Economic Weekly Wrap
20 March 2023 - 24 March 2023

Back to all Articles
  • 20 Mar 2023

    Showing the impact of tight monetary policy conditions, industrial production in the US stagnated in Feb’23 (0%), coming below estimated 0.2% increase and down from 0.3% in Jan’23. University of Michigan’s Mar’23 consumer sentiment index also fell to 63.4 (est.: 67) from 67 in Feb’23. Markets now await Fed’s rate decision due this week (est.: +25bps hike). With banking stocks under pressure, equity indices fell in US and UK and investors chased sovereign bonds, leading to decline in yields. In Asia, China announced surprise RRR cut (-25bps) in an effort to boost liquidity. This is the 5th cut in the cycle and follows previous cuts in Apr’22 and Dec’22, and was taken in the wake of uneven recovery. Analysts expect limited effects of the decision.


    Barring markets in US and UK (lower), other global indices ended higher. Despite pledges of liquidity support for Credit Suisse and First Republic Bank, depositors’ confidence is still considered to be fragile. Investors also await Fed rate decision and are evaluating the impact of continuous policy tightening. Domestic markets ended in green, led by realty, metal and banking stocks. However, it is trading lower today, in line with other Asian stocks.

    Fig 1 – Stock markets

      16-03-2023 17-03-2023 % change
    Dow Jones 32,247 31,862 (1.2)
    S & P 500 3,960 3,917 (1.1)
    FTSE 7,410 7,335 (1.0)
    Nikkei 27,011 27,334 1.2
    Hang Seng 19,204 19,519 1.6
    Shanghai Comp 3,227 3,251 0.7
    Sensex 57,635 57,990 0.6
    Nifty 16,986 17,100 0.7

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Global currencies rose against the dollar. DXY fell by 0.7% as investors dialled back expectations of aggressive rate hikes by Fed, with some even pricing in a rate cut this year. JPY gained the most by 1.4% on safe-haven demand. INR appreciated by 0.2% as oil prices dipped. It is trading higher today, while other Asian currencies are trading mixed.

    Fig 2 – Currencies

      16-03-2023 17-03-2023 % change
    EUR/USD (1 EUR / USD) 1.0610 1.0670 0.6
    GBP/USD (1 GBP / USD) 1.2109 1.2173 0.5
    USD/JPY (JPY / 1 USD) 133.74 131.85 1.4
    USD/INR (INR / 1 USD) 82.74 82.55 0.2
    USD/CNY (CNY / 1 USD) 6.8980 6.8867 0.2

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Except India and China (flat), other global yields fell. 10Y yields in US, UK and Germany plunged sharply as investor sentiment remained downbeat amidst ongoing banking crisis in US and Europe. Investors now await the US Fed policy announcement scheduled this week. Despite lower oil prices, India’s 10Y yield closed unchanged at 7.34%. Following global cues, it is trading lower at 7.32% today.

    Fig 3 – Bond 10Y yield

      16-03-2023 17-03-2023 change in bps
    US 3.58 3.43 (15)
    UK 3.43 3.28 (14)
    Germany 2.29 2.11 (18)
    Japan 0.32 0.29 (3)
    China 2.87 2.87 0
    India 7.34 7.34 0

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 4 – Short term rates

      16-03-2023 17-03-2023 change in bps
    Tbill-91 days 6.76 6.75 (1)
    Tbill-182 days 7.23 7.23 0
    Tbill-364 days 7.25 7.21 (4)
    G-Sec 2Y 7.19 7.22 3
    SONIA int rate benchmark 3.93 3.93 0
    US SOFR 4.58 4.57 (1)

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 5 – Liquidity

    Rs tn 16-03-2023 17-03-2023 change (Rs tn)
    Net Liquidity (-Surplus/+deficit) 1.1 1.2 0.1
    Reverse repo 0 0 0
    Repo 0.8 0.8 0

    Source: RBI, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 6 – Capital market flows

      15-03-2023 16-03-2023 change (US$ mn/Rs cr)
    FII (US$ mn) (136.4) 14.8 151.2
    Debt 14.7 (5.4) (20.1)
    Equity (151.1) 20.2 171.3
    Mutual funds (Rs cr) 1,029.5 203.1 (826.4)
    Debt 1,105.4 (148.5) (1,253.8)
    Equity (75.9) 351.6 427.5

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research │Note: Mutual funds data as of 28 Feb 2023 and 1 Mar 2023


    Global oil prices fell by 2.3%, owing to concerns of weakness in financial sector. Gold (+3.6%) proved to be a preferred choice over oil in terms of safe haven.

