Brexit, trade wars, oil and ruble problems

9 apr 2019

April 12, 2019 is the official Brexit date. There are two options: leaving without a deal (both are afraid of it, Britain and the EU, therefore, we regard this outcome as highly unlikely) or a delay. In our opinion, the second option is alternative. It is all about the terms. The EU summit will show whether it takes a year, as the EU wants, or a couple of months, as the Britain wants. Our trading tactics are unchanged so far - we buy a pound on descents.

Trade negotiations between the US and China over the end of the trade wars continue. This week promises to be quite intensive in terms of the negotiation process. Recall that the completion of trade wars is viewed by markets as positive for the world economy as a whole and for individual markets (commodity, stock) in particular.

Oil has reached its maximum in the last 5 months. The reasons for this we have already listed. The main thing is the OPEC + No.2 agreement, which provides for an artificial supply reduction in the oil market by 1.2 million b / d. In addition, a sharp drop in the level of mining in Venezuela and problems in Libya only only thrown oil on the flames. The result - the growth of oil quotations despite an increase in the production of shale in the USA. We continue to look for points for asset purchases on the intraday basis with small stops.

We recommend yesterday’s ruble appreciation in the foreign exchange market as a pretext for its selling. “Deadly” sanctions are already under consideration by Congress. Recall that one of the main strikes from the new package will impact banking system. Analysts of Raiffeisen bank calculated the total volume of problem assets on the balance of credit institutions of the Russian Federation in 2019 exceeded 10 trillion (problematic is considered “mortgage with indicators of impairment”, which include bad, toxic and simply non-performing loans). The coverage ratio of bank reserves of problem debts is only 54%, i.e. the amount of uncovered problem assets is estimated at 4.7 trillion rubles. The banks will not be able to cover this hole with their own capital - it simply will not be enough. Thus, the banking system is more vulnerable than ever, and sanctions may well destroy the delicate balance and lead to collapse. In this light, we recall our basic recommendation to sell the ruble at every available opportunity.

We want to highlight a recommendation on the dollar sales, as well as purchases of gold.