August 12, 2025 09:55 AM GMT G10 FX Strategy How Much Risk Premium Is in USD? Risk premium has been the chief driver of the post-Liberation Day USD moves. We estimate that risk premium has roughly halved from its post-Liberation Day peak to about 6-8%, but there is ample scope for it to return to, and exceed, those levels, generating a weaker USD. Key Takeaways Please add me to your distribution list. | M August 12, 2025 09:55 AM GMT | | Global Idea | | --- | --- | --- | | G10 FX Strategy | Morgan Stanley & ...

Summary of Key Points from the FX Strategy Presentation Industry Overview - The document focuses on the foreign exchange (FX) market, particularly the outlook for the US dollar (USD) and other major currencies, as well as the impact of tariffs and macroeconomic factors on currency valuations [1][5][6]. Core Views and Arguments - **Bearish USD Outlook**: The expectation of further USD weakness is based on cyclical factors (US economic moderation, tariffs) and structural factors (valuations, fiscal dynamics, policy uncertainty) [6][11]. - **Short-term Consolidation Signals**: Some indicators have turned less bearish for the USD, suggesting potential short-term consolidation, but this is deemed less relevant for the medium-term outlook [6][11]. - **EUR/USD and G10 FX**: A bullish stance is maintained on EUR/USD with a target of 1.19 for Q3 and a peak target of 1.22. The outlook for cyclical G10 currencies remains positive [6][21]. - **Emerging Markets (EM) FX**: A neutral tactical stance is taken on EM FX, with a more constructive medium-term view. Specific targets include USD/CNY at 7.10 and USD/BRL at 5.75 [6][12]. - **Tariff Risks**: The risk of broad tariffs has resurfaced, which could pose unpriced global growth risks. If implemented, defensive currencies like CHF and JPY are expected to outperform [6][12][14]. Important but Overlooked Content - **Historical Context**: Historical data indicates that periods of 10% weakness in the DXY index are typically followed by consolidation or partial reversals, necessitating lower Federal Reserve rates to weaken the dollar further [9][11]. - **Tariff Announcements**: Upcoming tariff announcements could significantly impact the FX market, with potential increases in effective tariff rates that exceed market expectations [15][14]. - **FX Hedging Flows**: Several developed market (DM) countries have been reducing their hedge ratios, indicating potential for increased hedging activity in the future [16][20]. - **Regional Growth Risks**: There are evolving risks related to regional growth, particularly in the Eurozone, which could affect the bullish outlook on EUR/USD [25][27]. Currency-Specific Insights - **JPY**: A bullish view on JPY is maintained, with targets of 140 for USD/JPY in Q4. However, uncertainties surrounding tariff negotiations and domestic politics are noted [32][34]. - **GBP**: A bearish outlook on GBP is emphasized due to evident growth slowdowns and fiscal concerns, with targets set at 1.36 for GBP/USD in Q4 [35][37]. - **CHF**: A bullish view on CHF against both USD and EUR is maintained, with targets of 0.75 for USD/CHF and 0.92 for EUR/CHF [44][51]. - **NOK and SEK**: Both currencies are viewed positively, with NOK benefiting from regional growth resilience and SEK from lower yields due to US moderation [54][63]. Forecasts and Projections - **Exchange Rate Projections**: Specific forecasts for major currencies against the USD include EUR at 1.19, JPY at 140, and GBP at 1.36 for Q4 [136]. - **Market Dynamics**: The document highlights the importance of separating G10 and EM drivers in 2025, with G10 currencies showing a carry-to-value rotation while EM currencies are wrapping up their cutting cycles [125][128]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and projections from the FX Strategy Presentation, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and outlook of the foreign exchange market.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a high conviction level on several currency pairs, including short CNH against an equal-weighted basket (EUR, AUD, KRW) at 4/5, long EUR/INR at 4/5, and long USD/HKD outright at 4/5 [6][10][16] Core Insights - The report suggests a bias towards a weaker USD, despite some short-term headwinds from stronger-than-expected US nonfarm payroll data [8][12] - Key focus points include potential changes in US trade agreements and the influence of Fed Chair Powell's position on USD strength [11][20] - The report highlights the importance of monitoring developments in US tariffs, particularly concerning Japan and other major trading partners [19][20] Summary by Sections Asia FX Strategy - The conviction level on short CNH against an equal-weighted basket has been raised to 4/5, targeting a 4% return by the end of July [11] - Long EUR/INR is favored with a conviction level of 4/5, driven by RBI's bias to maintain FX reserves and local growth slowdown [17] - Short