    Fig 7 – Commodities

      16-03-2023 17-03-2023 % change
    Brent crude (US$/bbl) 74.7 73.0 (2.3)
    Gold (US$/ Troy Ounce) 1,919.5 1,989.3 3.6
    Copper (US$/ MT) 8,508.8 8,573.3 0.8
    Zinc (US$/MT) 2,871.0 2,931.0 2.1
    Aluminium (US$/MT) 2,267.5 2,274.0 0.3

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research

  • 21 Mar 2023

    Financial markets were relieved as UBS announced its acquisition of Credit Suisse, and global central banks (Fed, BoE, BoJ, ECB, Bank of Canada and Swiss National Bank) announced a joint liquidity operation. As a part of this, “to improve the effectiveness of existing swap lines” central banks will now hold 7-day maturity operations on a daily basis compared with weekly basis earlier. According to Fed, this is expected to go on atleast till end of Apr’23. Investors now await Fed’s policy rate decision due tomorrow. In Asia, Taiwan’s export orders fell for the 6th consecutive month in Feb’23 by -18.3% (est.: -15% YoY) as weakness in global demand, led by China, continued. Even in Mar’23, the decline is expected to worsen further (-20% to -23%).


    Barring US and UK markets, other global indices ended mixed with the focus shifting towards Fed's meet. Investors monitored developments around Credit Suisse. Banking stocks in UK reversed their losses and ended in green. US indices too followed suit as investors gained more confidence in the financial system. On the other hand, Sensex ended in red led by losses in metal and real estate stocks. Though, it is trading higher today in line with other Asian stocks.

    Fig 1 – Stock markets

      17-03-2023 20-03-2023 % change
    Dow Jones 31,862 32,245 1.2
    S & P 500 3,917 3,952 0.9
    FTSE 7,335 7,404 0.9
    Nikkei 27,334 26,946 (1.4)
    Hang Seng 19,519 19,001 (2.7)
    Shanghai Comp 3,251 3,235 (0.5)
    Sensex 57,990 57,629 (0.6)
    Nifty 17,100 16,988 (0.7)

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Except INR, other global currencies climbed higher against the dollar. DXY declined by 0.4% ahead of Fed's rate decision with 26% chance of a pause and 74% chance of a 25bps hike. JPY continued to edge upwards over demand of safe heaven. INR depreciated by 0.1% as oil prices moved up. It is trading higher today while other Asian currencies are trading mixed.

    Fig 2 – Currencies

      17-03-2023 20-03-2023 % change
    EUR/USD (1 EUR / USD) 1.0670 1.0721 0.5
    GBP/USD (1 GBP / USD) 1.2173 1.2278 0.9
    USD/JPY (JPY / 1 USD) 131.85 131.32 0.4
    USD/INR (INR / 1 USD) 82.55 82.64 (0.1)
    USD/CNY (CNY / 1 USD) 6.8867 6.8770 0.1

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Except yields in Asia (lower), other global yields rose. 10Y yields in US and UK gained the most. Investor sentiment was supported by the news of rescue deal of Credit Suisse and announcement of joint liquidity operations by major global central banks. India’s 10Y yield closed lower at 7.33%. It is trading a tad higher at 7.34%, following global cues and increase in oil prices.

