish trend for the USD is likely to continue, with key targets set for various currency pairs against the USD [42][43]. - It highlights the importance of monitoring macroeconomic indicators and central bank policies that could influence currency movements [42][43].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry or Company Involved - The discussion primarily revolves around the foreign exchange (FX) market, particularly focusing on the US dollar (USD) and its recent performance against the euro (EUR) and other currencies. Core Points and Arguments 1. **Unusual Dollar Movement**: The recent 4-5 big figure move in EUR/USD is atypical and difficult to explain within existing frameworks, suggesting potential for further dollar weakness [1][2][3] 2. **Market Sentiment**: The dollar's recent decline occurred despite a lack of safe haven bids, indicating a shift in market sentiment regarding the dollar's status as a safe haven and investment destination [2][9] 3. **Structural Dollar Selling**: There are indications of structural dollar selling, but projecting further weakness is complex due to potential geopolitical tensions and economic implications [4][23] 4. **Impact of Trade Disruptions**: The market lacks visibility on trade disruptions and their effects on the USD, which could lead to significant shifts in capital flows [3][14] 5. **Short-term Trading Strategy**: The current strategy favors short positions in cyclical currencies and long positions in safe-haven currencies, with a cautious approach to dollar exposure [5][15] 6. **Historical Context**: Past large volatility shocks have often led to dollar weakness, but the current situation is unprecedented in its simultaneous sell-off of US risky assets and safe assets [19][24] 7. **Potential for Mini-Cycles**: The document suggests that mini-cycles of dollar weakness could occur, driven by deteriorating US economic data and policy convergence with other regions [10][26] 8. **Reserve Diversification Risks**: The potential for reserve diversification away from the USD could have significant FX implications, especially if geopolitical tensions escalate [34][39] 9. **Future Monitoring**: The analysts will monitor private sector capital flows and economic indicators to gauge shifts in asset preferences and potential impacts on the dollar [37][44] Other Important but Possibly Overlooked Content 1. **Market Dynamics**: The recent dollar sell-off is reminiscent of emerging market capital flight, indicating a broader shift in investor sentiment [19][20] 2. **Correlation with Other Currencies**: The EUR/USD movement has had significant spillover effects on other currencies, with safe-haven currencies outperforming risk-sensitive ones [20][21] 3. **Long-term Considerations**: The document emphasizes the need for a credible alternative investment to US equities for a sustained shift in capital flows away from the USD [36][38] 4. **Geopolitical Tensions**: The potential for US economic retaliation in response to reserve diversification actions could exacerbate market volatility [39][44] This summary encapsulates the key insights and implications discussed in the conference call regarding the current state and future outlook of the USD in the FX market.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the foreign exchange (FX) market, particularly regarding the impact of US trade policy and tariffs on G10 currencies [2][9]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **US Tariff Policy Impact**: - Recent news suggests the US administration may exempt several countries from reciprocal tariffs, easing fears of a risk-unfriendly outcome from the upcoming trade policy review on April 2 [4][9]. - This potential exemption could lead to renewed pressure on tariff-sensitive currencies if the announcement is less favorable than expected [4][5]. 2. **Market Reactions**: - G10 currencies have shown a pro-risk rally, with SEK outperforming due to its direct exposure to US tariff risks [9][14]. - The EUR and JPY have not reacted positively to tariff news, indicating that many positives may already be priced in, making them vulnerable to negative news [13][15]. 3. **NOK, AUD, and CAD Insights**: - **NOK**: The Norges Bank's upcoming meeting is highly anticipated, with markets currently pricing in a low probability of a rate cut, contrary to previous expectations [16][18]. The NOK has performed well recently, benefiting from improved sentiment around European assets [19]. - **AUD**: The Australian government has announced a significant fiscal stimulus of A$35 billion, which is expected to support the AUD despite concerns about global headwinds [20][21]. The RBA's hawkish rhetoric supports a constructive outlook for the AUD [21]. - **CAD**: The Canadian federal election scheduled for April 28 is expected to be consequential for the CAD, with the Liberal party gaining ground in polls [22][23]. The election outcome could significantly influence market perceptions of economic stability and investment inflows [30]. 4. **Consumer Confidence and Market Sentiment**: - US consumer confidence has fallen to multi-year lows, which could negatively impact market reactions to prolonged tariff uncertainty [15][19]. - The overall market sentiment appears to be pricing in limited risk around the upcoming US trade policy review, despite the potential for new deadlines and ongoing uncertainty [15][18]. Additional Important Points - The upcoming Norges Bank meeting is seen as a pivotal moment for NOK, with potential scenarios ranging from unchanged rates to a surprise cut, which could influence market positioning significantly [16][17]. - The Canadian election is characterized by a close race, with the outcome likely to have substantial implications for CAD, especially in light of external economic pressures [22][30]. - The fiscal policy backdrop in Australia, including state-level spending, is expected to provide additional support for the AUD, reinforcing a constructive outlook despite potential rate cuts [21][24]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and potential market implications discussed in the conference call, focusing on the FX market dynamics influenced by US trade policies and upcoming economic events.