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MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 1
MONTHLY INSIGHTS CHART PACK
December 2018
Reezwana Sumad [email protected]
Walter De Wet, CFA [email protected]
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 2MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTSDISCLAIMER
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• Summary of views 3
• Global developments 4
• Monetary policy dynamics: Global 6
• South Africa’s real economy 8
• SA inflation trends 9
• Monetary policy dynamics: SA 10
• Credit risk comparison 11
• The SA bond market 12
• The rand and key risks 13
• Other markets 15
• Appendices:
• Calendar of event risks 16
• Upcoming economic data releases 17
• Nedbank Group forecasts 18
• Other SA charts 19
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 3
• After sounding increasingly hawkish since its September meeting, the US Fed has come to the realisation that it may need to reassess its policy tools, and its tightening strategy. While domestic macroeconomic data remain
upbeat, cracks have started to emerge in the form of a slowdown in business capex spending, tighter global financial conditions and rising geopolitical tensions. The Fed is also concerned that it may overshoot its targeted
neutral rate at a time when the effects of loose fiscal policy starts to fade in 2019.
• Locally, high frequency data prints for Q3 show a mixed but slightly positive outlook for growth in the quarter. The mining and manufacturing industries switched fortunes in Q3 relative to Q2 – manufacturing production
ended the quarter up 1.7% q/q, and is likely to contribute positively towards Q3 growth, after the 0.3% contraction in Q2. The manufacturing industry makes up 13% of GDP, and is likely to drive trade and transport activity
over the quarter. An inventory rebuild in the industry is likely to have driven growth in production. Inventories are therefore set to contribute positively towards Q3 GDE, after the substantial draw down in Q2. In contrast,
mining production declined by 2.2% q/q in Q3, after posting 4.9% growth in the Q2 GDP print. Mining production has come under pressure as a result of the recent weakness in global demand and production stoppages as a
result of strikes.
• In line with our expectations, the SARB raised the repo rate by 25bps to 6.75% (see our MPC Preview note of 16 November 2018). We had expected a dovish hike, and indeed the statement produced enough evidence to
warrant this dovishness, as well as the hike. Just as market consensus was split down the middle, so too was the MPC, with three members voting for a hike, while three members voted for a hold.
• The USDZAR has finally broken below the long term declining channel from 2016, after struggling to make a clean break since early August 2018. It is currently testing the one standard deviation level above the long run
average and is likely to break lower, heading towards R13.18/$. In the interim, the R13.60/$ mark remains a key rand resistance level.
• Higher and rising real interest rates may support investor risk sentiment and as a result remain supportive of the local unit over the near term, in the absence of external shocks. However, Nedbank maintains its view that the
rand will probably depreciate gradually over the medium term as a result of external risks.
Near-term local recovery paves away for an uncertain and volatile 2019
SUMMARY OF VIEWS
Disclaimer – Note that the above and ensuing analyses represent the analysts’ own view within Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB Markets Research) and not necessarily the Nedbank Group House view.
Current price/yield3-month 14,20
Year-end 14,00
12-month 14,00
Repo rate 6,75
3-month 7,45
Year-end 7,45
3-month 8,8
Year-end 8,8
3-month 9,4
Year-end 9,4
Source: Nedbank CIB M arkets Research
Our fair value range or “neutral zone” for the 10-year nominal bond yield lies between 8.0 - 8.5%.
We would be underweight on approach of 8.0% and overweight abve 8.5%.SAGBs
We expect the SARB will maintain a hawkish bias as a result of geopolitical risks and a vulnerable
rand. We forecast a further 25bps rate hike in the medium term, as the SARB actively tries to
achieve a 2% real rate
Target levels
From a technical perspective, we recommend keeping an eye on the USDZAR resistance level of
R13,18 and USDZAR support level of R14,20. However, we expect the rand to remain vulnerable to
global risk aversion over the medium term.
13,70USDZAR
Core views
7,16 (R208)
8,88 (R186)
9,8 (R2048)
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 4
• While global inflation trends still appear mixed, upside price pressures seem
to be easing on the back of the recent fall in energy costs and lower
underlying inflationary pressures. In the US, core PCE fell to 1.8% y/y in
October, from 1,9% prior, in line with consensus. Headline CPI however,
remained elevated at 2.5% y/y as a result of higher services inflation and
transportation costs.
• In the Eurozone, CPI rose to 2.2% y/y October due to higher education
inflation in Italy, but the CPI estimate for November is 2% due to lower
energy costs. Demand remains healthy in the Eurozone and so PPI is still
quite elevated as a result of better imports and a weaker euro exchange
rate.
• The UK’s stubbornly high CPI fell to 2.4% y/y in October, while core CPI
remained unchanged at 1.9%. Due to a weak pound, uncertain Brexit trade
conditions, and higher interest rates, PPI remained elevated at 10% y/y in
October.
• While Japanese headline CPI rose by 20bps, to 1.4% y/y in October, its core
measure remained subdued at 0.4%. CPI in Japan is expected to fall further
as household consumption spending is still very weak, and energy costs have
come down drastically in the last month.
• In China, CPI remained sticky at 2.5% in the last two months, but PPI has
fallen in response to lower energy and commodity prices. This will
eventually filter through to headline CPI, which means that CPI may fall
further away from the PBOC target.
• EM CPI levels remain contained apart from Turkey. The recent oil price
slump will certainly aid EM inflation rates in the near term.
Inflation patterns mixed, slump in oil price may provide some near-term easing
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
Table 1: Summary of economic and financial indicators
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
Chart 2: EM inflation rates contained (excluding Turkey) Chart 1: Global inflation trend mixed
Economic, f iscal
and monetary
indicatorsAvailable data
as at 30-Nov-
18 LAST PREV. LAST PREV. LAST PREV. LAST PREV. LAST PREV. LAST PREV. LAST PREV.
US 4,6 4,2 136 138 3,5 4,2 57,7 59,8 0,1 0,15 -3,8 -3,7 2,25 2,25
UK 2,2 3,3 -13 -10 0,6 0,4 51,1 53,6 0 1 -1,3 -1,68 0,75 0,75
Eurozone 0,8 2,2 -3,9 -2,7 0,2 0,4 51,5 52 0,9 1,1 -0,47 -0,77 0 0
Japan 3,5 2,2 42,9 43 -1,2 3 51,8 52,9 4,2 -2,5 -3,68 -3,42 -0,1 -0,1
Turkey -4,62 0,17 59,6 57,3 0,3 0,66 44,3 42,7 -2,68 6,3 -2,01 -1,63 24 24
China 8,6 9,2 119 119 6,5 6,7 50 50,2 5,9 5,8 -5,44 -5,3 4,35 4,35
Brazil 0,1 4 93,2 86,1 0,2 0,1 51,1 50,9 -2 1,6 -7,22 -7,34 6,5 6,5
Russia 1,9 2,2 68,3 71,3 1,3 1,9 51,3 50 3,7 2,1 -1,03 -1,72 7,5 7,5
India 4908 4891 47,8 46,1 8,2 7,7 53,1 52,2 4,5 4,7 -3,35 -3,53 6,5 6,5
Mexico 4,1 3,9 103 102 0,83 -0,1 49,7 51,3 1,78 0,27 -2,65 -2,58 8 7,75
South Africa 0,7 2,5 7 22 -0,7 -2,6 42,4 44,5 0,1 1,5 -4,17 -4,44 6,75 6,5
PMI
Manufact.
prod. y/y %
Budget bal.