    Fig 3 – Bond 10Y yield

      17-03-2023 20-03-2023 change in bps
    US 3.43 3.48 6
    UK 3.28 3.31 3
    Germany 2.11 2.13 2
    Japan 0.29 0.25 (4)
    China 2.87 2.86 (2)
    India 7.34 7.33 (1)

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 4 – Short term rates

      17-03-2023 20-03-2023 change in bps
    Tbill-91 days 6.75 6.73 (2)
    Tbill-182 days 7.23 7.21 (2)
    Tbill-364 days 7.21 7.20 (1)
    G-Sec 2Y 7.22 7.18 (3)
    SONIA int rate benchmark 3.93 3.93 0
    US SOFR 4.57 4.55 (2)

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 5 – Liquidity

    Rs tn 17-03-2023 20-03-2023 change (Rs tn)
    Net Liquidity (-Surplus/+deficit) 1.2 0.8 (0.4)
    Reverse repo 0 0 0
    Repo 0.8 0.8 0

    Source: RBI, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 6 – Capital market flows

      16-03-2023 17-03-2023 change (US$ mn/Rs cr)
    FII (US$ mn) 14.8 (119.8) (134.5)
    Debt (5.4) 86.2 91.6
    Equity 20.2 (206.0) (226.1)
    Mutual funds (Rs cr) 1,029.5 203.1 (826.4)
    Debt 1,105.4 (148.5) (1,253.8)
    Equity (75.9) 351.6 427.5

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research │Note: Mutual funds data as of 28 Feb 2023 and 1 Mar 2023


    Global oil prices rose by 1.1%, as news of acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS eased some concerns and improved appetite for oil.

    Fig 7 – Commodities

      17-03-2023 20-03-2023 % change
    Brent crude (US$/bbl) 73.0 73.8 1.1
    Gold (US$/ Troy Ounce) 1,989.3 1,978.8 (0.5)
    Copper (US$/ MT) 8,573.3 8,701.3 1.5
    Zinc (US$/MT) 2,931.0 2,912.5 (0.6)
    Aluminium (US$/MT) 2,274.0 2,274.5 0

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research

  • 23 Mar 2023

    In line with market expectations, US Fed delivered a 25bps rate hike pushing the key policy rate to 4.75-5%. It reiterated its commitment to bringing inflation down to 2% in the long-run and added that “some additional policy firming may be appropriate” to achieve that target. For CY23, projection for real GDP was revised down to 0.4% (0.5% as per Dec’22 projections) and for PCE inflation it was revised up to 3.3% from 3.1% earlier. Investor sentiment was also dampened by Treasury Secretary Yellen’s comment that “blanket insurance” for depositors has not been considered as yet. In UK, CPI in Feb’23 surprised positively (10.4% versus est.: 9.9% and 10.1% in Jan’23) as investors await BoE’s policy decision due today.


    Barring US indices, other global indices ended higher as investors monitored shift in Fed's outlook as it hiked rates by 25bps and hinted at nearing tightening cycle. On the other hand, Hang Seng climbed up by 1.7% with their monetary authority pointing to low exposure in the ongoing crisis. Sensex too ended in green led by marginal gains in auto and power stocks. However, it is trading lower today while other Asian stocks are trading mixed.

    Fig 1 – Stock markets

      21-03-2023 22-03-2023 % change
    Dow Jones 32,561 32,030 (1.6)
    S & P 500 4,003 3,937 (1.6)
    FTSE 7,536 7,567 0.4
    Nikkei 26,946 27,467 1.9
    Hang Seng 19,259 19,591 1.7
    Shanghai Comp 3,256 3,266 0.3
    Sensex 58,075 58,215 0.2
    Nifty 17,108 17,152 0.3

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Global currencies ended higher against the dollar. Weakness in dollar was evident (0.9%) as Fed signalled a less hawkish policy amidst the ongoing banking turmoil. Euro rose by 0.8% after ECB chief commented that inflation is still 'too high' given the uncertain environment. INR is trading higher today while other Asian currencies are trading mixed.

