Financials Credit Analyst

Hank Calenti, CFA

CreditContinuum

Credit

Executive Summary: Momentum behind the recent Treasury market rally may be starting to slow. Greater conviction is likely to build over the weeks which follow as economic data is published, rather than result from this week’s FOMC meeting.It is unlikely that the Fed will signal that it is ready to start tapering its asset purchase program this week. We are yet to see the whites of wage-growth eyes. Meanwhile, Canada became the first major economy to signal an exit from asset purchases. Canada’s central bank also indicated that a rate rise is now expected in the second half of 2022. Global interest rates did not react.  However, we may be tricked into seeing things which not there as upcoming wage data may point to rapidly falling wages.As such, the narrative remains left to be taken in the fixed income markets.  We may have reached a peak in short positioning unwinding and the re-entry of Japanese investors in the market is also taken as a given. Unexpectedly good economic data over the next few weeks could be bad for Treasury yields.  This could re-ignite the reflation and carry-trade rallies.While Treasuries continue to tread water, spreads on US CCC rated notes continued to trade at levels not seen since prior to the Global Financial Crisis in 2007. Investors are becoming concerned that the stretch for yield may be overdone. Excess US spread compression could benefit Asia HY as investors move offshore to grab better yields and excess spreads.In the bank credit markets, Asia-headquartered institution performed across the credit continuum while European bank bond remained stuck with carry-trade unwind performance. The combination of spread tightening and Treasury bond curve flattening generated positive total returns amongst Asia banks.We will hit the peak in bank earnings reports in the upcoming week. US banks set a high bar for performance by generating stellar investment banking and progressively improving core banking results over the last two weeks. They then signaled that they anticipate significantly higher interest rates later this year by raising record breaking amounts in the debt capital markets. Other banks may follow with material debt issuance over the next few weeks after reporting earnings this week.  We explore these market themes within.Market Outlook: Already looking past upcoming spikes in inflation and job creation, the Treasury market is repricing for lower growth and lower rates over a longer time-period. This should be risk asset supportive as the US dollar finally weakens. The risk is that of impotent monetary policy and a constrained fiscal response in a shorter than expected business cycle.

Executive Summary: Momentum behind the recent Treasury market rally may be starting to slow. Greater conviction is likely to build over the weeks which follow as economic data is published, rather than result from this week’s FOMC meeting.It is unlikely that the Fed will signal that it is ready to start tapering its asset purchase program this week. We are yet to see the whites of wage-growth eyes. Meanwhile, Canada became the first major economy to signal an exit from asset purchases. Canada’s central bank also indicated that a rate rise is now expected in the second half of 2022. Global interest rates did not react.  However, we may be tricked into seeing things which not there as upcoming wage data may point to rapidly falling wages.As such, the narrative remains left to be taken in the fixed income markets.  We may have reached a peak in short positioning unwinding and the re-entry of Japanese investors in the market is also taken as a given. Unexpectedly good economic data over the next few weeks could be bad for Treasury yields.  This could re-ignite the reflation and carry-trade rallies.While Treasuries continue to tread water, spreads on US CCC rated notes continued to trade at levels not seen since prior to the Global Financial Crisis in 2007. Investors are becoming concerned that the stretch for yield may be overdone. Excess US spread compression could benefit Asia HY as investors move offshore to grab better yields and excess spreads.In the bank credit markets, Asia-headquartered institution performed across the credit continuum while European bank bond remained stuck with carry-trade unwind performance. The combination of spread tightening and Treasury bond curve flattening generated positive total returns amongst Asia banks.We will hit the peak in bank earnings reports in the upcoming week. US banks set a high bar for performance by generating stellar investment banking and progressively improving core banking results over the last two weeks. They then signaled that they anticipate significantly higher interest rates later this year by raising record breaking amounts in the debt capital markets. Other banks may follow with material debt issuance over the next few weeks after reporting earnings this week.  We explore these market themes within.Market Outlook: Already looking past upcoming spikes in inflation and job creation, the Treasury market is repricing for lower growth and lower rates over a longer time-period. This should be risk asset supportive as the US dollar finally weakens. The risk is that of impotent monetary policy and a constrained fiscal response in a shorter than expected business cycle.  