(% of GDP)
Central bank
rate %
Retail sales
y/y %
Consumer
confidence
GDP growth
q/q ann.
-1
-0,5
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
3
3,5
4
201
3/0
9/0
1
201
3/1
1/0
1
201
4/0
1/0
1
201
4/0
3/0
1
201
4/0
5/0
1
201
4/0
7/0
1
201
4/0
9/0
1
201
4/1
1/0
1
201
5/0
1/0
1
201
5/0
3/0
1
201
5/0
5/0
1
201
5/0
7/0
1
201
5/0
9/0
1
201
5/1
1/0
1
201
6/0
1/0
1
201
6/0
3/0
1
201
6/0
5/0
1
201
6/0
7/0
1
201
6/0
9/0
1
201
6/1
1/0
1
201
7/0
1/0
1
201
7/0
3/0
1
201
7/0
5/0
1
201
7/0
7/0
1
201
7/0
9/0
1
201
7/1
1/0
1
201
8/0
1/0
1
201
8/0
3/0
1
201
8/0
5/0
1
201
8/0
7/0
1
201
8/0
9/0
1
%
Global inflation rates
US Eurozone Japan China UK
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
201
3/0
9/0
1
201
3/1
1/0
1
201
4/0
1/0
1
201
4/0
3/0
1
201
4/0
5/0
1
201
4/0
7/0
1
201
4/0
9/0
1
201
4/1
1/0
1
201
5/0
1/0
1
201
5/0
3/0
1
201
5/0
5/0
1
201
5/0
7/0
1
201
5/0
9/0
1
201
5/1
1/0
1
201
6/0
1/0
1
201
6/0
3/0
1
201
6/0
5/0
1
201
6/0
7/0
1
201
6/0
9/0
1
201
6/1
1/0
1
201
7/0
1/0
1
201
7/0
3/0
1
201
7/0
5/0
1
201
7/0
7/0
1
201
7/0
9/0
1
201
7/1
1/0
1
201
8/0
1/0
1
201
8/0
3/0
1
201
8/0
5/0
1
201
8/0
7/0
1
201
8/0
9/0
1
%
EM inflation rates
Indonesia India Brazil Turkey Mexico South Africa
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 5
• While geopolitical tensions temporarily calmed in the past month as China
acceded to review its trade policies, and waivers were made on Iranian
sanctions, global trade activity did not recover. The Baltic Dry index has
continued to decline, reflecting reduced shipments, lower demand activity
and possibly subdued growth. Global PMIs are still reflecting a slowdown in
manufacturing activity within developed markets. EM PMIs were slightly
higher in October. $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to the US may still
have the 25% import tariff imposed on it in January 2019 – a key issue being
decided on by President Trump. The G20 meeting introduced some
negotiation between the two largest economies, however this remained
unresolved.
• US GDP growth eased in Q3, to 3.5% q/q, from 4.2% in Q2, driven by a
decline in net exports. However, Q4 growth is expected to strengthen as a
result of better consumer spending activity and exports. In the Eurozone,
retail sales growth slumped in September, along with industrial production,
the trade balance and consumer confidence. As a result, the manufacturing
PMI is expected to have declined in November, while confidence levels
remain subdued.
• The UK is battling uncertainty over Brexit, which terms are set to be voted
on on the 11 December 2018. Preliminary Q3 GDP growth showed a slight
improvement to 0.6% q/q in Q3, from 0.4% in Q2, propped up by both
government and private consumption. However, the BOE remains
concerned over the longer term trajectory as a result of the potential
negative consequences of a no-deal Brexit.
• Chinese economic data was mixed in October, with retail growth easing,
industrial production growth rising slightly, while its trade surplus continued
to widen as a result of healthy export activity. In Japan, household spending
contracted in September but could recover in Q4. Japanese GDP contracted
by 0.3% q/q in Q3, from 0.8% growth in Q2, due to adverse weather
conditions which limited industrial activity and halted exports. There is
growing consensus that Japanese economic activity may normalise in Q4
following the Q3 disappointment. EM economic activity improved in Q3,
following a stable dollar, better demand and manufacturing activity, and a
fall in the oil price. However the longer term outlook is highly dependent on
global growth rebounding.
Geopolitical tensions pause but downside risks still a threat
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
Chart 3: Major PMIs are expansionary, but turning lower
Chart 4: Global manufacturing activity driven by DMs
Chart 5: EM PMIs are mixed, SA neutral
Source: Bloomberg, IMF, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
Chart 6: Global growth driven by China and other EMs over the next two years – IMF and Bloomberg
40
45
50
55
60
65
Major manufacturing PMIs
US Eurozone Japan China UK
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55Manufacturing PMIs
EM PMI Global PMI
35
40
45
50
55
60EM manufacturing PMIs
Indonesia India Brazil Turkey Mexico South Africa
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 6
• Despite further disappointments on the economic front, the ECB remains
committed to ending its QE programme this year, after halving its asset
purchases to €15 billion in October. The ECB seems unfazed because it is still
maintaining a loose monetary policy stance through reinvesting proceeds
from maturing bonds. However given the about-turn by the Fed, we will not
be surprised if the ECB decides to review its policy path.
• The Fed has started to rethink its hawkish policy stance due to concerns that
it may overshoot its targeted neutral rate. Market consensus is for one last
hike this year in December, however there is no consensus on what the 2019
dot plot will look like. We could see the Fed hiking twice in 2019, before it is
forced to pause as a result of disappointing economic data.
• While UK inflation has fallen recently, it remains above the BOE target. In
fact, the BOE forecasts inflation to remain above 2% over the next three
years, and so remains hawkish as a result. The market anticipates one hike
each in 2019 and 2020, however if inflationary pressures rise, then this may
be revised higher.
Fed tempers hawkishness, BOE and ECB remain on course
MONETARY POLICY DYNAMICS: GLOBAL
Chart 7: US inflation expectations are sticky above 2%
Chart 8: UK inflation remains elevated; expectations ease marginally in the near term
Chart 9: Eurozone swap markets more in tune with actual inflation
Chart 10: Policy rates across DMs set to rise over the medium to long term
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
1
1,2
1,4
1,6
1,8
2
2,2
2,4
2,6
2,8
3
2014/08/18 2015/08/18 2016/08/18 2017/08/18 2018/08/18
US inflation expectations
University of Michigan 5-10 year inflation expectationsUS 10y breakeven inflation rateUS 5y5y inflation swapTarget
1,5
2
2,5
3
3,5
4
2014/08/19 2015/08/19 2016/08/19 2017/08/19 2018/08/19
UK inflation expectations
UK 5y5y inflation swap UK 10y breakeven inflation rate Target
-1,5
-1
-0,5
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
2014/08/19 2015/08/19 2016/08/19 2017/08/19 2018/08/19
Europe inflation expectations
Europe 5y5y inflation swap Europe 10y breakeven inflation rate Target
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2000
/08
/17
2001
/08
/17
2002
/08
/17
2003
/08
/17
2004
/08
/17
2005
/08
/17
2006
/08
/17
2007
/08
/17
2008
/08
/17
2009
/08
/17
2010
/08
/17
2011
/08
/17
2012
/08
/17
2013
/08
/17
2014
/08
/17
2015
/08
/17
2016
/08
/17
2017
/08
/17
2018
/08
/17
%
Major central banks interest rates
Fed funds rate - upper band ECB main refinancing rate
BOE bank rate BOJ policy rate
Next MPC meeting
Probability of a
hike/cut/hold
US 2018/12/19 21:00:00 78,60%
UK 2018/12/20 14:00:00 99,30%
Eurozone 2018/12/13 14:45:00 94,10%
Japan 2018/12/20 98,70%
China
India 2018/12/05 11:00:00 84,50%
Mexico 2018/12/20 21:00:00 94,80%
South Africa 2019/01/17 16,00%
Updated 30-N o v-18
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 7
• After sounding increasingly hawkish since its September meeting, the US Fed
has come to the realisation that it may need to reassess its policy tools, and
its tightening strategy. While domestic macroeconomic data remain upbeat,
cracks have started to emerge in the form of a slowdown in business capex
spending, tighter global financial conditions and rising geopolitical tensions.