    Fig 2 – Currencies

      21-03-2023 22-03-2023 % change
    EUR/USD (1 EUR / USD) 1.0768 1.0856 0.8
    GBP/USD (1 GBP / USD) 1.2217 1.2268 0.4
    USD/JPY (JPY / 1 USD) 132.51 131.44 0.8
    USD/INR (INR / 1 USD) 82.64 82.67 0
    USD/CNY (CNY / 1 USD) 6.8793 6.8700 0.1

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Except yields in China (flat) and US (lower), other global yields rose. 10Y yields in US fell sharply following Fed’s rate decision and remarks by treasury secretary Yellen suggesting that “blanket insurance” for US banking deposits has not been discussed yet. In the UK, surprise jump in Feb’23 CPI (10.4% versus est.: 9.9%) just before BoE’s rate decision today impacted the 10Y yield. Following global cues, India’s 10Y yield is trading lower at 7.30% today.

    Fig 3 – Bond 10Y yield

      21-03-2023 22-03-2023 change in bps
    US 3.61 3.43 (18)
    UK 3.37 3.45 8
    Germany 2.29 2.33 4
    Japan 0.25 0.33 8
    China 2.87 2.86 0
    India 7.33 7.33 1

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 4 – Short term rates

      20-03-2023 21-03-2023 change in bps
    Tbill-91 days 6.73 6.78 5
    Tbill-182 days 7.21 7.20 (1)
    Tbill-364 days 7.20 7.22 2
    G-Sec 2Y 7.18 7.21 3
    SONIA int rate benchmark 3.93 3.93 0
    US SOFR 4.55 4.55 0

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 5 – Liquidity

    Rs tn 20-03-2023 21-03-2023 change (Rs tn)
    Net Liquidity (-Surplus/+deficit) 0.8 1.1 0.3
    Reverse repo 0 0 0
    Repo 0.8 0.8 0

    Source: RBI, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 6 – Capital market flows

      17-03-2023 20-03-2023 change (US$ mn/Rs cr)
    FII (US$ mn) (119.8) (204.4) (119.8)
    Debt 86.2 26.6 86.2
    Equity (206.0) (231.0) (206.0)
    Mutual funds (Rs cr) 1,029.5 203.1 (826.4)
    Debt 1,105.4 (148.5) (1,253.8)
    Equity (75.9) 351.6 427.5

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research │Note: Mutual funds data as of 9 Mar 2023 and 10 Mar 2023


    Global oil prices rose by 1.8%, as Fed’s rate decision pushed DXY to near 6- week low.

    Fig 7 – Commodities

      21-03-2023 22-03-2023 % change
    Brent crude (US$/bbl) 75.3 76.7 1.8
    Gold (US$/ Troy Ounce) 1,940.1 1,970.1 1.5
    Copper (US$/ MT) 8,761.0 8,900.5 1.6
    Zinc (US$/MT) 2,888.0 2,892.3 0.1
    Aluminium (US$/MT) 2,266.5 2,286.5 0.9

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research

  • 24 Mar 2023

    In line with market expectations, BoE raised its key policy rate by 25bps and reiterated that MPC members believe that there is no urgent need to maintain a faster pace of rate hikes. The bank was also more upbeat about the economic outlook and now expects inflation to come down significantly in Q2CY23, supported by government measures. GDP is also expected to rise slightly in in Q2 compared with (-) 0.4% decline anticipated in Feb’23. Separately, Swiss National Bank also raised its key policy rate by 50bps to counter re-emergence of inflationary pressures. In the US, labour market still remains tight (1k decline in weekly jobless claims) and housing sector is seen rebounding in Feb’23 with new home sales making a modest recovery (+640k units versus 633k units in Jan’23).


    Global indices ended mixed as investors monitored the developments around various Central Banks hiking rates in line with US Fed. FTSE dropped the most with banking sector dragging down the indices further, followed by losses in construction and oil and gas stocks. Sensex too ended in red amidst mixed global cues. Real estate and banking stocks declined the most. It is trading flat today while Asian indices are trading lower today.

