GS FX tearsheets

1

The Global FX Monthly Analyst Goldman Sachs Global Economics, Commodities and Strategy Research

December 2009

G3 US Dollar FX Forecasts: We continue to expect cyclical near-term Dollar weakness, followed by a gradual Dollar recovery further out. Our EUR/$ forecast remains at 1.55, 1.55 and 1.35 in 3, 6 and 12 months. Our $/¥ path remains unchanged at 98, 98 and 105. Current GSDEER: EUR/$ 1.20; $/¥ 107.

Motivation for Our FX View: In the near term our Dollar-bearish views are driven by a combination of weak BBoP fundamentals, expectations of very easy US monetary policy and a constructive outlook for cyclical assets globally. Given the strong negative Dollar vs risky asset correlations currently observed, the latter would be consistent with Dollar weakness remaining in place for some time. Further out, however, we see potential for Dollar strength; the exact timing is uncertain but we have it pencilled in on a 12-month horizon. This is mainly due to potential structural factors, such as a possible recovery in capital inflows combined with a much narrower current account deficit, which together would ultimately push the BBoP into Dollar-supportive territory.

Monetary Policy and FX Framework: The Fed has a dual growth and inflation target. As a result, monetary policy has generally been more volatile and reactive than in pure inflation-targeting countries. The exchange rate floats freely; however, the US Treasury and the Fed both occasionally comment on currency issues.

Growth/Inflation Outlook: We recently rolled out our 2010 and 2011 outlook for the US economy. We expect real GDP to grow +3% annualised in the fourth quarter, slowing to a 1.5% pace in late 2010, and then gradually reaccelerating in 2011. We expect the unemployment rate to continue to creep up, reaching 10.75% by mid-2011. We also expect the large output gap to underpin disinflationary pressures, with core inflation expected to ease to 0%yoy by late 2011.

Monetary Policy Forecast: We expect the large output gap, high unemployment rate and disinflationary impetus to keep the Fed on hold through 2011. The main risks to our Fed view are a much faster than expected pace of economic recovery, or if we see a large run-up in asset prices, which could prompt earlier hikes than justified from a real-economy perspective.

Balance of Payments Situation: We expect continued gradual improvement in the current account deficit, which should stabilise at around 2.5%. The trend narrowing in the US trade deficit means the US should have less difficulty attracting the necessary funding than in previous years. For now, though, we are not seeing strong capital inflows, apart from US Treasuries, which are likely to be largely FX-hedged anyway.

Things to Watch: The Dollar may be sensitive to rate hike expectations in response to strong activity data. Overall risk sentiment also continues to be an important factor. Year-end dynamics often lead to Dollar weakness, in particular relative to European currenceis, and need to be watched in the next few weeks. We continue to monitor capital flow trends in the monthly TIC data, given the potential for Dollar-supportive flows upon further stabilisation in the US economy, as mentioned above.

$bn 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009*

Current Account -631.1 -748.7 -803.5 -968.8 -706.1 -406.5

Net UST Flows 93.6 132.3 -58.2 89.1 196.6 62.0

Other Net Bond Flows 236.2 297.6 315.7 208.5 -121.7 -346.6

Net Equity Flows -25.2 -98.4 2.4 110.3 55.8 5.7

Net FDI Flows -170.3 76.4 -1.8 -163.8 -12.3 -70.3

BBoP -496.8 -340.8 -545.4 -724.6 -587.7 -755.7

% of GDP -3.8 -2.6 -4.1 -5.2 -4.1 -5.4

Official Buying 314.9 213.3 310.8 269.9 543.5 237.1

Adjusted BBoP -181.9 -127.5 -234.6 -454.7 -44.2 -518.5

% GDP -1.3 -1.0 -1.6 -3.1 -0.3 -3.7

*H1 Annualised

The Outlook for the US BBoPUS: BBoP vs. Current Account

-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

% GDP4-qtr ma

BBoP

Current Account

Mark Tan

2


December 2009

US Dollar

GSFCI & Real GDP

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

10896 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

Index87-95=100

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

% yoy

GSFCI (lhs, inverted) GDP (rhs)

Industrial Production & GDP

-15

-12

-9

-6

-3

0

3

6

9

12

15

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

Industrial Production

GDP

M2 Growth & CPI Inflation

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

M2

Consumer Price Index

Terms of Trade

86

88

90

92

94

96

98

100

102

104

106

108

110

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08

Index1990=100

TOTImprovement

Trade Volumes

-24

-20

-16

-12

-8

-4

0

4

8

12

16

20

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

% yoy 3-mth ma

Exports

Imports

Current Account Balance

-220-200-180-160-140-120-100

-80-60-40-20

020

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08

US$bn

-10

-9

-8

-7

-6

-5-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1% GDP

Current Account (rhs)

