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16 Dec 2014
Twelve days of deflation points to ECB epiphany - SSGM
FXStreet (Barcelona) - Michael Metcalfe, Senior Managing Director and Head of Global Macro Strategy at State Street Global Markets, comments on the anticipated flash PMI for December, anticipating deflation concerns to push the ECB to ease at its first meeting of the new year.
Key Quotes
“The holiday season means we will need to wait longer than usual for December’s flash Eurozone CPI estimate; it is due on 7th January. Our real-time inflation metrics, however, are already giving an early indication that the release could signal the arrival of a belated present for Draghi in his quest to cajole his colleagues on the ECB into full blown QE.”
“Data later this week is expected to confirm that the annual inflation rate remained at 0.3% in November. Given December 2013 recorded a 0.3% month on month gain, a similar sized rise is needed this December just to keep the annual inflation rate at its four-year low. Meanwhile a flat reading would be required to keep the annual inflation rate in positive territory."
“With 12-days of December online prices already recorded from our PriceStats metrics this even a flat reading looks unlikely. Our online price index is already 0.24% below the average level of the index in November (the average reading for December so far is 0.12% lower).”
“The implication is that from current levels mid-month, online prices will need to accelerate very sharply, at an equivalent monthly rate of just over 0.5% in the second half of the month, for the average price level in December simple to equal the average price level seen in November.”
“The rate which if replicated in the official data is needed to avoid the headline rate dipping into negative territory.”
“It is true that central banks would typically look through weaker inflation readings generated by volatile items like energy prices.”
“January’s inflation data meanwhile will bring with it the lottery of highly volatile (and seasonal swings) in clothing prices. However, with headline inflation so close to the zero bound and inflation expectations tumbling, the ECB has no such luxury at present.”
“The realisation of deflation in the official data on January 7th, could easily be the catalyst for the ECB to ease at its first meeting of the year.”
Key Quotes
“The holiday season means we will need to wait longer than usual for December’s flash Eurozone CPI estimate; it is due on 7th January. Our real-time inflation metrics, however, are already giving an early indication that the release could signal the arrival of a belated present for Draghi in his quest to cajole his colleagues on the ECB into full blown QE.”
“Data later this week is expected to confirm that the annual inflation rate remained at 0.3% in November. Given December 2013 recorded a 0.3% month on month gain, a similar sized rise is needed this December just to keep the annual inflation rate at its four-year low. Meanwhile a flat reading would be required to keep the annual inflation rate in positive territory."
“With 12-days of December online prices already recorded from our PriceStats metrics this even a flat reading looks unlikely. Our online price index is already 0.24% below the average level of the index in November (the average reading for December so far is 0.12% lower).”
“The implication is that from current levels mid-month, online prices will need to accelerate very sharply, at an equivalent monthly rate of just over 0.5% in the second half of the month, for the average price level in December simple to equal the average price level seen in November.”
“The rate which if replicated in the official data is needed to avoid the headline rate dipping into negative territory.”
“It is true that central banks would typically look through weaker inflation readings generated by volatile items like energy prices.”
“January’s inflation data meanwhile will bring with it the lottery of highly volatile (and seasonal swings) in clothing prices. However, with headline inflation so close to the zero bound and inflation expectations tumbling, the ECB has no such luxury at present.”
“The realisation of deflation in the official data on January 7th, could easily be the catalyst for the ECB to ease at its first meeting of the year.”