Major Asian asset baskets gained, with Australia shares jumping as RBA cuts rates.
The RBA cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a record low 1.75 percent, noting that inflation data are unexpectedly low and that it is less concerned by the risk low rates pose to the housing market.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) maintained its QQE policy of raising the monetary base by JPY80tn on an annual basis and of continuing to apply its negative rate of -0.1% to the current account (policy-rate balance), while the market may continue to expect additional QQE.
There is a risk that the market may once again perceive limits to the effectiveness of monetary policy if additional QQE were to be implemented.
Before the BoJ implemented QQE with negative interest rates, the market thought that there was a limit to the effects of monetary policy.
Uphold longs in CNH-TWD 3m NDF:
CNY-TWD is down by 1.3% including positive carry.
The trade has not done well on TWD's gradual one-way appreciation.
It should move higher in reasonable scenarios of Yuan depreciation.
The trade offered attractive carry of around 34bp/month at initiation, but is not attractive at the moment given the collapse in forward points.
Uphold Shorts in SGD-INR 1m:
SGD-INR cross is trading close to the top-end of the 2-year range.
SGD NEER has started trading in the upper half of the band although MAS eased SGD NEER appreciation path to neutral last week and Singapore data remains poor.
The INR should outperform on improved sentiment after the rate cut and revised liquidity framework and better monsoon expectations.
The trade carry has positive carry of 42bp/month.
Uphold Shorts in MYR/IDR 3m NDF:
In the favourable short term outlook and absent a massive flare up in the risk aversion, the inter-EM positive carry trades should perform well.
Entry point has become attractive after the recent rally, which seems to be stalling.
In Malaysia, political risks are underpriced while sentiment towards Indonesia is solid and bond inflows remain robust.


China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices
Why Trump’s new pick for Fed chair hit gold and silver markets – for good reasons
MAS Holds Monetary Policy Steady as Strong Growth Raises Inflation Risks
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady in January as Market Expectations Align
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty
Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Elevated
BOJ Rate Decision in Focus as Yen Weakness and Inflation Shape Market Outlook
BTC Flat at $89,300 Despite $1.02B ETF Exodus — Buy the Dip Toward $107K? 



