Rise of safer assets may concern FX traders
Oct 18 (Reuters) -The rise of safer assets may concern traders who might position for the risk aversion that gains for these assets implies.
Gold, which has risen over $900/oz in the past year, certainly reflects heightened demand for an asset that has continued to rise even though the inflation that once supported it has dissipated.
One reason for the gains that have lifted the precious metal to record highs is the safety it offers should the stratospheric gains for equities result in a correction.
The backdrop of wars, a little too much inflation that may prevent central banks from lowering interest rates, a marked slowdown in China's economy, and the potential for a big change in U.S. policies after the election certainly warrant caution.
Instead, investors continue to pile into equities that are almost growing more expensive by the day. The will to buy high will heighten the extent and speed of any reverse should it come.
The recent rise in the value of the dollar, which has recouped over half the losses that resulted from the selling of traders preparing for U.S. rate cuts, is another reason to worry.
The rise is more recent and it is putting a lot of pressure on the riskier currencies that speculators have gambled will increase. As a result, traders are badly positioned for a risk averse shock.
Another clear sign of risk aversion is the rise of the Swiss franc which has gained around 5% on a trade-weighted basis since May. EUR/CHF, which dropped to a multi-year low in August, might be a lot lower if not for the support of an easing cycle in Switzerland and probable intervention in September.
Traders are short on dollars and Swiss francs and although speculators hold a lot of bets on gold rising, they have been longer before, and current bets have not stopped a fast paced rally, more indicative of a lack of supply.
If risk aversion rears its ugly head, those trading currencies will find themselves badly positioned.
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Jeremy Boulton is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own, editing by Ed Osmond
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