The Fed is also concerned that it may overshoot its targeted neutral rate at a
time when the effects of loose fiscal policy starts to fade in 2019. This would
also imply that CPI may peak and 2% and then start to decelerate We are
likely to see a downward revision to the Fed’s Dot-plot in early 2019 – the
Fed currently forecasts one last hike for this year, followed by three in 2019
(this may fall to two hikes in 2019, followed by none in 2020).
• The ECB left interest rates unchanged at 0% and remained committed to
ending its QE programme at the end of the year, whilst keeping interest
rates unchanged until 3Q19. The statement remained hawkish in nature,
highlighting that demand remains upbeat, supporting consumption, and
supported by rising wages. The ECB has halved its monthly QE purchases, to
€15 billion, until the end of the year, thereafter ending asset purchases, but
still reinvesting the proceeds of maturing bonds, in order to maintain
monetary accommodation. The ECB still believes that significant monetary
accommodation is still necessary for the continued and sustained
convergence of inflation to levels close to 2%.
• The BOE unanimously kept interest rates unchanged at 0.75% and
maintained its asset purchase programme but continued to sound
increasingly hawkish as policymakers outlined concern over Brexit scenarios
and rising wage and price pressures. The core focus of the BOE’s statement
was due to Brexit, with the BOE expecting a negotiated transition and any
deviation from that expectations may cause the BOE to react to any
disorderly outcome. Importantly, the conditioning path for the BOE’s bank
rate has risen marginally in 2019 and 2020, to 1% and 1.2% (up by 10bps in
both years). Growth estimates were marginally lower for 4Q19, while
inflation was assessed to end this year higher than previously forecast (2.5%
vs. 2.3% in August).
• Of the 57 most watched central banks, 24 have already raised interest rates
in the last six months, while one (Venezuela) has cut interest rates. Turkey
and Argentina has raised interest rates by 16% and 23% respectively.
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
Chart 11: The Fed remains at the forefront of tightening
Chart 12: Global bond yields mixed as risk-off supports some DM bonds
Chart 13: EM monetary policy stance broadly loose, apart from Turkey Chart 14: EM bond yields rise amid risk-off
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
-0,5
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
Major policy rates
US Eurozone Japan UK China (RHS)
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
3
3,5
4
4,5
5
-0,5
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
3
3,5 Majors: 10y bond yields
US Euro Japan UK China (RHS)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
EM policy rates
Indonesia India Brazil Turkey Mexico South Africa
0
5
10
15
20
25 EM 10y bond yields
Indonesia India Brazil Turkey Mexico South Africa
Policy rates: Upcoming Fed hike and an end to the ECB’s QE
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 8
• High frequency data prints for Q3 show a mixed but slightly positive outlook
for growth in the quarter. The mining and manufacturing industries switched
fortunes in Q3 relative to Q2 – manufacturing production ended the quarter
up 1.7% q/q, and is likely to contribute positively towards Q3 growth, after
the 0.3% contraction in Q2. The manufacturing industry makes up 13% of
GDP, and is likely to drive trade and transport activity over the quarter. An
inventory rebuild in the industry is likely to have driven growth in
production. Inventories are therefore set to contribute positively towards
Q3 GDE, after the substantial draw down in Q2. In contrast, mining
production declined by 2.2% q/q in Q3, after posting 4.9% growth in the Q2
GDP print. Mining production has come under pressure as a result of the
recent weakness in global demand and production stoppages as a result of
strikes.
• On the consumption side, households returned to the malls in Q3, with
retail sales growing by 1.5% q/q in Q3, from -0.4% in Q2. This is the single
biggest component which may drive growth in Q3, as household final
consumption expenditure makes up 59% of GDE. Higher wage settlements,
still low inflation, and the interest rate cut in March would have supported
spending in the quarter.
• The medium term outlook remains concerning as a result of falling
disposable income growth, higher unemployment levels, interest rates and
inflation, and distressed lending seen in credit extended to households. New
vehicles sales have contracted in Q3, after a positive Q2, and this may limit
the incline in consumption activity somewhat. Household consumption is
likely to remain positive in Q4 as well, due to seasonal influences. Net
exports are likely to have contributed negatively towards Q3 GDP as exports
rose by 12.2% over the quarter while imports surged 18.2%.
• The Nedbank Group Economic Unit projects a growth rate of 0.6% for 2018
and 1.6% for 2019, but risks are still tilted to the downside. Investment
pledges of R290 billion that was made in October will only boost growth if
these are indeed realised.
