Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
The latest data continue to suggest weakened growth momentum and the growth outlook. Continued policy easing is anticipated to bolster the slowdown amid accelerating capital outflows and CNY depreciation pressures.
Barclays recommends the following actions in order to accelerate the growth momentum:
- USDCNY is seemed to moving to 6.80 by year-end. While there are downside risks to their USDCNY forecast, they hold long a USDCNH call spread and long USDCNH 6m forward recommendation as markets are not sufficiently pricing in the prospects of a sharper weakening of the CNY. Slower growth, capital outflows, a CNY that is 5-10% expensive, and rising global uncertainty would steer China away from pegging to the rising dollar. This happening in reaction to a stronger USD environment as well as the need to stabilise outflows.
- Look to pay 1y CNH CCS, as RMB weakness is likely to drive forward points higher and reduce the attractiveness of CNH-denominated assets. In NDIRS, weak GDP growth and further easing by the PBoC should keep rates well-anchored. Nevertheless, we stay on the sidelines and wait for better levels, with the curve fairly reflecting these dynamics.