USD/TWD is maintained at a high conviction level of 4/5, with expectations of continued foreign equity inflows and robust local fundamentals [15] G10 FX Strategy - Long EUR/GBP is retained at a conviction level of 4/5 due to fiscal pressures on GBP and potential for further deterioration in economic data [21] - Short USD/JPY recommendations are maintained, with expectations of downward pressure on USD against JPY amid rising tariff risks [19][20] - The report indicates a modestly positive outlook for AUD, with expectations of a rate cut from the RBA [22] Asia Rates Strategy - Conviction on pay 10y HK IRS is raised to 4/5 due to increased HKMA intervention and expectations of upward pressure on USD/HKD forwards [25] - The conviction on pay 5y outright in China is maintained at 4/5, while the conviction on 2s5s steepener is reduced to 3/5 [26] - In India, a 2y NDOIS receive position is maintained, with limited near-term catalysts expected [27]

Investment Ratings - USD View: Bearish with a bearish skew [2][21] - EUR View: Bullish with a bullish skew [3][22] - GBP View: Neutral with a bullish skew [4][23] - JPY View: Bullish with a bullish skew [5][24] - CHF View: Neutral with a bullish skew [6][25] - NOK View: Neutral with a bearish skew [7][26] - SEK View: Neutral with a bearish skew [8][27] - AUD View: Neutral with a bullish skew [9][28] - NZD View: Neutral with a bullish skew [10][29] - CAD View: Bearish with a bearish skew [11][30] Core Insights - Dollar weakness is a prevailing theme in G10 FX views, driven by US growth and rate convergence with the rest of the world, alongside increased FX hedging [21][22] - The EUR/USD is expected to rise to 1.20 and beyond, supported by European investors hedging US assets [3][22] - GBP is seen as constructive due to its carry-to-vol ratio and low perceived trade tension risks [4][23] - JPY may benefit from US-Japan trade uncertainties and lower US terminal rate expectations [5][24] - The CHF is expected to face downside risks due to yield compression despite low inflation [6][25] - The NOK is viewed with a bearish skew due to lower oil price risks and rate headwinds [7][26] - SEK is anticipated to react to incoming economic data with a bearish bias [8][27] - AUD fundamentals remain strong, indicating potential for performance catch-up against the USD [9][28] - NZD's downside against AUD is limited due to minimal yield advantage [10][29] - CAD is recommended for short positions against CHF due to broad USD weakness and negative terms of trade [11][30] Summary by Sections USD - The USD is expected to weaken as growth and rates converge with the rest of the world, with a risk premium of approximately 6% due to increased FX hedging [63][65][68] - The current account deficit stands at 4.6% of GDP, indicating a widening trend [68][70] EUR - The EUR/USD is projected to rise significantly, with options markets underpricing the potential for it to reach 1.25 [99][101] - Europe's current account surplus is increasing, primarily from goods and services [104][106] GBP - GBP's strength is supported by a favorable carry-to-vol ratio and limited trade surplus with the US [135][137] - The UK's current account deficit is stable but financed by more volatile forms of investment [140][142] JPY - JPY may gain from continued weakness in US economic data affecting terminal rate pricing [171][173] - Japan's current account remains positive, with a narrowing trade deficit [176][178] CHF - The CHF is expected to strengthen due to low inflation and yield compression potential [206][209] - Switzerland's current account surplus is high, driven by a strong goods surplus [212][217] NOK - The NOK faces downside risks despite a higher neutral rate estimate from the Norges Bank [238][240] - Norway's current account surplus benefits from oil and gas exports [244][246] SEK - SEK is sensitive to yield differentials, with potential upside risks against EUR [269][271] - Sweden's current account surplus is improving, driven by trade [274][276] AUD - AUD's strong fundamentals suggest a potential catch-up against peer currencies [299][300] - Australia's current account has shifted to a deficit due to increased imports [305][307] NZD - NZD's downside potential against AUD is limited due to a lack of yield advantage [336][338] - New Zealand's current account deficit is narrowing after a peak in 2022 [341][343] CAD - CAD is expected to decline against CHF due to unfavorable terms of trade [371][373] - Canada's current account deficit has narrowed, primarily due to a lower income deficit [378][380]