Medium term outlook for growth remains clouded by policy uncertainty
SOUTH AFRICA’S REAL ECONOMY
Chart 15: SA confidence leads investment growth Chart 16: SARB’s leading index remains positive
Chart 17: SA economy needs to reduce dependence on government
Source: Bloomberg, Stats SA, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
06-2
008
12-2
008
06-2
009
12-2
009
06-2
010
12-2
010
06-2
011
12-2
011
06-2
012
12-2
012
06-2
013
12-2
013
06-2
014
12-2
014
06-2
015
12-2
015
06-2
016
12-2
016
06-2
017
12-2
017
06-2
018
12-2
018
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
%
Ind
ex
SA investment vs. confidence
BER Business confidence Gross fixed capital formation (y/y %, 2qtr lag)
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
09-2
000
07-2
001
05-2
002
03-2
003
01-2
004
11-2
004
09-2
005
07-2
006
05-2
007
03-2
008
01-2
009
11-2
009
09-2
010
07-2
011
05-2
012
03-2
013
01-2
014
11-2
014
09-2
015
07-2
016
05-2
017
03-2
018
%%
SA leading index and growth
SA GDP q/q% SA leading index y/y % (RHS)
2% 4% 2% 1% 2% 4% 3% 1% 2% 4% 2% 1% 2% 4% 2% 1% 2% 4% 3% 1% 2% 4%4%4%
4% 3% 4%4% 4% 3% 4% 4% 4% 3% 4% 4% 4% 3% 4% 4% 4% 3% 4% 4%4%
4%4% 4% 4%
4%4%
4% 4%4%
4% 4% 4%4% 4% 4% 4%
4%4% 4% 4%
4%6%
6%6%
6% 6%6%
6%6%
6%6%
6% 6% 6%6%
6%6%
6%6%
6%6%
6%6%
9%9% 10%
9% 8%8% 9%
9% 8%8%
8% 8% 7%8% 8% 9% 8%
7% 9%8% 7%
7%
10%10% 10%
11% 10%10% 10%
11% 10%10% 10% 11% 10%
10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%10% 10%
9%
13%12% 13%
13% 13%13% 13%
14% 13%13% 14% 14% 13%
13% 14% 13% 13% 13% 13% 14% 13% 13%
15% 14% 14% 16% 15%14% 14% 16% 15% 14% 15% 16% 15%
14% 14% 16% 15% 14% 15% 16% 15% 15%
17% 16% 17% 17% 17% 17% 17% 17% 17% 17% 18% 18% 18% 17% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18%
21% 20% 20% 20% 21% 19% 20% 20% 21% 20% 20% 20% 21% 20% 20% 20% 21% 20% 20% 20% 21% 20%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2013- Q1
2013- Q2
2013- Q3
2013- Q4
2014- Q1
2014- Q2
2014- Q3
2014- Q4
2015- Q1
2015- Q2
2015- Q3
2015- Q4
2016- Q1
2016- Q2
2016- Q3
2016- Q4
2017- Q1
2017- Q2
2017- Q3
2017- Q4
2018- Q1
2018- Q2
GDP breakdown by Sector
Agriculture, forestry and fishing Electricity, gas and water Construction
Personal services Mining and quarrying Transport, storage and communication
Manufacturing Trade, catering and accommodation General government services
Finance, real estate and business services
63% 59% 60% 61% 62% 59% 59% 60% 60% 59% 59% 61% 60% 58% 59% 60% 60% 58% 58% 60% 61% 59%
21% 20% 21%20%
22% 20% 21%20%
21% 20% 21% 20% 22% 20% 21% 20% 22% 21% 21% 20% 22% 21%
20% 20% 21%21%
21% 20% 21% 20% 21% 20% 21% 20% 20% 19% 19% 19% 20% 19% 19% 18% 19% 18%
-1%
3% 2%
-1% -3%
3% 1%
0% 0%
1% 1% 0%
-1%
0% 1%
-1% -2%
1% 0%
0% -2%
1%
-3% -2% -4% -1%-3%
-2% -2%
0%
-2%
0%
-2% -2% -1%
2% 0% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2%
-1%
1%
-2 0%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2013- Q1
2013- Q2
2013- Q3
2013- Q4
2014- Q1
2014- Q2
2014- Q3
2014- Q4
2015- Q1
2015- Q2
2015- Q3
2015- Q4
2016- Q1
2016- Q2
2016- Q3
2016- Q4
2017- Q1
2017- Q2
2017- Q3
2017- Q4
2018- Q1
2018- Q2
GDP breakdown by expenditure
Final consumption expenditure by households Final consumption expenditure by general governmentGross fixed capital formation Change in inventoriesNet exports
Chart 18: Spending is a key driver of economic activity
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 9
• SA CPI rose marginally in October as a result of the sharp increase in
transport inflation, but the upside was contained by lower food costs. CPI
rose to 5.1% y/y, which was below market consensus of 5.2%. CPI has
surprised to the downside relative to consensus in seven out of the past 10
months, while CPI has consistently been below the SARBs estimates for the
entire year thus far and is likely to come in below its estimate of 5.3% in Q4
as well.
• CPI was driven higher in October as a result of the R1/litre petrol price hike,
which saw transport inflation surging to 22.8% y/y (prev. 18.5%). Food and
NAB inflation actually eased in October, driven by fruit, meat and breads
and cereals. In October we had components of miscellaneous goods and
services being surveyed, and as a result eased services inflation and limited
the increase in headline CPI. Other disinflationary drivers were prices at
restaurants and healthcare.
• A key surprise was the fact that Core inflation remained unchanged at 4.2%
y/y, still reflecting very benign underlying inflationary pressures, subdued
demand, and limited pass through from the rand. Goods price inflation rose
by 30bps in October, to 5.1% y/y, services inflation declined by 10bps, to
5.1% y/y, this dynamic also reflective of subdued demand pressures in the
economy. Administered price inflation was led higher as a result of the sharp
increase in petrol costs in October. This is expected to ease in November and
December, helping headline inflation lower as well.
• We have continued to contend that CPI is likely to surprise to the downside
since the start of the year, and it has. While we currently project a gradual
uptick in headline CPI and core in coming months, we still believe risks
relative to our forecasts and to the SARB’s, in the absence of any demand
shock or exogenous shock, are tilted to the downside. We currently project
average CPI for 2018, 2019 and 2020 at 4.6%, 5.4% and 5.2% respectively.
CPI continues to surprise the market (and the SARB) to the downside
SA INFLATION TRENDS
Table 2: Nedbank CIB inflation estimates
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
Chart 21: Food prices remain disinflationary, but could rise in coming months Chart 20: Breakeven inflation still above 4.5%
Chart 19: Nedbank CIB inflation estimates relative to consensus
Average CPI Core Food Oil USDZARElectricity
2017A 5,3 4,8 7,0 55,7 13,3 4,8
2018F 4,6 4,3 3,4 73,3 13,2 5,2
2019F 5,4 4,6 6,7 72,9 14,2 11,2
2020F 5,2 4,6 6,3 71,0 14,1 12,0
Q1:18A 4,1 4,1 4,1 68,4 11,8 2,2
Q2:18A 4,5 4,4 3,3 77,4 13,0 3,1
Q3:18F 5,0 4,2 3,1 78,1 14,0 7,8
Q4:18F 5,0 4,3 3,3 69,2 14,1 7,7
Q1:19F 5,2 4,5 4,9 73,1 14,3 7,7
Q2:19F 5,4 4,6 6,9 73,1 14,3 12,4
Q3:19F 5,5 4,6 7,8 72,6 14,0 12,4
Q4:19F 5,5 4,6 7,4 72,4 14,0 12,4
Q1:20F 5,4 4,7 6,6 71,9 13,9 12,4
Q2:20F 5,2 4,6 6,2 71,3 14,0 11,8
Q3:20F 5,2 4,6 6,1 70,7 14,2 11,8
Q4:20F 5,2 4,6 6,3 70,1 14,4 11,8
N edbank C IB M arkets R esearch est imates
4
4,5
5
5,5
6
6,5
7
7,5
8
201
3/1
1/0
1
201
4/0
2/0
1
201
4/0
5/0
1
201
4/0
8/0
1
201
4/1
1/0
1
201
5/0
2/0
1
201
5/0
5/0
1
201
5/0
8/0
1
201
5/1
1/0
1
201
6/0
2/0
1
201
6/0
5/0
1
201
6/0
8/0
1
201
6/1
1/0
1
201
7/0
2/0
1
201
7/0
5/0
1
201
7/0
8/0
1
201
7/1
1/0
1
201
8/0
2/0
1
201
8/0
5/0
1
201
8/0
8/0
1
201
8/1
1/0
1
%
SA 5y breakeven inflation rate
SA 5y Breakeven inflation 3m moving average
320
340
360
380
400
420
440
460
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
Sep
-13
Dec
-13
Mar
-14
Jun
-14
Sep
-14
Dec
-14
Mar
-15
Jun
-15
Sep
-15
Dec
-15
Mar
-16
Jun
-16
Sep
-16
Dec
-16
Mar
-17
Jun
-17
Sep
-17
Dec
-17
Mar
-18
Jun
-18
Sep
-18
Ind
ex
ZAR
/MT
SA White Maize (LHS) CRB Food Index (RHS)
4,1
4,5
5,0 5,0
5,2
5,45,5
5,55,4
5,2 5,2 5,2
4,1
4,5
55,1
5,65,5 5,5
5,1 5,15,2
5,35,4
3,0
3,5
4,0
4,5
5,0
5,5
6,0
Q1:18A Q2:18A Q3:18F Q4:18F Q1:19F Q2:19F Q3:19F Q4:19F Q1:20F Q2:20F Q3:20F Q4:20F
SA CPI forecasts
Nedbank CIB Markets Research estimates Bloomberg consensus
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 10
• In line with our expectations, the SARB raised the repo rate by 25bps to
6.75% (see our MPC Preview note of 16 November 2018). We had expected
a dovish hike, and indeed the statement produced enough evidence to
warrant this dovishness, as well as the hike. Just as market consensus was
split down the middle, so too was the MPC, with three members voting for a
hike, while three members voted for a hold. Ultimately, the unofficial
Quarterly Projection Model (QPM) model, dubbed the ‘seventh MPC
member’, suggested the eventual hike (see our MPC Review note of 22
November 2018). However, the decision was based on risks to the inflation
outlook in the long-run, rather than actually projecting a 6% CPI breach, as
the SARB’s inflation forecast was reduced by up to 40bps, explained by the
wider negative output gap. This despite most other inputs rising (weaker
USDZAR forecast, higher oil and electricity prices).