Current Account % GDP (lhs)

3


December 2009

Euro

EUR/$

0.50

0.70

0.90

1.10

1.30

1.50

1.70

81 83 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99 01 03 05 07 09

SpotGSDEER

FX Forecasts: We are maintaining our EUR/$ forecasts at 1.55, 1.55 and 1.35. EUR/¥ forecast is at 151.9, 151.9 and 141.8 in 3, 6 and 12 months. Current GSDEER for EUR/$: 1.20.

Motivation for Our FX View: We continue to expect moderate upside for the EUR/$ given our expectation of broad Dollar weakness in the near term. We think the backdrop of robust global growth (outside of the relatively weaker G3) and low real interest rate environment is one that will be supportive of risk assets in general. As such, we continue to expect the broad cyclical forces driving Dollar weakness to remain in place. That said, further out our view of a potential Dollar recovery remains intact. This is driven by the possibility that overall US broad balance of payment (BBoP) flows may turn supportive for the Dollar further down the road, on an improvement in portfolio inflows and a narrowing current account deficit. The ECB is also expected to 'normalise' policy rates before the Fed.

Monetary Policy and FX Framework: The ECB is a strict inflation targeter. As a Central Bank serving 16 countries, the ECB is arguably the most independent Central Bank in the world. The Euro is a freely-floating currency. FX policy responsibility is not clearly defined, but in practice the ECB is unlikely to act in FX markets, without Eurogroup approval.

Growth/Inflation Outlook: We expect a relatively solid recovery in Europe. Following a contraction of -3.7% this year, we expect Europe (EU-27) to grow by +1.7% next year and by +2.3% in 2011. As a result of the still significant output gaps throughout Europe, we expect core inflation in the Euro-zone to decline further to about 0.5% before slowly recovering. We forecast headline inflation in the Euro-zone at 1.1% next year and 1.6% in 2011.

Monetary Policy Forecast: We expect the ECB to begin its gradual exit through the first half of next year, as also hinted at in its latest press conference. Specifically, we now see the ECB hiking the policy rate to 1.25% during the fourth quarter of 2010, and then following this with 25bp hikes every quarter during 2011. This is a marginally later start to official rate hikes than we previously thought, partly due to greater concern about the strong Euro.

Balance of Payments Situation: The current account balance is now close to flat, while the BBoP is in healthy surplus on a trend basis. The broad balance of payments is expected to remain positive going forward, due to strong net portfolio inflows.

Things to Watch: The Euro will be sensitive in the near term to concerns over fiscal sustainability issues in some Euro-zone countries. The state of overall risk sentiment will also continue to be an important driver, on which we remain constructive. Reserve diversification talk also continues to be in focus and needs to be watched. This is at the margin positive for the Euro, given that it remains the only credible alternative to the USD currently. Seasonal patterns suggest the Euro could rally into year-end.

EURbn 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009*

Current Account 61.6 11.7 -10.0 10.7 -143.4 -75.1

Net Bond Flows 46.6 3.5 98.1 57.5 373.3 324.9

Net Equity Flows -2.3 105.0 90.6 93.7 -22.9 108.1

Net FDI Flows -79.6 -205.7 -160.3 -72.7 -189.1 -98.4

BBoP 26.3 -85.5 18.4 89.2 17.9 259.6

(% of GDP) 0.3 -1.1 0.2 1.0 0.2 2.9

*First 9 months annualised

The Outlook for the Euroland BBoP

Mark Tan

4


December 2009

Euro

EUR/USD: 3-mth Risk Reversals

-2.0

-1.6

-1.2

-0.8

-0.4

0.0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10


-14

-12-10

-8

-6-4

-2

02

4

68

10

94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

% yoy

-1.0

-0.50.0

0.5

1.01.5

2.0

2.53.0

3.5

4.04.5

5.0yoy%

Industrial Production (lhs) GDP (rhs)