Investment Rating - The report suggests a bearish outlook on the USD and recommends selling USD while buying curve steepeners [9][13][53]. Core Insights - The report indicates that the consensus view aligns with a weaker USD and a steeper yield curve, but the expected magnitude of these moves is significantly larger than what the consensus anticipates [9][13]. - It is projected that the USD will weaken by approximately 9% on a DXY basis and that the US Treasury curve will steepen by around 100 basis points over the next 12-18 months [13][20]. - Investor positioning is currently cautious, but supportive fundamentals and strengthening sentiment suggest a favorable environment for the recommended trades [9][13]. Summary by Sections G10 FX Strategy - The report highlights that while a weaker USD is a consensus view, the extent of the weakening is underpriced, with only a 15-25% chance assigned by the market to reach the forecasted levels against major safe-haven currencies [3][31]. UK Rates Strategy - The report notes the closure of a long position in SFIZ6 due to a recent rally in front-end rates, but identifies an attractive entry point for upside option structures given low implied volatility [4][26]. Japan Rates Strategy - The focus is shifting from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) regarding long-end issuance and quantitative tightening (QT) pace, which may influence market dynamics [5][30]. US Rates Strategy - The report discusses entering 2s10s CPI swap steepeners, as the TIPS breakevens curve has steepened, indicating potential for further widening based on financial conditions and inflation expectations [6][36]. General Market Dynamics - The report emphasizes that recent USD declines are primarily driven by reduced investor appetite for USD exposure due to policy uncertainty rather than concerns about US growth [17][20]. - It also notes that the USD discount reflects a negative policy premium associated with uncertainty around US trade and fiscal policy [18][19].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a bearish outlook on the US dollar due to moderating US exceptionalism and a more growth-supportive monetary and fiscal mix overseas [6][11][14]. Core Insights - The report highlights that while tariffs remain a headwind for global growth, several currencies such as Antipodeans, NOK, EUR, and JPY are expected to turn the corner on growth [6][11]. - In developed markets (DM), the bearish USD recommendations are barbelled for either a US slowdown (long JPY) or a soft landing scenario (long Scandis, Antipodean, EUR) [6][11]. - In emerging markets (EM), there is a broadening overweight across regions with a preference for Asian creditor currencies (like KRW) and CEE euro-proxies (like CZK) [6][11]. - The report emphasizes that 2025 is different from previous years as no single factor is dominating global FX returns, necessitating a separate analysis of G10 and EM [6][11][24]. - G10 FX forecasts remain unchanged for EUR/USD at 1.22 and USD/JPY at 139, with upgrades for GBP, NZD, and CAD based on improved domestic prospects [6][11][48]. - EM forecasts include a reduction for USD/CNY to 7.15 and USD/ZAR to 17.50, reflecting a more favorable outlook for these currencies [6][11][48]. Summary by Sections Key Currency Drivers - The report identifies several macroeconomic factors influencing FX returns, including US-China trade talks and tariff adjustments [7][8]. - It notes that the reduction of tariffs from 145% to approximately 41% for a 90-day period is a significant development [7][8]. FX Models - The report discusses the performance of various currencies and highlights that the best-performing currencies are often those with current account surpluses [24][25]. - It also notes that the carry-to-value rotation is finally playing out in G10, with surplus countries outperforming [24][25]. G10 FX Short-term Fair Value - The report maintains forecasts for major currency pairs, with a bullish bias on EUR and JPY due to US moderation [56]. - It also highlights that GBP and NZD forecasts have been upgraded based on growth resilience and improved domestic conditions [56]. Technicals - The report indicates that external balances, particularly current account surpluses, have been among the best signals for global FX returns this year [24][25]. - It emphasizes that equity momentum has been a strong strategy for G10 currencies, benefiting from lower policy activity among central banks [24][25]. Trade Recommendations - The report suggests rotating AUD/USD into a long AUD and NZD basket against USD, citing improved domestic prospects for New Zealand [41][56]. - It also recommends an overweight position in EM currencies, particularly in Asia and EMEA, while remaining selective in commodity and frontier markets [23][56].

Accessible version BofA investors continued to sell the USD last week (Exhibit 7), this time primarily vs. AUD and Asia EM, also amid improved sentiment following the US-China talks. In the past month BofA investors sold USD, JPY, and SEK vs. EMEA EM, CHF, and EUR (Exhibit 1). We continue to see ample space for the USD sell-off to continue, particularly among Real Money investors. It will also be key whether Officials continue rebalancing into USD at the same (rather strong) pace. Exhibit 1: In the past mon ...