What should be clear…… is that the growth in Australian housing values has been funded, to a large extent, by foreign borrowings, much of it short-term.
A key risk going forward is that the banks’ ability to refinance their borrowings rests with the willingness of foreign investors to continue to lend them money. But in times of heightened risk-aversion – such as the impending European debt crisis – foreign investors can become nervous and less inclined to continue extending credit, which could leave Australia’s banks, house prices, and broader economy exposed to a sudden funding freeze.
Rate cuts are coming – macrobusiness.com.au
The recent seasonal adjustments to the CPI and the reduction in the level of underlying inflation blunts the force of the RBA’s recent argument about inflationary pressures. But, absent an offshore catalysing event, that alone won’t make them cut rates.
Rather I think that household retrenchment and saving will lower economic activity in the economy and that the RBA has overplayed the extent that the mining boom induced income will wash through the Australian economy.
Increasingly, we are getting confirmation of this theory. Unfortunately, we are seeing Australians lose jobs at an increasing rate. Data released yesterday by Westpac on consumer unemployment expectations suggests this is going to get worse.
Sterling fallout
The pound, affected by euro fallout, broke support at $1.59 to signal a primary down-trend. Expect a test of its December 2010 low at $1.53*
* Target calculation: 1.60 – ( 1.67 – 1.60 ) = 1.53
Aussie slides against US and Kiwi Dollar
Flight to safety weakened the Australian Dollar which broke support at $1.04 against the greenback. Expect another test of parity. 63-Day Momentum crossing below zero warns that the primary up-trend may be reversing. Breach of support would confirm.
* Target calculation: 1.05 – ( 1.10 – 1.05 ) = 1.00
The Aussie Dollar is also testing support at $1.25 against its Kiwi partner. The primary trend is down and follow-through below $1.245 would indicate a down-swing to the lower trend channel over the next few months.
* Target calculation: 1.24 – ( 1.28 – 1.24 ) = 1.20
Euro sinks
The euro found short-term support at $1.35 against the greenback but is now weakening. Failure of support would confirm the target of $1.30*. A peak below zero on the 63-day Momentum oscillator would confirm the primary down-trend.
* Target calculation: 1.40 – ( 1.50 – 1.40 ) = 1.30
Europe Is Urged to Take Bolder Action on Debt – NYTimes.com
“China is a poor country with only $4,000 per capita income,” Yu Yongding, a Chinese top economist and former member of the central bank’s monetary policy committee said in an interview in China. “To talk and think about China to rescue countries with $40,000 per capita incomes is ridiculous.”
China is ready to help, Mr. Yu said, “but European countries first should show that they have a clear road map and convincing policies to preserve the euro and solve their problems as well as the political will to make necessary sacrifices.”
via Europe Is Urged to Take Bolder Action on Debt – NYTimes.com.
China’s Lessons From Mexico and Japan – WSJ.com
China might have more to worry about. Wages in the low-skill manufacturing sector are rising fast. On their current trajectory, they will double in the next five years. Low-skill jobs have already started to migrate elsewhere and will continue to do so. Public spending on education, at 3% of GDP in 2009, compares unfavorably to an average of 5% in the grouping of upper-middle-income countries to which China aspires. Reform of the financial system has fallen by the wayside as banks continue to funnel savings to low-yielding state-sponsored projects.
via Heard on the Street: China’s Lessons From Mexico and Japan – WSJ.com.
Brazil and South Africa
Brazil’s Bovespa Index again found short-term support at 54000. Narrow consolidation is a bullish sign, suggesting upward breakout above 58000. Rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. This is a strong rally for a bear market, but is not a sign yet that a base is forming.
South Africa’s Johannesburg Overall Index also made a reasonable rally before retreating below 30000. Penetration of the rising trendline would indicate another test of support at 28400.
Nikkei breaks support
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index broke support at 8600, signaling a down-swing to test the 2009 low of 7000*. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respect of the zero line warns of selling pressure.
* Target calculation: 8600 – ( 10200 – 8600 ) = 7000
South Korea’s Seoul Composite Index fared better, consolidating between 1700 and 1900. Failure of support is more likely (this is a bear market) and would offer a target of 1500*.
* Target calculation: 1700 – ( 1900 – 1700 ) = 1500
Dow rallies on light volume
Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied on unconfirmed news reports that China is set to buy sovereign debt from troubled Italy. Light volume indicates an absence of selling pressure. This is a bear market, however, and rallies are likely to be of short duration, while breach of support would lead to sharp falls.
* Target calculation: 11000 – ( 12000 – 11000 ) = 10000