J P M O R G A N Global Markets Strategy 19 December 2025 FX Markets Weekly Thoughts from the road Outlook: We close the publishing cycle for the year by discussing the most interesting questions from our year-ahead outlook discussions. There was no pushback to the bearish dollar view, but lots of introspection on capital inflows into the US, the dollar smile, Fed independence concerns and US fiscal pre-midterms. FX carry is well subscribed to and discussions was on vol generators and risk hedges instead. DM ...

December 11, 2025 01:28 AM GMT Federal Reserve Monitor | North America December FOMC Reaction: Well Positioned to Wait and See How the Economy Evolves The Fed reduced the funds rate by 25bp but signaled that future adjustments will be more data dependent, as we expected. We continue to expect further cuts in January and April, but if the labor market stabilizes, then future cuts may not come until inflation decelerates. Key expectations | M December 11, 2025 01:28 AM GMT December FOMC Reaction: | Chief US E ...

Summary of Global FX Outlook 2026 Company and Industry - **Company**: J.P. Morgan - **Industry**: Foreign Exchange (FX) Market Key Points and Arguments 1. FX Outlook for 2026 - The outlook is bearish on the dollar in the first half of 2026 due to Fed asymmetries, twin deficits, and global recovery, but weakness is constrained by US resiliency [6][37][38] - Expected currency levels include EUR/USD at 1.20, USD/JPY at 164, and USD/CNY at 7.05 [6] 2. Drivers of FX Returns in 2025 - DM FX returns were influenced by external and fiscal balances, while global FX/EM returns were primarily driven by carry [5][8] - Liberation Day marked a significant weakening of the dollar, leading to a pro-risk environment characterized by strong performance in global/EM carry trades [5][10] 3. Lessons from 2025 - The dollar's strength was short-lived, with key risks materializing earlier than expected, leading to a shift from bullish to bearish sentiment [4][10] - Fiscal differentiation played a crucial role, with the Euro's rise linked to positive German fiscal developments [14] 4. Macro Landscape for 2026 - The macro environment is characterized by synchronized central bank inactivity, ongoing fiscal policy focus, and the impact of AI adoption [6][12] - The US policy mix remains a source of FX risk, with a focus on fiscal policy rather than tariffs [6][12] 5. AI and Market Dynamics - AI is expected to influence markets through financial and macro channels, potentially supporting US growth but also reviving de-dollarization discussions [29] - The macro effects of AI are still developing, with job displacement not yet materializing significantly in labor market data [29] 6. Fiscal Policy and Tariff Volatility - Fiscal policy surprises are anticipated, particularly in the US, with potential for stimulus surprises due to mid-term elections [28] - Tariff volatility is expected to decrease in 2026, although some tactical volatility may arise from IEEPA rulings [60][67] 7. Dollar's Carry Appeal - The dollar's nominal carry appeal remains high despite Fed easing, influencing asset owners' FX hedging decisions [50] - The dollar's performance is expected to be influenced by various macro scenarios, including potential Fed hikes in 2027 [49][50] 8. Risks and Scenarios for the Dollar - The dollar could weaken if US growth moderates sharply or if the Fed's reaction function turns dovish amid political pressures [48][39] - Conversely, a stronger US growth scenario could lead to a bullish outlook for the dollar [48][58] 9. Conclusion on FX Trends - The FX landscape heading into 2026 is marked by lower dispersion across style factors, indicating less conviction on differentiating currency returns [30] - High-yielding currencies are expected to perform better in a procyclical growth environment, while low-yielders may lag [6][37] Other Important Content - The relationship between equities and FX is complex, with significant implications for the AI equity-USD link in the upcoming year [15] - The evolving dollar smile indicates that US-RoW relative cyclical dynamics are becoming more influential on the dollar's performance [15]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus of the conference call is on the **US Dollar (USD)** and its associated risks, particularly in relation to global economic conditions and monetary policy dynamics. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **USD Weakening Expectations**: The expectation is for the USD to weaken over the next year, particularly against risk-sensitive currencies, due to falling US real yields and narrowing growth differentials with the rest of the world [8][11][12] 2. **Growth Convergence**: US growth is projected to slow to approximately **1.3% in 2026**, converging with growth rates abroad, which is consistent with the "dollar smile" framework [27][28] 3. **Policy Risks**: The narrowing of the USD's discount to yield-implied fair value is anticipated, with expectations that it may re-widen due to ongoing trade policy and Federal Reserve independence risks [8][11][40] 4. **Fiscal Concerns Abroad**: Easing fiscal concerns in countries like Japan, the UK, and France are expected to reduce the positive premium on the USD, contributing to its decline [8][50][52] 5. **Current USD Positioning**: USD positioning is currently slightly long, indicating a shift from previous short positions, which reduces the risk of significant price swings [12][67] Additional Important Insights 1. **Interest Rate Forecasts**: The forecast indicates that **10-year TIPS yields** will decline to **1.25%** by mid-2026 and further to **0.9%** by the end of next year, contributing to a bearish environment for the USD [14][15] 2. **Trade Recommendations**: Recommendations include maintaining short positions on USD against currencies such as EUR, JPY, GBP, CAD, and AUD, with specific target prices provided for each currency pair [16][69] 3. **Risks to USD Outlook**: Upside risks to the USD could arise from stronger-than-expected US growth or a downturn in sentiment regarding investment opportunities outside the US [11][34][36] 4. **Yield Differential Dynamics**: The narrowing of US-RoW rate differentials is expected, with **2-year US yields** projected to decline to **2.0%** by next year, while **2-year German yields** are expected to decrease to **1.6%**, significantly compressing the spread [20][21] 5. **Fiscal Sustainability**: Concerns about fiscal sustainability in Japan and the UK are expected to ease, which may further weigh on the USD as these countries stabilize their fiscal positions [50][52][61] Conclusion The conference call presents a comprehensive analysis of the USD's outlook, emphasizing the interplay between interest rates, growth differentials, and fiscal policies. The overall sentiment leans towards a bearish outlook for the USD, with specific trade strategies recommended to capitalize on anticipated currency movements.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the currency strategy and cross-border flows, particularly regarding the US Dollar (USD) and its positioning against other currencies such as Japanese Yen (JPY), Swiss Franc (CHF), and Emerging Market (EM) currencies [1][7]. Core Insights - **Negative USD Flows**: The USD flows turned negative, primarily driven by Hedge Funds, with JPY, CHF, and EM currencies being the main beneficiaries [1][7]. - **Crowded USD Shorts**: The report indicates that USD shorts are not crowded, with bearish sentiment mainly expressed through options rather than outright positions [1][7]. - **G10 Currency Trends**: Investors have been avoiding or selling EUR and GBP due to fiscal concerns, while showing increased interest in JPY and CHF [8][9]. - **Emerging Market Demand**: There has been a notable acceleration in demand for EM currencies, particularly in Asia and Latin America, with CNH (Chinese Yuan) and INR (Indian Rupee) standing out [14][20]. Important Data Points - **Hedge Fund Positioning**: Hedge Funds have ample room to sell USD further, indicating potential for continued bearish sentiment [4][6]. - **G10 FX Flows**: The report highlights that BofA investors sold USD against EM FX, CHF, and JPY, while avoiding EUR and GBP [10][12]. - **Regional Highlights**: - **Asia**: Strong demand for CNH and INR from Hedge Funds and Asset Managers [20]. - **LatAm**: Demand driven mainly by Hedge Funds, with COP (Colombian Peso) and CLP (Chilean Peso) being notable [20]. - **EMEA**: Mixed flows, with Hedge Funds buying HUF (Hungarian Forint) and Asset Managers selling CZK (Czech Koruna), ILS (Israeli Shekel), and TRY (Turkish Lira) [20]. Additional Insights - **Options and Futures Flows**: The report provides a snapshot of FX options and futures flows, indicating a bearish sentiment towards USD expressed through options [24]. - **Market Positioning**: The G10 FX positioning scorecard shows that the market is long on EUR, AUD, and short on USD, NZD, CHF, and CAD, with bearishness on USD primarily through options [26]. - **Recent Price Action**: The recent price movements in currencies have not fully aligned with the flows, indicating potential discrepancies in market expectations versus actual positioning [31]. Conclusion - The analysis suggests a cautious outlook on the USD, with significant shifts in investor sentiment towards JPY, CHF, and various EM currencies. The data indicates potential opportunities for investors to capitalize on these trends while being mindful of the risks associated with currency fluctuations and positioning dynamics [1][7][14].