• In our view, it is clear that the MPC has become more risk averse, stressing
that upside risks from a shock emanating from tighter global financial
conditions, financial market volatility and a change in investor sentiment
towards EMs may change the rand’s fortunes. We therefore believe that the
SARB may hike by a further 25bps in the current cycle, as a measure to
guard against exogenous risks that are keeping inflation expectations
elevated.
• The SARB is also cognisant of the importance of achieving a real interest rate
that is close to its neutral level in order to maintain the value of the rand.
The neutral real interest rate is the level at which inflation is stable close to
the SARB target, while the economy is growing at its potential. The SARB’s
neutral real interest rate is currently at 1,9%, implying that monetary policy
is till quite accommodative with an inflation rate at 5,1%.
• We believe that the SARB may follow its QPM path more closely in coming
months, but that the QPM is likely to project fewer hikes (than the current 3
hikes of 25bps each) as inflation continues to surprise to the downside.
SARB now in risk-management mode as it tries to anchor expectations
MONETARY POLICY DYNAMICS: SA
Chart 22: We expect CPI inflation to remain contained below 6% at least until 2020
Chart 23: SARB revises 2018 growth estimate sharply lower
Chart 24: SARB’s inflation forecasts are well below its 2016 and 2017 estimates
Chart 25: Core inflation estimates sharply higher,despite lack of demand-pull inflation
Source: Bloomberg, SARB, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
4,1
4,5
5,0 5,05,2
5,45,5 5,5 5,4
5,2 5,2 5,2
4,1
4,5
5 5,1
5,6 5,5 5,5
5,1 5,1 5,2 5,3 5,4
3,0
3,5
4,0
4,5
5,0
5,5
6,0
6,5
Q1:18F Q2:18F Q3:18F Q4:18F Q1:19F Q2:19F Q3:19F Q4:19F Q1:20F Q2:20F Q3:20F Q4:20F
SA CPI forecasts
Nedbank CIB Markets Research estimates
Bloomberg consensus
SARB - Sep 2018
4
4,5
5
5,5
6
6,5
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
2016 2017 2018
SARB MPC Meetings
SARB core-CPI forecasts - evolution
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Actual
4,5
5
5,5
6
6,5
7
7,5
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
2016 2017 2018
SARB MPC Meetings
SARB CPI forecasts - evolution 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
3
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
JAN
MA
R
MA
Y
JUL
SEP
NO
V
2016 2017 2018
SARB MPC Meetings
SARB GDP forecasts - evolution
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 11
• Moody’s has failed to provide a credit rating review/update before the
MTBPS, with Treasury officials indicating that the Moody’s update will take
place after the MTBPS. This has not happened. However, Moody’s will need
to stick to its release calendar as per the EU regulation, with any deviations
only allowed in the case of material or sudden changes in the Sovereign’s
fundamentals. At this stage, it is uncertain whether Moody’s will provide an
update before year-end, or wait for its scheduled date on 26 April 2019.
• S&P kept the Sovereign’s credit rating and outlook unchanged, but warned
of increasing risks from a low growth outlook, high contingent liabilities,
fragile SOE’s, and a deterioration in SA’s fiscal prospects and the debt
burden. S&P and Fitch both rate SA in junk status. Moody’s is the only rating
agency maintaining a rating above investment grade. S&P has indicated that
if economic growth rises, then this may be a key reason to upgrade SA’s
credit rating. Given the efforts to attract investment, root out corruption,
and create jobs, this may result in improved economic activity if it does
materialise.
• A concern to us and to ratings agencies, is the land reform policy and
whether the Constitution will be amended to allow for expropriation
without compensation. Ratings agencies will be looking at how, if any, these
changes are calibrated to still protect property rights, while allowing for
expropriation without compensation (EWC) where necessary. Moody’s is of
the opinion that this will be a longer term development and will gain pace
after the national elections in 2019. Any indications that SA’s rule of law is
compromised will result in a ratings downgrade.
Credit rating agencies seem unfazed by poor growth outlook and fiscus; Moody’s eerily quiet
CREDIT RISK COMPARISON
Table 3: A summary of SA’s credit ratings
Source: Bloomberg, Credit rating agencies, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
Chart 27: However, SA’s credit risk should ease Chart 26: SA is among the high-risk EMs
Moody's S&P Fitch <SA Credit rating>
Long-term Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term Short-term
Aaa P-1 AAA A-1+ AAA F1+ Prime
Aa1 AA+ AA+ High grade
Aa2 AA AAAa3 AA- AA-A1 A+ A-1 A+ F1 Upper medium grade
A2 A AA3 P-2 A- A-2 A- F2
Baa1 BBB+ BBB+ Lower medium grade
Baa2 P-3 BBB A-3 BBB F3Baa3 (stable)
FC+LCBBB- BBB-
Ba1 BB+ (stable) LC BBB+ (stable)
FC+LCB Non-investment grade
Ba2 BB (stable) FC BB speculative
Ba3 BB- BB-
B1 B+ B+
B2 B B
B3 B- B-
Not prime
Source: F it ch, S&P rat ings, M oody's, N edbank
Highly speculative
Brazil
Chile China
Colombia Costa Rica
Croatia
Greece
Hungary India
Indonesia Mexico
Panama Peru Philippines
Russia
South Africa
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
A+
(po
siti
ve)
A+
(sta
ble
)
A+
(ne
gati
ve)
A (
po
siti
ve)
A (
stab
le)
A (
neg
ativ
e)
A-
(po
siti
ve)
A-
(sta
ble
)
A-
(neg
ativ
e)
BB
B+
(po
siti
ve)
BB
B+
(sta
ble
)
BB
B+
(ne
gat
ive
)
BB
B (
po
sitv
e)
BB
B (
stab
le)
BB
B (
neg
ativ
e)
BB
B-
(po
siti
ve)
BB
B-
(sta
ble
)
BB
B-
(neg
ativ
e)
BB
+ (
po
siti
ve)
BB
+ (
sta
ble
)
BB
+ (
ne
gati
ve
)
BB
(p
osi
tve
)
BB
(st
ab
le)
BB
(n
eg
ativ
e)
BB
- (p
osi
tive
)
BB
- (s
tab
le)
BB
- (n
ega
tive
)
B+
(p
osi
tiv
e)
B+
(st
able
)
B+
(n
ega
tiv
e)
B (
po
siti
ve)
bp
s
EM 5y CDS spreads and credit rating (S&P L/T FC rating)High risk
Low risk
BRAZIL
CHILECHINA
COLOMBIA
COSTA RICA
CROATIA
GREECE
HUNGARYINDIA
INDONESIAMEXICO
PANAMAPERU PHILIPPINES
RUSSIA
SA
THAILAND
TURKEY
VIETNAMAVERAGE
y = 7,8156e0,0645x
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
bp
s
EIU country risk score
Country risk vs 5Y CDS spreadHigh risk
Low risk
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 12
• The SAGB yield curve has visibly flattened over the past month, despite a
disappointing MTBPS and a rise in weekly bond issuance. The global risk
sentiment improved as a result of a few factors – the tension between the
US and China over trade wars has momentarily cooled, while the Fed
signalled uncertainty over its rate hike trajectory. A slump in equity market
performances also prompted demand for bonds as an alternative.
• However the short-end yields have continued to rally in the last three
months as the market increasingly prices in a switch auction before year-
end. At its current yield, the R207 remains well below fair value levels that
are closer to 7.40%.
• While we remain constructive on nominal bonds and overweight relative to
a benchmark, we remain selective with our exposure between the belly and
long end of the yield curve (see our Portfolio update of 13 November 2018).
On a fair value basis, we still believe that the yield curve can flatten further,
in the absence of external headwinds in the near term.
• Last month we argued that the FRA curve is likely to flatten in the absence of
no imminent CPI breach of 6%. The FRA curve has indeed flattened sharply,
in line with nominal yields and core rates. A less-hawkish SARB resulted in
the FRA curve now pricing in just two hikes of 25bps over the next two years
from almost four hikes priced in October. At current levels we do believe the
FRA curve is fair, as we do anticipate the QPM to evolve to project two hikes
over the medium term as oppose to the current three hikes projected. We
still anticipate one last hike of 25bps materialising in the current cycle as the
SARB will be torn between the very low growth outlook, inflation surprising
to the downside, while external risks remain uncertain.
Risk-on environment supports SA yields, FRA curve
SA’S BOND MARKET
Chart 28: FRA curve prices in almost 100bps of hikes over the next two years Chart 29: Risk-off dampens SA bond yields
Chart 30: Short-end portion of the curve steepens sharply
Chart 31: Foreign investors have lightened up on SAGBs, now hold less than 46%
Source: Bloomberg, IIF, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
8%24% 28%
44% 52%72% 76%
96% 100%
132%
156%
184%
208%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
250%
300%
350%
400%
1X4 2X5 3X6 4X7 5X8 6X9 7X10 8X11 9X12 12X15 15X18 18X21 21X24
Pro
bab
ility
FRA probabilities of a 25bps move by the SARB
Current Last meeting Sep-18 meeting
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
R204
(2018)
R207
(2020)
R208
(2021)
R2023
(2023)
R186
(2026)
R2020
(2030)
R213
(2031)
R2032
(2032)
R2035
(2035)
R209
(2036)
R2037
(2037)
R2040
(2040)
R214
(2041)
R2044
(2044)
R2048
(2048)
bp
s
SA yield curve: 1-month change (bps)
0
0,2
0,4
0,6
0,8
1
1,2
1,4
1,6
1,8
2
2013/08/19 2014/08/19 2015/08/19 2016/08/19 2017/08/19 2018/08/19
Short end
186/208 5y average -1 std dev +1 std dev
39.00%
41.00%
43.00%
45.00%
47.00%
49.00%
51.00%
53.00%
Dec
-15
Feb
-16
Ap
r-16
Jun
-16
Au
g-16
Oct
-16
Dec
-16
Feb
-17
Ap
r-17
Jun
-17
Au
g-17
Oct
-17
Dec
-17
Feb
-18
Ap
r-18
Jun
-18
Au
g-18
Oct
-18
Foreign holdings of SA fixed rate bonds
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 13
• Risk sentiment improved in November, which was further aided by the local
SARB interest rate hike, and as a result, we saw the USDZAR strengthen by
7.6%, the EURZAR by 7%, and the GBPZAR by 7.3% through the month. This
was in the face of a very volatile but strong dollar. The USDZAR is still 10.2%
weaker for the YTD. While the NEER has appreciated by 6.7% in November,
it is still 5.6% weaker for the YTD. The ZAR heat map continues to signal a
recovery in December, and this may narrow the rand’s YTD slump further.
• The USDZAR has finally broken below the long term declining channel from
2016, after struggling to make a clean break since early August 2018. It is
currently testing the one standard deviation level above the long run
average and is likely to break lower, heading towards R13.18/$. In the
interim, the R13.60/$ mark remains a key rand resistance level.
• Higher and rising real interest rates may support investor risk sentiment and
as a result remain supportive of the local unit over the near term, in the
absence of external shocks. However, Nedbank maintains its view that the
rand will probably depreciate gradually over the medium term as a result of
external risks.
USDZAR aided by risk sentiment and SARB rate hike in November
THE RAND AND KEY RISKS
Chart 32: ZAR REER falls below fair value Chart 33: ZAR breaks back sustainably back within channel
Chart 34: Oil price suggests that the rand is too weak
Chart 35: Heat map suggests that the rand may recover towards year-end
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
199
8/0
9/0
1
199
9/0
6/0
1
200
0/0
3/0
1
200
0/1
2/0
1
200
1/0
9/0
1
200
2/0
6/0
1
200
3/0
3/0
1
200
3/1
2/0
1
200
4/0
9/0
1
200
5/0
6/0
1
200
6/0
3/0
1
200
6/1
2/0
1
200
7/0
9/0
1
200
8/0
6/0
1
200
9/0
3/0
1
200
9/1
2/0
1
201
0/0
9/0
1
201
1/0
6/0
1
201
2/0
3/0
1
201
2/1
2/0
1
201
3/0
9/0
1
201
4/0
6/0
1
201
5/0
3/0
1
201
5/1
2/0
1
201
6/0
9/0
1
201
7/0
6/0
1
201
8/0
3/0
1
Ind
ex
ZAR REER
REER Average 1 stddev
Weaker ZAR
Stronger ZAR
y = -0,0619x + 16,878
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95
USD
ZAR
Oil (USD/bbl.)
USDZAR vs. oil
Heat map: Long- t erm mont hly t rend
J F M A M J J A S O N D
USDZAR
GBPZAR
EURZAR
Red= ZAR weakn ess
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 14
• The USDZAR has gained more than 7% in November and is the best
performing currency in the world. However EM FX did not fare too badly as
well, dominating the top 10 best performing currencies. The USDZAR was
followed by the Indonesian rupiah, the Turkish lira and the Indian rupee,
while commodity currencies like the New Zealand dollar, Chilean Peso and
Australian dollar followed close behind.
• The JP Morgan EM FX index gained 1.3%. the reason for the subdued pace of
strength in the index was due to other EM FX performing equally bad – the
Brazilian real, Argentine peso, Russian ruble and Mexican peso were
amongst the worst performing currencies in the world, weighing on the EM
FX index and limiting the upside from positive risk sentiment in the month.
• Hence the USDZAR remains an outperformer relative to its peers. Foreign
sentiment improved enough to warrant inflows (R3 bn) into the local bond
market in November, while large outflows from equities were reminiscent of
the global trend. These bond market inflows helped buoy the currency in
November, and may possibly do so into December as well.
