How to Use TMX Futures to Trade Different Macro and Crisis Scenarios

  • The US economy is proving strong on the back of resilient household balance sheets, despite still-high inflation. This suggests the Federal Reserve may hike more than expected.
  • The Canadian economy is performing well, too. However, the average Canadian consumer appears more fragile than the average American consumer. Therefore, the Bank of Canada may hike less than the Federal Reserve.
  • We examine the risk of a banking crisis in the US and Canada.
  • Based on futures activity, we find investors are uncertain about central bank terminal rates.
  • We consider how investors should position in different scenarios of dovish central banks, hawkish central banks and a bank crisis.

READ ARTICLE

Related Articles

  • August 20, 2024
    September contracts face unique challenges due to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The roll period begins earlier, with first notice on August 30th and last delivery on September 27th. Currently, overnight repo rates exceed CTD coupons, causing negative carry for long basis positions. This may shift for the December CGZ contract amid Bank of Canada expectations. Other contracts will follow suit later. Short futures positions likely deliver early, barring wildcard option strategies. Contrary to predictions, CGB wildcard option players continue to participate profitably, defying expectations.
    July 24, 2024
    Fixed Income activity typically slows during summer months, as evidenced by lower bond futures volume. However, the 2024 summer has been more active, offering liquidity provision opportunities. Notable examples include trades in 10-Year (CGB) and 5-Year (CGF) bond futures. Investors can leverage seasonal Canadian statistics, such as employment releases and housing sales, to inform trading strategies. These strategies might involve constructing seasonal swap trades using CGB-CGF or speculating on interest rate policies through Three-Month CORRA Futures (CRA). The slower summer period can present unique opportunities for savvy investors in the Fixed Income market.