    Fig 1 – Stock markets

      22-03-2023 23-03-2023 % change
    Dow Jones 32,030 32,105 0.2
    S & P 500 3,937 3,949 0.3
    FTSE 7,567 7,500 (0.9)
    Nikkei 27,467 27,420 (0.2)
    Hang Seng 19,591 20,050 2.3
    Shanghai Comp 3,266 3,287 0.6
    Sensex 58,215 57,925 (0.5)
    Nifty 17,152 17,077 (0.4)

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Barring EUR, other global currencies ended higher against the dollar. DXY was back in green after falling for 6-straight session with positive data from US (Decline in weekly jobless claims and improvement in new single-family homes). INR appreciated by 0.5% as oil prices declined. It is trading higher today while other Asian currencies are trading mixed.

    Fig 2 – Currencies

      22-03-2023 23-03-2023 % change
    EUR/USD (1 EUR / USD) 1.0856 1.0831 (0.2)
    GBP/USD (1 GBP / USD) 1.2268 1.2287 0.2
    USD/JPY (JPY / 1 USD) 131.44 130.85 0.5
    USD/INR (INR / 1 USD) 82.67 82.26 0.5
    USD/CNY (CNY / 1 USD) 6.8700 6.8232 0.7

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Except yields in China (higher), other global yields fell. 10Y yields in Germany (- 13bps) and UK (-9bps) declined the most, followed by US. Global yields reacted to Fed’s statement signalling that it may opt for a pause soon. Further, BoE also reaffirmed that inflation is on track to come down sharply in Q2CY23. Following global cues, India’s 10Y yield declined a tad by 1bps to 7.33%. It is trading further lower at 7.32% today.

    Fig 3 – Bond 10Y yield

      22-03-2023 23-03-2023 change in bps
    US 3.43 3.43 (1)
    UK 3.45 3.36 (9)
    Germany 2.33 2.20 (13)
    Japan 0.33 0.32 (1)
    China 2.86 2.87 1
    India 7.33 7.33 (1)

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 4 – Short term rates

      21-03-2023 23-03-2023 change in bps
    Tbill-91 days 6.78 6.71 (7)
    Tbill-182 days 7.20 7.20 0
    Tbill-364 days 7.22 7.22 0
    G-Sec 2Y 7.21 7.19 (2)
    SONIA int rate benchmark 3.93 3.93 0
    US SOFR 4.55 4.55 0

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 5 – Liquidity

    Rs tn 21-03-2023 23-03-2023 change (Rs tn)
    Net Liquidity (-Surplus/+deficit) 1.1 0.4 (0.7)
    Reverse repo 0 0 0
    Repo 0.8 0.8 0

    Source: RBI, Bank of Baroda Research


    Fig 6 – Capital market flows

      20-03-2023 21-03-2023 change (US$ mn/Rs cr)
    FII (US$ mn) (204.4) 102.9 307.3
    Debt 26.6 229.2 202.6
    Equity (231.0) (126.3) 104.7
    Mutual funds (Rs cr) 1,029.5 203.1 (826.4)
    Debt 1,105.4 (148.5) (1,253.8)
    Equity (75.9) 351.6 427.5

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research │Note: Mutual funds data as of 9 Mar 2023 and 10 Mar 2023


    Global oil prices fell by 1%, following the news that US is in no rush to refill its strategic oil reserves, and it may take years to do so.

    Fig 7 – Commodities

      22-03-2023 23-03-2023 % change
    Brent crude (US$/bbl) 76.7 75.9 (1.0)
    Gold (US$/ Troy Ounce) 1,970.1 1,993.4 1.2
    Copper (US$/ MT) 8,900.5 9,033.0 1.5
    Zinc (US$/MT) 2,892.3 2,936.0 1.5
    Aluminium (US$/MT) 2,286.5 2,326.0 1.7