M3 Growth & CPI Inflation

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

M3 CPI

Inflation target

Terms of Trade

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

125

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08

Index2000=100

TOTImprovement

Trade Volumes

-24

-20-16

-12

-8-4

04

8

1216

20

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

% yoy 3-mth ma

Exports Imports

Euroland: BBoP vs Current Account

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

% GDP12-mth ma

BBoP

Current Account

5


December 2009

Japanese Yen

$/¥

50

100

150

200

250

300

81 83 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99 01 03 05 07 09

Spot

GSDEER

¥trn 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009*

Current Account 18.6 18.3 19.8 24.8 16.4 13.1

Net Bond Flows -4.8 -13.4 9.4 5.9 -15.3 -21.9

Net Equity Flows 7.1 12.3 5.4 2.3 -13.9 -7.1

Net FDI Flows -2.5 -4.7 -6.6 -6.0 -10.7 -6.2

BBoP 18.5 12.4 28.0 27.0 -23.5 -22.2

(% of GDP) 3.7 2.5 5.5 5.2 -4.6 -4.6

*First nine months annualised

The Outlook for the Japanese BBoP

FX Forecasts: We maintain our $/¥ forecast at 98, 98 and 105 in 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Our EUR/¥ forecast is at 151.9, 151.9 and 141.8 in 3, 6 and 12 months. Current GSDEER: $/¥ 107.

Motivation for Our FX View: The main fundamental reasons for a weaker Yen are that financial conditions in Japan are too tight, leading to a very weak growth outlook. The JPY also remains significantly expensive on GSDEER. However, certain factors, such as US-Japan rate differentials, have not been supportive for upside moves in $/JPY. Rate differentials may yet move in favour of $/JPY upside further out as US yields reprice after hitting bottom (as we have seen in recent weeks), while Japanese yields should remain low. We are expressing our view of Yen weakness via the short Yen leg in our long PLN/JPY recommended Top Trade for 2010.

Monetary Policy and FX Framework: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has effectively shifted back to a zero interest rate policy (with the overnight target now at 0.10%). The Yen is formally a freely floating currency, but the Ministry of Finance is in charge of FX policy and has often intervened in the past. The last period of actual intervention was in 2003-2004.

Growth/Inflation Outlook: We are forecasting moderate GDP growth for 2010-11, at +1.5% for 2010 and +1.6% for 2011. Exports will likely remain the main driver, while we see a modest recovery in domestic demand, assisted by the fiscal stimulus efforts. We expect consumer prices to continue to decline through 2011. Our CPI forecast is -1.0% for 2010 and -0.4% for 2011.

Monetary Policy Forecast: The BoJ decided on further monetary easing at its unscheduled Monetary Policy Meeting on December 1, introducing a ¥10trn fund supply facility "to encourage a further decline in longer-term interest rates". Tightening in financial conditions caused by factors such as Yen appreciation should make further easing by the BoJ inevitable, i.e., we expect more quantitative easing (QE) to come. We think more direct QE is feasible via increasing its outright purchases of JGBs no later than 1Q2010.

Balance of Payments Situation: The broad balance of payments (BBoP) remains deeply negative. Continued Japanese buying of foreign assets, together with the sharply narrower current account balance, is likely to keep Japan's broad balance of payments in deficit this year.

Things to Watch: The current administration appears to be increasingly focused on the negative growth impact from Yen overvaluation, as signalled by recent MoF communications. We also think there is a reasonable chance that the Bank of Japan initiates additional QE measures soon. Also, there has been increased hedging activity by exporters and institutional investors due to lower hedging costs from low US interest rates. Any turn in the trend has to be monitored and could potentially be key for $/JPY upside. Speculative positioning appears skewed towards Yen strength currently.

Mark Tan

6


December 2009

Japanese Yen

USD/JPY: 3-mth Risk Reversals

-12

-10

-8

-6

-4

-2

0

2

99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

M2+CD Growth & CPI Inflation

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

M2+CD CPI


-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy


GDP

Terms of Trade

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

Index2000=100

TOTImprovement

Trade Volumes

-45-40-35-30-25-20-15-10

-505

101520

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

% yoy 3-mth ma

Exports Imports

Japan BBoP vs Current Account

-10

-8

-6

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

% GDP12-mth ma

BBoP Current Account

7


December 2009

Europe British Pound FX Forecasts: Our current EUR/GBP forecast path is at 0.84 flat in 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. This translates into GBP/$: 1.85, 1.85 and 1.61 over the same horizon. Current GSDEER for EUR/GBP is 0.77 and for GBP/$ 1.56.

Motivation for Our FX View: We have been constructive on Sterling for some time, mainly on the back of the large easing in financial conditions, which should boost growth. Recent PMI readings suggest growth is tracking at about +2%-3%, which is faster than what actual activity data suggests, although the latter is subject to heavy revisions in the UK. Earlier monetary policy tightening than consensus expects towards the middle of next year could lead to substantial Sterling strength given that speculative positioning remains short, when judged by IMM data, for example. Concerns about the fiscal outlook in the UK and the need to cut expenditure suggest that the appreciation potential is limited, and we strongly believe that Sterling will stay on the weak side of our EUR/GBP GSDEER estimate.

