Morning Wrap (20.11.2023)

Stock indexes were traded mostly higher during the session in the Asia-Pacific region. At the beginning of the new week, investors extends positive sentiments driven by hopes of an end to interest rate hikes.

Chinese indexes are up around 1.30-1.50%, the Korean Kospi is noted 0.85% higher, the Japanese Nikkei is down 0.60%, and the Australian S&P ASX 200 is noted lower by 0.20%.

The dollar lost against all the currencies of the Group of 10, while the emerging market currency index rose to the highest level since February. Investors are already pricing in even a 30% probability of the first interest rate cut in March of the coming year.

China has left the benchmark interest rates for loans unchanged, in line with expectations. A weaker yuan continued to limit further easing of monetary policy, as decision-makers waited for the impact of earlier stimuli.

Currently, the 5-year interest rate in China is 4.2% (forecast 4.2%, previous 4.20%), while the 1-year is 3.45% (forecast 3.45%, previous 3.45%).

Credit rating agency Moody's has maintained Italy's credit ratings at Baa3 and raised the outlook from negative to stable. In a comment published on social media, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti stated that he is "pleased with the result".

Oil prices rose after information that OPEC+ is considering introducing additional cuts in oil supplies. The next meeting of the group will take place at the end of this month.

Cryptocurrencies are noted slightly higher after experiencing a deeper correction at the end of last week. Bitcoin even fell to 36,000 USD, while other projects lost more. Ethereum was again weaker than the market and fell to the level of 1910 USD - over 10% from the peaks of the first part of this year.

The declines were caused by the lack of acceptance of ETF applications by the SEC and the extension of two applications. Moreover, the SEC issued further recommendations, according to which funds will have to resubmit updated applications.