of the week ahead

Transcript

Matt Jones

Welcome to "The Long & Short of the Week Ahead", a production of Eurizon SLJ Capital that takes a look at the macro-economic themes of the week ahead and has been recorded for professional investors.

My name is Matt Jones, Head of Distribution for Eurizon SLJ Capital, and I'm joined by Neil Staines, Senior Portfolio Manager.

Welcome, Neil.

Neil Staines

Hi Matt, how are you?

Matt Jones

I'm good, thank you. Thank you for joining us once again for a look at the week ahead.

I think it's fair to say we've got a truly global episode this week, taking into account data from the Far East, Europe and North America. Over to you: what is it you're you're looking at in particular over the course of the next week?

Neil Staines

Thanks, Matt. I think that's right; I think it's a very interesting week next week.

We will start on Monday with trade data from China. Now, last week we spoke about how some of the recent data was disappointing, particularly on the consumption side in the Chinese economy, whilst external demand has stayed relatively resilient. And the data gives us a chance to see how this external situation is evolving. I think that's important in this regard, particularly in relation to some other data that we have out in the week - German industrial production for April and the ZEW for June - and how this fits in with what the Chinese domestic demand situation is on reliant export economies. So that may be of interest not just to see how the Eurozone is currently catching up in relation to expectations driven recovery so far, but also how that fits into the broader Chinese narrative.

And secondly, on Wednesday we'll be moving to the Bank of Canada. Now, a number of the global central banks have recentred the balance of risks to their outlook as a function of the covid recovery. Canada itself was one of the leaders in terms of tapering its asset purchases over recent months. Now, despite the fact that Q1 GDP in Canada was a little bit weaker than expected, albeit positive year on year, the Canadian economy has shown covid resilience; vaccination catch up, domestic demand remains strong, and total investment still seems quite solid. All of this amid a very strong commodity backdrop, which is obviously very positive for Canada. So we'll be looking for any hints of the actual process towards normalisation and how that plays out, not just for the Bank of Canada and expectations of interest rate rises there, but how that fits into the broader global normalisation narrative.

And then lastly, in many respects the event that a lot of people have been waiting for for a while: the ECB meeting for June. Now a lot of focus will come here on the renewed growth forecasts. This is a forecasting month where we get updates to the path of expected recovery in the eurozone. This is important specifically in relation to the PEPP purchase pace. Now, a couple of weeks ago, it was very much a consensus view that the ECB would taper the pace of its asset purchases as it's upgraded its growth outlook over coming quarters. However, with the tightening of the financial conditions from a currency perspective and from a core rate perspective, we seem to have backed down from that consensus, and it seems as if there is a smaller expectation on that front. But this will certainly be a key focus for markets. Core for me will also be the fact that where the inflation target stands, as with likely still to be a significant shortfall from target at the forecast horizon, for me, that puts a barrier to any significant monetary normalisation in the near term. But there'll be a clear focus on any commentary around euro from an FX rate perspective and also core rates and spreads and how that impacts sentiment, particularly given that a number of the Governing Council have described themselves as 'watching closely' in those regards. And I think more broadly, as we expect a renewed rebound or focus on the US labour market, it would be interesting to see how this fits in with the broader tentative dollar recovery.

Matt Jones

Thank you, Neil. As ever, plenty for us to be looking at in the week ahead. You mentioned, of course, that the ECB is the event that all eyes will be on, although I think it's fair to say as the weekend comes up, all eyes in the UK will probably be on the cricket. Have you been watching?

Neil Staines

Absolutely magnificent, when I've had the opportunity, yes. It's lovely to see the sunshine out, crowds back in and, you know, Test Match cricket from Lords, it really is the start of summer in the UK, from my perspective. Looking forward to that, stretching out for the whole of the weekend, hopefully. And then, obviously over the weekend certainly in terms of sporting events, we have the second wave, if you will, of European internationals ahead of the UEFA European Football Championships or what is effectively termed The Euros, which start next Friday. So plenty to get excited about from a sporting perspective.

Matt Jones

Absolutely, and here's hoping that the weather holds out for the rest of the Test Match. As ever, thank you very much, Neil, for joining us today and outlining your thoughts for the week ahead. I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the cricket and the sunshine.

Neil Staines

It's a pleasure. Thanks very much Matt, and to you.

Matt Jones

Thank you for joining us for "The Long and Short of the Week Ahead". Further insights are available on our website eurizonsljcapital.com/insights. We look forward to you joining us again next week for more insights into macro-economic events and "The Long and Short of the Week Ahead".

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This communication is issued by Eurizon SLJ Capital Limited (“ESLJ”), a private limited company registered in England (company number: 09775525) having its registered office at 90 Queen Street, London EC4N 1SA, United Kingdom. ESLJ is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 736926). This communication is treated as a marketing communication intended for professional investors only and is provided only for information purposes. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. It does not constitute research on investment matters and should not be construed as containing any recommendation, advice or suggestion, implicit or explicit, with respect to any investment strategy or financial instruments, or the issuers of any financial instruments, or a solicitation, offer or financial promotion relating to any securities or investments. ESLJ and its affiliates do not assume any liability whatsoever for the contents of this communication, save to the extent agreed in any written contract entered into between ESLJ and the recipient, and do not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this communication. Views are accurate as at the time of publication. Opinions expressed by individuals are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of ESLJ or any of its affiliates. The value of any investment may change and an investor may not get back the original amount invested. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. This communication may not be reproduced, redistributed or copied in whole or in part for any purpose. It may not be distributed in any jurisdiction where its distribution may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this communication comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions.

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