UBS Projects Mixed Market Outlook for 2025 Amid Trump Policy Uncertainty 
Taiwan Central Bank Likely to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged Through 2027 
Moldova Criticizes Russia Amid Transdniestria Energy Crisis 
J.P. Morgan Sees Potential Vestas Guidance Upgrade Amid Strong Wind Energy Demand 
Indonesia Plans Higher Asset Yields to Boost Rupiah and Restore Investor Confidence 
US Futures Rise as Investors Eye Earnings, Inflation Data, and Wildfire Impacts 
U.S. Banks Report Strong Q4 Profits Amid Investment Banking Surge 
J.P. Morgan Sees Major Upside for Prysmian as Optical Fiber Prices Surge 
RBI Hits Pause as Geopolitical Storm Clouds Gather 
Global Markets React to Strong U.S. Jobs Data and Rising Yields 
China Keeps Loan Prime Rates Unchanged for 13th Straight Month as Policymakers Prioritize Credit Demand Recovery 
Geopolitical Shocks That Could Reshape Financial Markets in 2025 
BoE Policymaker Alan Taylor Signals No Need for Interest Rate Hike Amid Iran War Inflation Risks 
Stock Futures Dip as Investors Await Key Payrolls Data 
FX debt burden: The large share of foreign currency debt – in particular in the private sector – entails potential risks for the Turkish economy. Companies that hold debt in EUR or USD but whose revenue is TRY denominated have a problem. Their debt levels denominated in USD (or EUR) have risen by 65% (62%) in local currency since the start of the year, while nominal income has “only” risen by 12.3% (approximated based on CPI).
The longer the TRY exchange rates remain more or less stable, the further the gap between TRY depreciation so far and domestic price developments is reduced - and the smaller the burden of the companies holding foreign currency denominated debt becomes.
Unlikely fiscal policy:Minister of Finance Berat Albayrak announced support for the banking sector in view of the expected wave of payment defaults. That is good for the lira, as a wave of bankruptcies / a banking crisis would make it even more difficult for the central bank to pursue an active policy in the fight against inflation than it already is in view of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s interference into the central bank’s affairs.
Albayrak seems to be well aware of the fact that these are not times for an expansionary fiscal policy.
Momentary relief from CBRT monetary policy:Although the CBRT sent a credible message, more policy steps are required. CBRT surprised all market expectations by hiking rates by 625bps at its latest policy meeting. This should help stabilize the currency in the short-run.
While we hold off moving UW with the CBRT surprising once again. The aggressive tightening cumulatively delivered since April 25thwhich is supportive for the currency in the first instance, however, we see a portion of it as merely “catching up”, with inflation accelerating.
Trade tips:At spot reference: 6.2702 levels, contemplating above driving factors, on hedging grounds we initiate some options trades - 3m USDTRY put up-and-in Short 1m put.
Currency Strength Index:FxWirePro's hourly USD spot index has shown -18 (which is mildly bearish), while articulating at 12:24 GMT.
For more details on the index, please refer below weblink:
