Introduction
We have witnessed one of the fastest hiking cycles for the Federal Reserve in the last four decades, and a lot of developed market peers are following. In this analysis, we share some food for thought from a relative value perspective.
Let us introduce a concept called “dispersion”, which describes the magnitude of idiosyncratic moves of assets within a group. For a “relative value” strategy that seeks to profit from such opportunities, higher dispersion can be beneficial. We define monetary policy dispersion as the cross-sectional standard deviation of rates for a given group (G10, for example). Here we use 1Y swap rates, which are generally considered to be sensitive to monetary policy expectations.
Monetary Policy dispersion within G10 and EM
First, let’s focus on developed markets (G10, represented by the blue line). After a peak in dispersion during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), dispersion dropped precipitously. The COVID crisis in 2020 sent dispersion to fresh lows as G10 central banks injected liquidity into the financial markets. However, the increase in dispersion since late 2021 suggests a regime change compared to most of the time post-GFC, with dispersion currently hovering around GFC peak levels. While there are numerous factors to consider in explaining this trend, these appear to be exciting times for investors as they navigate this period of strong dispersion.
Now, turning to emerging markets (EM, represented by the red line), it’s important to acknowledge that there are significant idiosyncratic differences among the countries typically classified within this category. However, for our analysis of monetary policy dispersion, it is worthwhile to consider them collectively. As expected, EM dispersion surged during the GFC. Interestingly, we never returned to that level of dispersion, even during events such as the taper tantrum, the COVID crisis, or recent tightening by G10 central banks. If anything, EM front-end rate dispersion has been declining, moving towards the mid-range of historical levels. Several factors may help explain this phenomenon: Inflation shocks have become more “business-as-usual” for EM central bankers over the past two decades, unlike their G10 counterparts. Furthermore, in recent years, some EM countries entered the hiking cycle earlier and have since started to cut rates.
Monetary Policy Dispersion and FX Carry Factor
The next question that naturally arises is whether we can learn something about asset returns by looking at monetary policy dispersion. We specifically focus on FX, both due to its liquidity as an asset class and its sensitivity to policy rates. We utilize the Bloomberg FX carry index, which encompasses both G10 and selected EM, to illustrate how a traditional FX strategy performs under varying levels of rate dispersion.
The chart below shows front-end rate dispersions vs. FX carry factor returns one month into the future. A higher realized dispersion, in theory, should provide more room for a carry strategy (even a generic one) to do well. That is what we see. Such strategies need to be nimble to take full advantage of the rising dispersion.
DISCLOSURE
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