• The IIF however, believes that currency weakness will continue to be a
challenge for EMs as risk appetite ebbs. The rand is likely to remain
vulnerable in 2019 as global financial conditions tighten further, hence we
forecast gradual weakness for the USDZAR toward R14.20 over the next
three months.
Rand leads global FX scorecard in November
THE RAND AND KEY RISKS
Chart 36: The rand now underperforms relative to the EM trend
Chart 37: ZAR fairly stable against commodity currencies
Chart 38: Decline in global risk appetite may continue to weigh on EM FX - IIF
Chart 39: Foreign capital flows are an extension of ZAR weakness
Source: Bloomberg, IIF, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
1008
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
2013/01/01 2014/01/01 2015/01/01 2016/01/01 2017/01/01 2018/01/01
Ind
ex
USD
ZAR
USDZAR vs EM FX
USDZAR EM FX - inverted (RHS)
Weaker EM FX
Stronger EM FX
8
8,5
9
9,5
10
10,5
11
11,5
12
12,5
2013/01/01 2014/01/01 2015/01/01 2016/01/01 2017/01/01 2018/01/01
ZAR
ZAR vs Commodity FX
AUDZAR CADZAR
Weaker ZAR
Stronger ZAR
(100 000)
(80 000)
(60 000)
(40 000)
(20 000)
-
20 000
40 000
60 000
80 000
100 000
2017
/01
/02
2017
/02
/02
2017
/03
/02
2017
/04
/02
2017
/05
/02
2017
/06
/02
2017
/07
/02
2017
/08
/02
2017
/09
/02
2017
/10
/02
2017
/11
/02
2017
/12
/02
2018
/01
/02
2018
/02
/02
2018
/03
/02
2018
/04
/02
2018
/05
/02
2018
/06
/02
2018
/07
/02
2018
/08
/02
2018
/09
/02
2018
/10
/02
2018
/11
/02
Foreign capital flows: cumulative since 2017 (Rm)
Cumulative bonds Cumulative equities
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 15
• As the US waivered eight countries from participating in its sanctions on
Iran, and global demand has eased, the consequent supply glut has resulted
in a sharp fall in the Brent crude price in the past month. OPEC meets this
week to decide on its supply strategy going into 2019 and is likely to debate
production cuts of up to 1 million barrels/day. Should there be no consensus
on production cuts, then the oil price will likely remain at current low levels.
However, if OPEC decides to mop up excess supplies, then this may be
supportive of the oil price over the medium term. Nonetheless, SA is the
second-largest importer of oil in the world (as a % of GDP) and is likely to
benefit from the recent slump in fuel costs. Whether or not this will be
sustained is yet to be seen.
• World equity indices remain under pressure, fuelled by global growth
concerns, tighter financial conditions and trade uncertainty. In dollar-terms,
the UK’s FTSE is the worst performing DM equity index, which is down 17.5%
for the YTD. This is followed by the Eurostoxx, which has lost 14% YTD. If
global growth does slow down sharply in 2019, this may result in
disappointing corporate earnings and a further slide in benchmark equity
indices. This may be further fuelled by tighter financial conditions and higher
interest rates in the US, that is still not a foregone conclusion. The IMF and
the World Bank have indicated that it does expect global growth to slow
gradually over the next two years.
Brent sharply lower as supply glut concerns persist; equity market rout deepens
OTHER MARKETS
Chart 40: ZAR oil price slumps 36% since October peak
Chart 41:US crude stockpiles continue to rise, placing upward pressure on global supplies
Chart 42: Global risk-off dampens global equity indices
Chart 43: Equity indices sharply lower; SA equities under pressure from foreign selling
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
0,9
1
1,1
1,2
1,3
1,4
1,5
Jan
20
17
= 1
00
SA Top 40 Index vs benchmarks
SA MSCI EM MSCI World
0,8
0,9
1
1,1
1,2
1,3
1,4
1,5
Jan
20
17
= 1
00
SA vs Major equity indices
SA Australia Canada US UK
Eurozone Japan China MSCI EM MSCI World
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 16
• The following is a list of planned local and
global events as well as dates of
significance. This is a non-exhaustive list,
which obviously excludes unscheduled one-
off events and unplanned meetings such as
Cabinet changes, court cases, leadership
changes, other political developments and
any sort of Constitutional changes/reform.
• Example of notable events in 2019, with
undetermined dates:
• ANC NEC Lekgotla
• 2019 SA General Elections
• 2019 SA Sovereign rating review dates
• Brexit dates
Calendar of
event risks
APPENDICES
*IndicativeSource: Various media sources, Bloomberg
January February March14 Jan – US earnings season*17 Jan – SARB MPC24 Jan – ECB meeting22-25 Jan – WEF meeting in Davos-Klosters30 Jan – US FOMC meetingJan – President Trump mull tariffs on Chinese goods
14 Feb – SA State of the Nation address (SONA2019)*16 Feb – Nigerian general election20 Feb – SA Budget Speech*
07 Mar – ECB meeting17 Mar – BER 1Q Business confidence17 Mar – SA 4Q18 GDP20 Mar – US FOMC meeting28 Mar – SARB MPC29 Mar – Brexit commencement date (transition period until 31 Dec. 2020)*31 Mar – Turkish local elections
April May June04 Apr – NATO meeting06 Apr – BER 1Q Consumer confidence10 Apr – ECB meeting14 Apr – US earnings season*17 Apr – Indonesian general elections12-24 Apr – Spring Meetings of the World Bank & IMF26 April – Moody’s review of SA credit rating*Apr/May – Indian general elections
01 May – US FOMC meeting 02 May – UK local elections06 May – Term of SA’s 26th Parliament ends (election must be held within 90-days of this date)13 May – Philippine general elections17 May – S&P review SA credit rating*17 May – Fitch review of SA credit rating*23 May – SARB MPCLate May – EU Parliament elections
06 Jun – ECB meeting15 Jun – SA 1Q19 GDP16 Jun – BER 2Q Business confidence19 Jun – US FOMC meetingMid-2019 – UN Security Council election
July August September05 Jul – BER 2Q Consumer confidence14 Jul – US earnings season*18 Jul – SARB MPC25 Jul – ECB meeting31 Jul – US FOMC meetingJul – Japan Legislative (Upper house) elections
04 Aug – South Africa - Last possible day to hold general electionAug – Fed’s Jackson Hole symposium*
08 Sep – Russian elections*12 Sep – ECB meeting16 Sep – BER 3Q Business confidence16 Sep – SA 2Q19 GDP18 Sep – US FOMC meeting 19 Sep – SARB MPC