Monetary Policy and FX Framework: The Bank of England is tasked with price stability, defined as CPI at 2% over time. If inflation falls below 1% or rises above 3%, the BoE must write a letter of explanation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sterling operates under a free float but the BoE regularly comments on currency moves in the context of growth and inflation.

Growth/Inflation Outlook: We are above consensus on UK activity. This is particularly true for 2010, when we expect the economy to grow by 1.9% vs a consensus view of 1.0% and by 3.4% in 2011. We note that the Bank of England is also becoming more constructive on UK growth. The improvement in PMIs, labour market and housing-related data supports the view of improving activity. Worries about the fiscal outlook pose downside risks to UK activity. In terms of inflation, we expect a sharper rebound than the MPC in 2010, as the VAT cut is reversed.

Monetary Policy Forecast: The Bank of England cut rates to 0.5% at its March meeting and announced the start of quantitative easing. We think the MPC will not want to extend its programme of bond purchases beyond the current £200bn. We expect the BoE to be one of the first major central banks to tighten towards the middle of 2010.

Balance of Payments Situation: The UK current account deficit decreased to around 1.6% of GDP during 2008 (compared with a deficit of 2.7% in 2007). We expect deficits of around 1.8% and 0.6% of GDP in 2009 and 2010. Portfolio flows are notoriously difficult to assess in the UK given large gross cross-border flows linked to London as a banking hub for all of Europe.

Things to Watch: A monetary tightening through an early QE exit could surprise markets and lead to Sterling strength. Speculative Sterling positioning is still skewed towards shorts, and as a reverse indicator this points to potential strength in the short term. FX markets have become quite sensitive to the fiscal debate linked to the forthcoming elections. Revised GDP estimates could boost Sterling.

EUR/$ and £/$

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

IndexJan 98 = 1.0

EUR/$

£/$

EUR/£

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.70

0.80

0.90

1.00

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

Spot

GSDEER

Thomas Stolper

8


December 2009

British Pound


-14-12-10

-8-6-4-2

02468

10

82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy


GDP

M2+CD Growth & CPI Inflation

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

Notes and CoinM4RPI

Terms of Trade

90

95

100

105

110

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

Index2000=100

TOTImprovement

Trade Volumes

-30-25-20-15-10

-505

101520253035

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

% yoy 3-mth ma

Exports Imports

GBP/USD: 3-mth Risk Reversals

-3.5

-3.0

-2.5

-2.0

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

BBoP

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

% GDP4-qtr ma

BBoP Current Account

37


December 2009

Asia Australian Dollar

FX Forecasts: Our A$/US$ forecasts are 0.95, 0.95 and 0.90 in 3, 6 and 12 months. A$/EUR: 0.61, 0.61 and 0.67 in 3, 6 and 12 months. Current GSDEER: 0.79.

Motivation for our FX view: It is hard to isolate the factors that could undermine the upward trajectory of the AUD. On virtually every screen that we believe is important, the AUD looks set to move higher. Specifically: i) our forecasts are for already high interest rate spreads to widen further; ii) after recording the mildest downturn in the developed world, we expect the strongest growth among the major developed nations in 2010; iii) the AUD correlates strongly with the improving global industrial cycle and Australia's terms of trade is set to rise in 2010; iv) Australia has been a recipient of quality capital inflow in recent quarters; and v) as volatility in FX markets declines, carry could become an independent source of AUD strength.

Monetary Policy and FX Framework: Inflation targeting: The RBA aims to keep CPI inflation between 2% and 3% on average over the cycle. Operationally, this is implemented by attempting to keep underlying inflation within this target band, but allows sufficient flexibility for policy to take account of short-run developments in employment and economic growth. The FX regime is free-float, although the RBA intervenes if market moves are disorderly.

Growth/Inflation outlook: Recent activity data has confirmed Australia as the most resilient economy in the developed world. After appearing to expand by 1.0% in 2009, we expect the Australian economy to grow by 3.5% in both 2010 and 2011. This remains above consensus, and above the RBA's and the Treasury's revised growth forecasts. Inflation is forecast to rise by 2.8% and 3.3% in 2010 and 2011.