Bank Credit Weekly: Momentum Slows as Conviction Is Lacking

Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Independent Insight Provider

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

Equity Bottom-Up

*Results Materially Supported By Provision Reversals and Principal Transactions: Citigroup (C.US) [Citi] reported 1Q21 bottom-line results of USD 7.6 bn, increasing USD 3.7 bn (89.0%) linked quarter. Citi reversed provisions of USD 2.1 bn - increasing 43.7x versus 4Q20. In addition to the negative provision, Citi’s results were also supported by a USD 2.0 bn (99.7%) increase in principal transaction gains;*Credit Weaker But Coverage Strong: Net new NPLs came in about 1/3 of the previous quarter’s result came in at USD 635 mn or increasing 48.0% on an annualized basis – still far worse than JPM for the last three consecutive quarters. Citi’s loan loss reserve declined to 422% of NPLs and 325 bp of total loans – but still pretty darn good for the known and potential risk in the loan portfolio; and *Puzzling EM Exit: Citi also announced strategic changes in the Global Consumer Bank (GCB), where they are exiting 13 markets, of which ten are in Asia-Pacific. As rationale for the move, new CEO Jane Fraser believe that Citi "does not have the scale" to compete in those markets which account for USD 7 bn in allocated equity and USD 70 bn in loans. We await clarity on the potential restructuring costs and the capital release from these divestitures.

*Results Materially Supported By Provision Reversals and Principal Transactions: Citigroup (C.US) [Citi] reported 1Q21 bottom-line results of USD 7.6 bn, increasing USD 3.7 bn (89.0%) linked quarter. Citi reversed provisions of USD 2.1 bn - increasing 43.7x versus 4Q20. In addition to the negative provision, Citi’s results were also supported by a USD 2.0 bn (99.7%) increase in principal transaction gains;*Credit Weaker But Coverage Strong: Net new NPLs came in about 1/3 of the previous quarter’s result came in at USD 635 mn or increasing 48.0% on an annualized basis – still far worse than JPM for the last three consecutive quarters. Citi’s loan loss reserve declined to 422% of NPLs and 325 bp of total loans – but still pretty darn good for the known and potential risk in the loan portfolio; and *Puzzling EM Exit: Citi also announced strategic changes in the Global Consumer Bank (GCB), where they are exiting 13 markets, of which ten are in Asia-Pacific. As rationale for the move, new CEO Jane Fraser believe that Citi "does not have the scale" to compete in those markets which account for USD 7 bn in allocated equity and USD 70 bn in loans. We await clarity on the potential restructuring costs and the capital release from these divestitures.

Sberbank of Russia PJSC / Equity Bottom-Up

*New US Sanctions: The US Biden administration announced a series of sanctions today against Russia, which leaves the country on the verge of being tossed out of Western banking/finance markets related to SolarWinds and US elections meddling; and  *Nuclear Option Still Available: As bad as this is for Russia and her largest financial institutions, such as Sberbank of Russia (SBER.RU), the Biden administration did not move to the nuclear option of barring investors from holding Russian sovereign debt in the secondary market nor did it actually add tycoons to the sanctions list. The painful worst case scenario of barring ownership of Russian debt has been avoided, as foreign investors own some 20% or USD 37 bn in Russian paper - US investors account for half of foreign holdings. This situation could have triggered substantial indices-related selling.

*New US Sanctions: The US Biden administration announced a series of sanctions today against Russia, which leaves the country on the verge of being tossed out of Western banking/finance markets related to SolarWinds and US elections meddling; and  *Nuclear Option Still Available: As bad as this is for Russia and her largest financial institutions, such as Sberbank of Russia (SBER.RU), the Biden administration did not move to the nuclear option of barring investors from holding Russian sovereign debt in the secondary market nor did it actually add tycoons to the sanctions list. The painful worst case scenario of barring ownership of Russian debt has been avoided, as foreign investors own some 20% or USD 37 bn in Russian paper - US investors account for half of foreign holdings. This situation could have triggered substantial indices-related selling. 