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report provides insights into various asset classes including equities, fixed income, foreign exchange (FX), and commodities, with a focus on market sentiment and positioning as of August 29, 2025. Key Highlights Equities - **S&P 500**: Closed at 6,460, with a forecast range for Q2 2026 between 4,900 (bear) and 7,200 (bull), indicating a potential return of -22.9% in a bear case and 12.7% in a bull case [3][7]. - **MSCI Europe**: Closed at 2,198, with a forecast range of 1,610 (bear) to 2,620 (bull), showing a bear case return of -23.6% and a bull case return of 22.4% [3]. - **Topix**: Closed at 3,075, with a forecast range of 2,100 (bear) to 3,250 (bull), indicating a bear case return of -29.5% [3]. - **MSCI Emerging Markets (EM)**: Closed at 1,258, with a forecast range of 870 (bear) to 1,360 (bull), showing a bear case return of -28.4% [3]. Foreign Exchange (FX) - **Japanese Yen (JPY)**: Forecasted to weaken to 147 against the USD, with a bear case return of 17.3% [3]. - **Euro (EUR)**: Expected to trade at 1.17 against the USD, with a bear case return of -4.4% [3]. - **Indian Rupee (INR)**: Reached an all-time low of 88.2 against the USD, with a forecast of 12.5% return in a bear case [11][12]. Fixed Income - **UST 10-Year**: Yield at 4.23%, with a forecast range of 3.45% (bull) to 4.00% (base) [3]. - **US Investment Grade (IG) Bonds**: Yield spread at 79 bps, with a bear case return of -2.7% [3]. Commodities - **Brent Crude Oil**: Closed at $68, with a forecast range of $50 (bear) to $120 (bull), indicating a bear case return of -24.2% [3]. - **Gold**: Closed at $3,429, with a forecast range of $2,975 (bear) to $4,200 (bull), showing a bear case return of -17.2% [3]. Market Sentiment and Positioning - The **Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI)** aggregates survey positioning, volatility, and momentum data to quantify market stress and sentiment, indicating a mixed sentiment across various asset classes [53][58]. - **Equity Positioning**: US equities show a net positioning of 28% among asset managers, while EM equities show a higher net positioning of 42% [66]. - **Bond Positioning**: UST 10-Year shows a net positioning of 38% among asset managers [66]. Additional Insights - The report highlights the importance of monitoring fund flows across approximately 5,000 ETFs globally, covering around $7 trillion in assets, to gauge demand across assets and regions [22]. - The **COVA (Correlation-Valuation) scorecard** identifies good portfolio diversifiers at reasonable prices, rewarding assets with negative correlation to equities and attractive valuations [85]. Conclusion - The current market environment reflects significant volatility and mixed sentiment across various asset classes, with potential risks and opportunities identified in equities, fixed income, FX, and commodities. Investors are advised to consider these factors in their investment decisions.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **foreign exchange (FX) market** and the **cross-border flows** as analyzed by BofA Global Research. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Consolidation of FX Flows**: The FX flows in Q3 are characterized by consolidation, particularly after significant positioning adjustments in the first half of the year. Investors have favored USD, CHF, and emerging market (EM) currencies against JPY, GBP, and CAD [1][7][8]. 2. **Investor Positioning**: Among BofA investors, USD short positions are relatively light compared to historical levels, indicating a cautious approach towards USD selling [4][5]. 3. **Hedge Fund Activity**: Hedge Funds have shown a notable demand for Brazilian Real (BRL) and have been net sellers of EURGBP, while also supporting GBP recently [7][8][13]. 4. **G10 Currency Trends**: GBP has benefitted the least from USD supply year-to-date, with Hedge Funds primarily supporting it, joined by Asset Managers in the last week [9][10]. 5. **Emerging Market (EM) Focus**: Latin American currencies have seen strong demand in Q3, with BRL demand highlighted. In Asia, there was notable demand for Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), while in EMEA, Hungarian Forint (HUF) demand was significant amid geopolitical developments [13][20]. 6. **FX Options and Futures**: The report includes a snapshot of FX options and futures flows, indicating varied positioning across different currencies, with USD options showing a positive z-score recently [22]. Additional Important Details 1. **Aggregate Positioning Data**: The report provides detailed aggregate positioning data for various currencies, indicating shifts in investor sentiment and positioning over time [24][32]. 2. **Risk Considerations**: The report emphasizes that trading ideas and investment strategies discussed may involve significant risks and are not suitable for all investors, highlighting the need for experience and financial resources to absorb potential losses [6]. 3. **Future Reports**: The next report on Liquid Cross Border Flows is scheduled for release on September 1st, indicating ongoing monitoring of FX flows and positioning [6]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the current state of the FX market and investor behavior.

