Intuitively, a deal with Russia would help euro rates higher, but falling gas futures are already pushing down the curve through lower inflation expectations. Tensions with Russia are likely to stay, which means risk sentiment should remain fragile
Euro rates are near the top of their ranges again. We don't expect the front-end to remain a driver, with now only a 30% chance of an ECB cut priced down the road despite remaining risks around the outlook. Dutch pension reforms appear to help push the 10s30s steeper as dynamics detach from the US curve
US Treasury yields look like they want to nudge higher when they can. And why not, as corporate earnings are firm, and hard macro data is being kept under shutdown wraps. New lows in euro rate volatility help spreads on European government bonds (EGBs) tighten further. Given the spread tightness, Bunds look increasingly attractive as a risk hedge
Seemingly defying a backdrop of high uncertainty even by the ECB’s own accounts, volatility in markets continues to decline. On the surface, it may look like complacency. But a perceived limited upside in rates, and a potentially bigger downside if they were to actually start falling, also gives spreads their backing
We doubt markets expect the French prime minister to find a solution by Macron's imposed deadline. With little else to work with, supply pressures might be leading on Wednesday. Overall, euro rates seem well-positioned for now, but over the long term, we see the 10Y swap rate settling at a higher level
Upside surprises in the final US GDP numbers and jobless claims make it difficult for markets to agree on upcoming Fed cuts. A benign PCE reading on Friday won't change that, but payrolls data next week should be more pivotal. Euro rate markets are keen to follow the bearish mood as a stronger dollar reduces disinflationary
Consensus for PMI numbers sees a continued growth recovery in the eurozone supporting a drift higher in euro rates. A disappointment in French PMIs, however, could be a trigger for wider French government bond spreads, which we think are still on the tight side. A further recovery of German PMIs would help maintain the current positive market sentiment
Risk sentiment remains resilient and largely unaffected by factors such as French politics. While this should support EUR rates grinding higher and spreads – outside of France – still tighter, plenty of risks are looming. US rates are another directional driver, and today US data is in focus ahead of Wednesday's Fed decision
Rates Spark: The glass half empty trade. The drivers of Doge, Bessent and SLR have been added to in the guise of weaker consumer confidence and a ratchet down in expectations for the terminal rate. This market is now considering the possible downsides ahead. Can it last? Well yes for a bit. But we are constrained to the downside for yields, until or unless we seriously contemplate a recession of sorts