Sberbank of Russia – Dealing With New Sanctions

*Results Should Only Get Better: JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co (JPM.US) [JPM] reported 1Q21 bottom-line results of USD 13.9 bn, increasing USD 2.2 bn (18.4%) linked quarter. Results were essentially driven by two factors: a) revenue growth at the Corporate &amp; Investment Bank (CIB) of USD 3.3 bn (28.7%) due primarily to principal transactions which increased USD 3.0 bn (103%); and b) a reserve reversal of USD 4.2 bn – increasing USD 2.3 bn (120%) over 4Q20’s provision reversal. The strength of the bottom-line, should allow larger capital returns in 2Q21 predicated on the Federal Reserve Board’s (FRB) dividend payout ratio test; and*Credit Improvement: JPM’s net new NPLs linked quarter amounted to just USD 638 mn or a 22.2% increase on an annualized basis – which is incredibly good. Given the current risk profile of JPM’s loan portfolio that the company remains over-provided for and that we will continue to see loss provision reversals until loan growth returns in some meaningful way.

*Results Should Only Get Better: JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co (JPM.US) [JPM] reported 1Q21 bottom-line results of USD 13.9 bn, increasing USD 2.2 bn (18.4%) linked quarter. Results were essentially driven by two factors: a) revenue growth at the Corporate &amp; Investment Bank (CIB) of USD 3.3 bn (28.7%) due primarily to principal transactions which increased USD 3.0 bn (103%); and b) a reserve reversal of USD 4.2 bn – increasing USD 2.3 bn (120%) over 4Q20’s provision reversal. The strength of the bottom-line, should allow larger capital returns in 2Q21 predicated on the Federal Reserve Board’s (FRB) dividend payout ratio test; and*Credit Improvement: JPM’s net new NPLs linked quarter amounted to just USD 638 mn or a 22.2% increase on an annualized basis – which is incredibly good. Given the current risk profile of JPM’s loan portfolio that the company remains over-provided for and that we will continue to see loss provision reversals until loan growth returns in some meaningful way.

Executive Summary: Light trading volumes, an issuance holiday and technical asset purchase expectations flattened the US Treasury curve during the week. Bank credit largely underperformed in what appeared to be a carry-trade unwind. All recent higher coupon outperformers experienced large spread declines. We do not expect this to continue as US growth and inflation expectations rise.We think this past week was an aberration, owing to thin markets, a lack of conviction pre-earnings season and concerns on the virus versus vaccine front. There is clear volume-, issuance- and data-risk for the market to contend with next week. We outline these within.Furthermore, we anticipate that market sentiment will revert to concerns regarding possible over-heating in the US economy, which in turn, would lead to a return of Treasury yield curve steepening. The sweet spot of long duration, low investment grade and BB rated bonds would revisit the market. This is a repositioning opportunity. Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50207/Bank%20Credit%20Compass:%20Positive%20Total%20Return%20Sweet%20Spot.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/2gzmu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bank Credit Compass: Positive Total Return Sweet Spot</a> for more details.US banks kick off the season with reports from JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo on Wednesday, 14 April. Although trading revenues may be flat on a full-year basis over 2021, Q1 results could see these rise 10 to 15% year-on-year. Credit costs are anticipated to remain low with loan loss releases continuing although loan growth may still be missing. Net interest margins could remain depressed while interest revenue growth remains challenged.The Fed recently announced that it will remove dividend restrictions and allow US banks to restart share buy-backs from 30 June in those firms which pass the currently ongoing stress tests. As such, we anticipate a lot of talk, but no action, regarding this announcement in earnings teleconferences. Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50207/US%20Banks%20and%20the%20SLR%20Situation:%20Overweight%20JPM%20Tier%201%20Securities.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/g6CCF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Banks and the SLR Situation: Overweight JPM Tier 1 Securities</a> for our views on JPMorgan and its capital situation. Results for this year's test will be released by July 1.In Europe, we saw another market sensitive announcement from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/credit-suisse-group-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22253:1" rel="noopener">Credit Suisse (CSGN VX)</a> last week. The firm outlined the likely impact from losses sustained in liquidating positions related to Archegos Capital Management. We do not see that press release as a reason to buy its Contingent Capital (CoCos). Credit Suisse is skating on thin ice from a capital perspective. Another loss of less than one-half the charges related to Archegos and this could result in the suspension of coupons on CS’ Contingent Capital securities. This leaves little room for maneuver. We continue to believe that Credit Suisse needs to enhance its capital base. Its CoCos may lag the market until the layer of capital is strengthened. Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50207/Credit%20Suisse:%20Skating%20on%20a%20Thin%20Layer%20of%20Capital.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/rGLd5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Credit Suisse: Skating on a Thin Layer of Capital</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/50207/Credit%20Suisse:%20Where%20There%E2%80%99s%20Smoke,%20There%E2%80%99s%20a%20Capital%20Raise.%20Read%20more:%20https:/skr.ma/yxeJd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Credit Suisse: Where There’s Smoke, There’s a Capital Raise</a> for more details.Market Outlook: From 1 April, with the start of Japan’s fiscal year, Japanese investors are typically net buyers of risk assets over the following months. This adds to a seasonality affect that usually pushes risk assets higher while safe-haven securities retreat. April may be a positive month from a total return basis, provided US Treasuries do not sell-off materially on inflation concerns.