Summary of Morgan Stanley's G10 FX Strategy Update Industry Overview - The report focuses on the G10 foreign exchange (FX) market, analyzing various currencies against the US dollar (USD) and providing strategic insights for investors. Key Currency Views USD (US Dollar) - **View**: Bearish - **Skew**: Bearish - The DXY is expected to weaken, particularly against EUR, JPY, and GBP. The risk premium has largely driven the post-Liberation Day move, with potential for further increases in risk premium [2][12][17]. EUR (Euro) - **View**: Bullish - **Skew**: Bullish - EUR/USD is under upward pressure due to increased USD-negative and EUR-positive risk premiums, alongside a compression in Fed-ECB rate expectations [3][18]. JPY (Japanese Yen) - **View**: Bullish - **Skew**: Bullish - Optimism regarding a potential Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hike and concerns about the US labor market may lead to speculation about policy convergence, reducing appetite for JPY carry trades [4][19]. GBP (British Pound) - **View**: Bullish - **Skew**: Bullish - GBP/USD is seen as an attractive option for investors, reflecting a carry-neutral expression of a USD-negative, Europe-positive view. The carry remains crucial for GBP's outperformance [5][21]. CHF (Swiss Franc) - **View**: Neutral - **Skew**: Bearish - Short CHF positions are attractive from a carry perspective, but much of the CHF-negative tariff news is already priced in, potentially leading to underwhelming growth expectations [6][22]. CAD (Canadian Dollar) - **View**: Bullish - **Skew**: Bullish - Anticipation of a decline in USD/CAD, even if upcoming CPI shows signs of deceleration. The convergence of US-Canada rates is expected to weigh on USD/CAD [7][25]. AUD (Australian Dollar) - **View**: Bullish - **Skew**: Bullish - Strong domestic fundamentals and elevated yields could lead AUD/USD to re-test 0.6600, with potential upside towards 0.6900 if CPI surprises positively [8][26]. NZD (New Zealand Dollar) - **View**: Neutral - **Skew**: Neutral - A 25bp cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is fully priced in, but stronger-than-expected growth raises the risk of an NZD-positive surprise if the OCR forecast does not decline [9][27]. SEK (Swedish Krona) - **View**: Neutral - **Skew**: Neutral - The upcoming Riksbank meeting is not expected to be a major catalyst, but a rate cut in September is seen as underpriced [14][29]. NOK (Norwegian Krone) - **View**: Neutral - **Skew**: Bearish - A bearish tilt on NOK is noted, with expectations of a lower trough rate from Norges Bank, which may not be fully priced in by the market [16][30]. Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring upcoming economic indicators such as CPI, jobless claims, and PMIs, which could influence currency movements [17][21][25]. - The analysis suggests that the USD's decline since April is primarily driven by risk premium dynamics, with potential for further declines if US rates converge lower towards global peers [12][17]. Trade Ideas - **Long GBP/CHF**: Entry at 1.0927, target 1.12, stop at 1.055 - **Short USD/JPY**: Entry at 147.04, target 135, stop at 151 - **Long EUR/USD**: Entry at 1.1686, target 1.20, stop at 1.11 [16].

Crypto Asset Valuation - FTX estate deemed FTT worthless, while assigning value to megaSerum (7yr locked deals) [1] - Holding USD and rebuying SOL in other accounts would have been the best strategy during FTX's crisis [1] Trading Strategies & Market Dynamics - A common trade in Nov 2022 involved buying FTT under the logic of potential solvency or worthlessness [1] - FTX's situation presented gradations between solvency and worthlessness [1] Historical Comparison - The situation is similar to Mt Gox, where holding JPY instead of BTC claims and rebuying BTC would have been preferable [1] - Domestic JPY claims in Mt Gox were paid out at a higher priority [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Company Involved - **Industry**: Foreign Exchange (FX) Market - **Company**: Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Risk Premium Dynamics**: The risk premium has been the primary factor influencing the USD's movements post-Liberation Day, currently estimated to be around 6-8%, having halved from its peak. There is potential for it to rise again, leading to a weaker USD [1][7][34] 2. **Rate Differentials**: While rate differentials remain relevant, they have not changed significantly. The DXY risk premium is currently at 6%, with EUR/USD showing an even higher risk premium of 8% [7][34] 3. **Future Expectations**: There is a belief that the risk premium could exceed previous highs due to ongoing policy uncertainty and FX-hedging flows, which investors may be underestimating [7][34] 4. **Trade Recommendations**: The company recommends maintaining long positions in EUR/USD and short positions in USD/JPY, with specific targets and stop-loss levels provided [10][12] 5. **FX Hedging Impact**: Increased FX hedging, particularly from European investors, is expected to influence the currency dynamics significantly. The hedge ratio on US assets is projected to rise, which could further affect the USD negatively [30][31][34] Additional Important Insights 1. **Convexity in USD Weakening**: The relationship between USD and rate differentials may exhibit a convexity that markets have not fully appreciated, suggesting that lower US rates could lead to a more pronounced weakening of the USD [35][36] 2. **Historical Context**: The analysis indicates that without considering risk premium, EUR/USD should be trading around 1.07, highlighting the significant role of risk premium in current valuations [23] 3. **Market Sentiment**: The report suggests that market expectations regarding trade deals and USD positioning have influenced the risk premium, which saw a reduction in late July [27][29] 4. **Long-term Outlook**: Elevated volatility and uncertainty regarding US trade, fiscal, and monetary policies are seen as catalysts for potential increases in risk premium, which could further weaken the USD [34] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, focusing on the dynamics of the USD in the FX market, the role of risk premium, and strategic recommendations for investors.