October November December03 Oct – BER 3Q Consumer confidence14 Oct – US earnings season*15 Oct – Mozambique general elections18-20 Oct – IMF Annual Meetings21 Oct – Canadian federal election23 Oct – SA MTBPS Speech*24 Oct – ECB meeting25 Oct – Moody’s review of SA credit rating*27 Oct – Argentina National elections30 Oct – US FOMC meeting31 Oct – ECB Chair Draghi’s term endsOct – Botswana, Greece, Portugal elections
01 Nov – European Commission Presidential Succession05 Nov – US mayoral/legislative elections21 Nov – SARB MPC22 Nov – S&P review of SA credit rating*22 Nov – Fitch review of SA credit rating*Nov – Namibia, Australia, Israel, Poland elections
11 Dec – US FOMC meeting 12 Dec – ECB meeting16 Dec – BER 4Q Consumer confidence16 Dec – SA 3Q19 GDP17 Dec – BER 4Q Business confidenceDec – Tunisia, Mauritius, Croatia elections
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 17
Upcoming economic data releases
APPENDICES
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
Date Time Indicator Period Previous
12/03/2018 11:00 Absa Manufacturing PMI Nov 42.4 20 - 22 November 2018
12/03/2018 Naamsa Vehicle Sales YoY Nov 1.7% 15 - 17 January 2019
12/04/2018 11:30 GDP Annualized QoQ 3Q -0.7% 26 - 28 March 2019
12/04/2018 11:30 GDP YoY 3Q 0.4% 21 - 23 May 2019
12/05/2018 09:15 Standard Bank South Africa PMI Nov 46.9 16 - 18 July 2019
12/06/2018 13-Dec BER Consumer Confidence 4Q 7 17 - 19 September 2019
12/07/2018 08:00 Gross Reserves Nov $50.17b 19 - 21 November 2019
12/07/2018 08:00 Net Reserves Nov $42.19b
12/11/2018 11:30 Mining Production YoY Oct -1.8%
12/11/2018 11:30 Mining Production MoM Oct 1.2%
12/11/2018 11:30 Gold Production YoY Oct -19.0%
12/11/2018 11:30 Platinum Production YoY Oct 7.2% Source: SARB
12/11/2018 13:00 Manufacturing Prod NSA YoY Oct 0.1%
12/11/2018 13:00 Manufacturing Prod SA MoM Oct -1.0%
12/12/2018 10:00 CPI YoY Nov 5.1%
12/12/2018 10:00 CPI MoM Nov 0.5%
12/12/2018 10:00 CPI Core YoY Nov 4.2%
12/12/2018 10:00 CPI Core MoM Nov 0.1%
12/12/2018 11:30 SACCI Business Confidence Nov 95.8
12/12/2018 13:00 Retail Sales Constant YoY Oct 0.7%
12/12/2018 13:00 Retail Sales MoM Oct -0.6%
12/13/2018 11:30 PPI YoY Nov 6.9%
12/13/2018 11:30 PPI MoM Nov 1.4%
12/16/2018 23-Dec Current Account as a % GDP 3Q -3.3%
12/16/2018 23-Dec Current Account Balance 3Q -164b
12/18/2018 09:00 Leading Indicator Oct 104.7
12/21/2018 14:00 South Africa Budget Nov --
12/31/2018 08:00 Money Supply M3 YoY Nov 5.99%
12/31/2018 08:00 Private Sector Credit YoY Nov 5.82%
12/31/2018 14:00 Trade Balance Rand Nov --
Source: Nedbank, Bloomberg
SARB MPC meeting dates – 2018/19
SARB Governor Kganyago typically addresses the market on the
third day of the MPC meeting from 15:00 to announce the repo
rate decision, which was raised to 6.75% (previously 6.50%)
following the November 2018 MPC meeting.
Economic data releases
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 18
Nedbank Group forecasts
APPENDICES
Note that the above forecasts represent the Nedbank Group House view estimates
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
GDP q/q SAAR 1,30 -2,60 -0,69 2,20 2,10 0,60 0,90 1,70 2,10 2,30 1,60 1,50 2,40 2,40 1,90 2,00
Current account as a % of GDP -2,50 -3,60 -3,50 -3,70
Gold $/oz. (EOP) 1295,11 1323,73 1250,51 1181,42 1193,23 1193,23 1217,10 1229,27 1253,86 1241,32 1241,32 1216,49 1228,66 1253,23 1240,70 1240,70
Exchange rates (EOP)
USDZAR 12,410 11,813 13,713 14,113 13,830 13,830 14,522 14,231 13,947 14,016 14,016 13,876 14,084 14,225 14,439 14,439
EURZAR 14,837 14,544 15,954 16,399 15,833 15,833 16,542 16,131 15,777 15,777 15,777 15,464 15,618 15,774 15,931 15,931
GBPZAR 16,714 16,605 17,989 18,446 18,078 18,078 18,887 18,509 18,049 18,139 18,139 17,692 17,958 17,958 18,047 18,047
AUDZAR 9,682 9,070 10,138 10,178 9,945 9,945 10,390 10,162 9,949 10,038 10,038 9,889 10,077 10,158 10,289 10,289
ZARJPY 9,080 9,030 8,066 8,037 8,119 8,119 7,771 7,929 8,132 8,091 8,091 8,214 8,093 8,052 7,973 7,973
GBPUSD 1,347 1,406 1,312 1,307 1,307 1,307 1,301 1,301 1,294 1,294 1,294 1,275 1,275 1,262 1,250 1,250
EURUSD 1,196 1,231 1,163 1,162 1,145 1,145 1,139 1,133 1,131 1,126 1,126 1,114 1,109 1,109 1,103 1,103
USDJPY 112,68 106,67 110,61 113,42 112,29 112,29 112,85 112,85 113,41 113,41 113,41 113,98 113,98 114,55 115,12 115,12
USDCNY 6,508 6,289 6,623 6,886 6,893 6,893 6,900 6,934 6,948 6,955 6,955 6,962 6,997 7,011 7,018 7,018
USDCHF 0,978 0,957 0,995 0,977 0,990 0,990 0,993 0,996 0,996 0,999 0,999 1,007 1,010 1,012 1,015 1,015
USDAUD 1,282 1,302 1,353 1,387 1,391 1,391 1,398 1,400 1,402 1,396 1,396 1,403 1,398 1,400 1,403 1,403
SA Interest rates (EOP)
3-month JIBAR 7,16 6,87 6,96 7,00 7,28 7,28 7,28 7,27 7,27 7,50 7,50 7,75 7,74 7,73 7,73 7,73
Prime 10,25 10,00 10,00 10,00 10,25 10,25 10,25 10,25 10,25 10,50 10,50 10,75 10,75 10,75 10,75 10,75
Long bond (10-yr) 8,82 8,18 9,04 9,22 9,60 9,60 9,75 9,05 8,85 8,95 8,95 9,25 8,75 8,65 8,65 8,65
CPI % (EOP) 4,70 3,81 4,57 4,91 4,27 4,27 4,65 4,32 4,48 4,89 4,89 5,26 5,12 5,07 5,20 5,20
EOP = End of period rate Source: Nedbank Group Economic Unit
While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and views contained in this document, no responsibility can be assumed for any action based thereon.
2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020
MONTHLY INSIGHTS | PAGE 19
Other SA charts
APPENDICES
Source: Bloomberg, Nedbank CIB Markets Research
Chart 45: BER Manufacturing PMI (monthly) Chart 46: SA CPI yoy percentage (monthly)
Chart 48: SA 10y generic bond yield (monthly) Chart 49: SA GDP growth qoq % SAAR (quarterly)
Chart 44: SACCI Consumer Confidence Index (monthly)
Chart 47: SA Repo rate (monthly)
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Ind
ex
leve
l
SACCI Consumer confidence index
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Ind
ex
leve
l
BER Manufacturing PMI
Negative
Positive
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
%
SA CPI (y/y %)
4
4,5
5
5,5
6
6,5
7
7,5
%
SA Repo rate (%)
6
6,5
7
7,5
8
8,5
9
9,5
10
%
SA 10y bond yield (%)
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
%
SA GDP growth - quarterly (q/q SAAR %)
4 qtr moving average