FxWirePro: Low vol plus flat curve in sync with buying EUR/USD forward vols

After the French presidential election, the EURUSD volatility curve aggressively sold off, reaching its lowest level since 2014. Since then, implied vols have bounced only very timidly and are still very close to their recent lows (refer above graph). Interestingly, the curve is usually quite steep when vol is globally low, and conversely, it tends to flatten or even invert when vol rises. The current configuration – a nearly flat curve combined with low volatility – looks like an anomaly, as the vega part should include a term premium when the front end is very low.

Curves are usually driven by the front end, and the risk priced there is then diffused towards the longer tenors. But even if short-term volatility remains subdued, we can contemplate the steepening being driven by the vega part of the curve in a context where the market is not shaken by near-term fears but starts discounting the medium-term outlook. EURUSD 6m volatility in six months offers a great opportunity, as it is trading only about one volatility point above its all-time low (refer above graph).

The uncertain and reflationary environment should involve a premium in vega vols, with the flat curve making forward volatility very attractive to buy. We recommend going long an EURUSD 6m6m forward volatility agreement at 7.8.