GBP OTC hedging sentiments are intensifying due to the Brexit negotiations in Brussels – and the EURGBP exchange rate is trading above the 0.92 mark. Is this the beginning of a significant collapse of the British currency? Not yet, but the risks are rising.
Even if was never our central scenario we have always pointed out the risk of further notable Sterling depreciation.
In our view, the reason behind this risk is the country’s high current account deficit (almost £17bn. in Q1/2017 alone). This deficit has to be financed with the help of capital imports. In a situation such as this depreciation expectations can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy if the capital inflow is reduced, the currency depreciates and these concerns fuel themselves. So far this has not been the case.
The Brexit referendum did lead to notable Sterling depreciation which led to a notable reduction of the current account deficit without such a self-propelling process taking shape.
However, the risks for the British currency are far from over. The current account deficit remains considerable and above all: the Brexit negotiations between the British government and the EU are difficult - to put it mildly. So far the market participants seem to be putting up with this in view of the fact that there is still plenty of time for the negotiations.
GBP OTC markets buzz with bearish hedging sentiments:
Please note that the nutshell showing the shift in delta risk reversals of GBP has been indicating downside risks in the weeks to come.
IVs have been stable with positively skewness for OTM put strikes that signify the hedgers’ bearish interests.
Mounting negative delta risk reversal can be interpreted as an opportunity for put longs as the market reckons the price has downside potential for large movement in the days to come which is resulting option holders’ on competitive advantage.
Hence, we advocate weighing up above aspects by eyeing on loading up with fresh delta longs for long term hedging in option spread strategies, more number of longs comprising of ATM instruments and OTM shorts in short term would optimize the strategy.


Fed May Resume Rate Hikes: BofA Analysts Outline Key Scenarios
Urban studies: Doing research when every city is different
Elon Musk’s Empire: SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI Merger Talks Spark Investor Debate
Mexico's Undervalued Equity Market Offers Long-Term Investment Potential
U.S. Stocks vs. Bonds: Are Diverging Valuations Signaling a Shift?
2025 Market Outlook: Key January Events to Watch
US Futures Rise as Investors Eye Earnings, Inflation Data, and Wildfire Impacts
Energy Sector Outlook 2025: AI's Role and Market Dynamics
S&P 500 Relies on Tech for Growth in Q4 2024, Says Barclays
Global Markets React to Strong U.S. Jobs Data and Rising Yields
Stock Futures Dip as Investors Await Key Payrolls Data
Indonesia Surprises Markets with Interest Rate Cut Amid Currency Pressure 