    Source: Bloomberg, Bank of Baroda Research

@2022 Bank of Baroda. All rights reserved

Important disclosures are provided at the end of this report.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this research note are personal views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bank of Baroda. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute or be deemed to constitute an offer to sell/ purchase or as an invitation or solicitation to do so for any securities of any entity. Bank of Baroda and/ or its Affiliates and its subsidiaries make no representation as to the accuracy; completeness or reliability of any information contained herein or otherwise provided and hereby disclaim any liability with regard to the same. Bank of Baroda Group or its officers, employees, personnel, directors may be associated in a commercial or personal capacity or may have a commercial interest including as proprietary traders in or with the securities and/ or companies or issues or matters as contained in this publication and such commercial capacity or interest whether or not differing with or conflicting with this publication, shall not make or render Bank of Baroda Group liable in any manner whatsoever & Bank of Baroda Group or any of its officers, employees, personnel, directors shall not be liable for any loss, damage, liability whatsoever for any direct or indirect loss arising from the use or access of any information that may be displayed in this publication from time to time

Connect with Us

For further details about this publication, please contact:
Economics Research Department
Bank of Baroda
+91 22 6698 5794
chief.economist@bankofbaroda.com

Popular Articles

Related Articles

  • डिस्क्लेमर

    इस लेख/इन्फोग्राफिक/चित्र/वीडियो की सामग्री का उद्देश्य केवल सूचना से है और जरूरी नहीं कि यह बैंक ऑफ बड़ौदा के विचारों को प्रतिबिंबित करे। सामग्री प्रकृति में सामान्य हैं और यह केवल सूचना मात्र है। यह आपकी विशेष परिस्थितियों में विशिष्ट सलाह का विकल्प नहीं होगा । बैंक ऑफ बड़ौदा और/या इसके सहयोगी और इसकी सहायक कंपनियां सटीकता के संबंध में कोई प्रतिनिधित्व नहीं करती हैं; यहां निहित या अन्यथा प्रदान की गई किसी भी जानकारी की पूर्णता या विश्वसनीयता और इसके द्वारा उसी के संबंध में किसी भी दायित्व को अस्वीकार करें। जानकारी अद्यतन, पूर्णता, संशोधन, सत्यापन और संशोधन के अधीन है और यह भौतिक रूप से बदल सकती है। इसकी सूचना किसी भी क्षेत्राधिकार में किसी भी व्यक्ति द्वारा वितरण या उपयोग के लिए अभिप्रेत नहीं है, जहां ऐसा वितरण या उपयोग कानून या विनियमन के विपरीत होगा या बैंक ऑफ बड़ौदा या उसके सहयोगियों को किसी भी लाइसेंसिंग या पंजीकरण आवश्यकताओं के अधीन करेगा । उल्लिखित सामग्री और सूचना के आधार पर किसी भी वित्तीय निर्णय लेने के लिए पाठक द्वारा किए गए किसी भी प्रत्यक्ष/अप्रत्यक्ष नुकसान या देयता के लिए बैंक ऑफ बड़ौदा जिम्मेदार नहीं होगा । कोई भी वित्तीय निर्णय लेने से पहले अपने वित्तीय सलाहकार से सलाह जरूर लें।

Economic Weekly Wrap
27 March 2023 - 31 March 2023

Economic Weekly Wrap
13 March 2023 - 17 March 2023

Add this website to home screen

Are you Bank of Baroda Customer?

This is to inform you that by clicking on continue, you will be leaving our website and entering the website/Microsite operated by Insurance tie up partner. This link is provided on our Bank’s website for customer convenience and Bank of Baroda does not own or control of this website, and is not responsible for its contents. The Website/Microsite is fully owned & Maintained by Insurance tie up partner.


The use of any of the Insurance’s tie up partners website is subject to the terms of use and other terms and guidelines, if any, contained within tie up partners website.


Proceed to the website


Thank you for visiting www.bankofbaroda.in

X
हम अपनी वेबसाइट पर आपके अनुभव को बढ़ाने के लिए कुकीज़ (और इसी प्रकार के उपकरण) का उपयोग करते हैं। हमारी कुकी नीति, गोपनीयता नीति और नियम एवं शर्तों के बारे में अधिक जानने के लिए, कृपया यहां क्लिक करें। इस वेबसाइट को ब्राउज़ करना जारी रखते हुए, आप कुकीज़ के उपयोग हेतु सहमति देते हैं और गोपनीयता नीति एवं नियम और शर्तों से सहमत होते हैं।