Executive Summary: Light trading volumes, an issuance holiday and technical asset purchase expectations flattened the US Treasury curve during the week. Bank credit largely underperformed in what appeared to be a carry-trade unwind. All recent higher coupon outperformers experienced large spread declines. We do not expect this to continue as US growth and inflation expectations rise.We think this past week was an aberration, owing to thin markets, a lack of conviction pre-earnings season and concerns on the virus versus vaccine front. There is clear volume-, issuance- and data-risk for the market to contend with next week. We outline these within.Furthermore, we anticipate that market sentiment will revert to concerns regarding possible over-heating in the US economy, which in turn, would lead to a return of Treasury yield curve steepening. The sweet spot of long duration, low investment grade and BB rated bonds would revisit the market. This is a repositioning opportunity. Please see Bank Credit Compass: Positive Total Return Sweet Spot for more details.US banks kick off the season with reports from JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo on Wednesday, 14 April. Although trading revenues may be flat on a full-year basis over 2021, Q1 results could see these rise 10 to 15% year-on-year. Credit costs are anticipated to remain low with loan loss releases continuing although loan growth may still be missing. Net interest margins could remain depressed while interest revenue growth remains challenged.The Fed recently announced that it will remove dividend restrictions and allow US banks to restart share buy-backs from 30 June in those firms which pass the currently ongoing stress tests. As such, we anticipate a lot of talk, but no action, regarding this announcement in earnings teleconferences. Please see US Banks and the SLR Situation: Overweight JPM Tier 1 Securities for our views on JPMorgan and its capital situation. Results for this year's test will be released by July 1.In Europe, we saw another market sensitive announcement from Credit Suisse (CSGN VX) last week. The firm outlined the likely impact from losses sustained in liquidating positions related to Archegos Capital Management. We do not see that press release as a reason to buy its Contingent Capital (CoCos). Credit Suisse is skating on thin ice from a capital perspective. Another loss of less than one-half the charges related to Archegos and this could result in the suspension of coupons on CS’ Contingent Capital securities. This leaves little room for maneuver. We continue to believe that Credit Suisse needs to enhance its capital base. Its CoCos may lag the market until the layer of capital is strengthened. Please see Credit Suisse: Skating on a Thin Layer of Capital and Credit Suisse: Where There’s Smoke, There’s a Capital Raise for more details.Market Outlook: From 1 April, with the start of Japan’s fiscal year, Japanese investors are typically net buyers of risk assets over the following months. This adds to a seasonality affect that usually pushes risk assets higher while safe-haven securities retreat. April may be a positive month from a total return basis, provided US Treasuries do not sell-off materially on inflation concerns.

Bank Credit Weekly: Repositioning Opportunity from Carry-Trade Unwind as the Treasury Curve Flattens

Switzerland

Credit Suisse Group AG operates as a wealth management firm. The Company specializes in investment banking and offers wealth management activities aiming to capitalize on both the large pool of wealth within mature markets, as well as the significant growth in wealth in Asia Pacific and other emerging markets. Credit Suisse Group serves customers worldwide.

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Credit Suisse Group (CSGN SW)

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