Monetary Policy Forecast: Reflecting the resilience of the Australian economy and the initial low level of rates, the RBA has already delivered 75bp of tightening in three consecutive meetings. Given the solid growth outlook and that the economy is beginning an expansion with a limited amount of spare capacity, we expect further normalisation of rates in early 2010, with 25bp rate hikes at each of the next three meetings (to 4.50%). We expect rates to be 4.75% and 5.50% at year-end 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Balance of Payments Situation: The rollover of annual contract prices at sharply lower levels for Australia's two largest exports has driven a full 3ppt of GDP deterioration in the trade accounts in just two quarters. Looking ahead, risks look more balanced. Although the inventory cycle will underpin a significant rebound in imports, this is likely to be offset by reflating commodity prices.

Things to Watch: With a number of downside tail risks previously facing the Australian economy now receding, the key point to watch is the lack of spare capacity in the economy, and the rate at which aggressive policy accommodation (both monetary and fiscal) is unwound, as well as the impact of this on confidence. A key upside risk is if evidence emerges that the unemployment rate is peaking ahead of expectations and the degree of reflation in asset prices.

A$/$

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

1.6

74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

Spot

GSDEER

Australia: BBoP

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08

% GDP4-qtr ma

Current Account BBoP

Economist: Tim Toohey [email protected] Copyright 2008 Goldman Sachs JBWere Pty Limited ABN 21 006 797 897 All rights reserved.

Tim Toohey

38


December 2009

AUD/USD: 3-mth Risk Reversals

-8.0

-7.0

-6.0

-5.0

-4.0

-3.0

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Consumer Sentiment & GDP

-40

-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy %

Consumer SentimentGDP

M1 & M3 Growth & CPI Inflation

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

M1 M3 CPI

Terms of Trade

8090

100

110120

130140

150160

170180190

200

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08

Index2000=100

TOTImprovement

Commodity Price Index* vs A$/$

0

30

60

90

120

150

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

Index

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

RBA commodity price

A$/$ (rhs)

* Source: RBA.

Trade Volumes

-25

-15

-5

5

15

25

35

45

55

65

96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

% yoy

Imports Exports

Australian Dollar

39


December 2009

Chinese Yuan

$/CNY

3.40

4.40

5.40

6.40

7.40

8.40

9.40

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10

Spot

GSDEER

China: BBoP vs Current Account

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

% of GDP

CA BBoP

FX Forecasts: We maintain our forecast that the USD/CNY rate will remain flat over the next 12 months (spot 6.83). EUR/CNY: 10.59, 10.59 and 9.22, in 3, 6 and 12 months. GSDEER of USD/CNY: 6.87.

Motivation for Our FX View: The government has a strong desire to keep the USD/CNY exchange rate stable because the overwhelming majority of China's trade with foreign countries is denominated in USD; hence a stable USD/CNY is perceived to be beneficial to trade. Appreciating the currency against the USD even in light of further weakness in the latter will be difficult, given that export growth is still in negative territory despite the significant improvements in recent months. On the other hand, depreciating the currency is not an option either politically or economically given the still large external imbalances.

Monetary Policy and FX Framework: The People's Bank of China (PBoC) is not independent from the central government and has multiple targets of maintaining price stability and high growth. It does not hold regular policy meetings and policy changes are typically released after the close of the local market without advanced notice. The Monetary Policy Committee of the PBoC is an advisory body, which does not determine policy direction. The FX regime has been a managed float since July 2005 after a decade-long peg to the USD.

Growth/Inflation Outlook: We believe the real economy's growth momentum remains strong. October industrial production (IP) grew at a robust pace of 21.8%mom, annualised. This is above the 16% trend level and we believe growth momentum will remain strong going into 2010. The sequential growth of both CPI and PPI inflation has been in positive territory continously since July, and we expect their yoy growth to turn positive in November and December, respectively, which would give a clear signal that deflation is over in China after nearly a year of strong recovery in activity growth.

Monetary Policy Forecast: We expect the PBoC to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged in 2009 and hike them once by 27bp in 2010.

Balance of Payments Situation: The trade surplus rebounded significantly in October to US$24.0bn from US$12.9bn in September. While the trade surplus tends to rise towards the end of the year, we believe the widening surplus is a reflection of stronger-than-expected external demand growth and weakening sequential imports growth as a result of domestic policy tightening. We believe this trend may well continue into next year and the likelihood of a trade deficit appearing in 1H2010 is lower than we previously thought.

Things to Watch: The government has started to tighten monetary policy quietly since July. We believe the current pace of broad money supply growth is appropriate for the real economy judging by recent activity growth and inflation data. If the government is able to maintain its policy stance, we believe the economy will be able to continue to improve without generating significant inflationary pressures.

Yu Song and Helen Qiao

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GS FX tearsheets