Business

2Y German bond yields are collapsing, hitting record lows at -72bps this morning as Commerzbank reports a collateral squeeze into year-end. Since the election, the spread between 2Y UST and 2Y GER has exploded by over 50bps, spiking Treasuries to their 'cheapest' to Bunds since 2005...

Bloomberg reports that Commerzbank says in note that the demand for German collateral ahead of year-end continues to rise, reflected in repo funding levels reaching new lows; 3- month GC moves below -70bps, with little on the offer side

While the market has taken the latest round of "optimistic" jawboning by OPEC members in stride, sending crude higher by 4% ahead of next week's OPEC meeting in Vienna where the terms of the OPEC production cut are expected to be finalized, the reality is that a favorable outcome may be problematic.

• Record highs for Wall Street quartet send other stocks higher (Reuters)
• Oil prices rise to highest this month on hopes of OPEC deal (Reuters)
• OPEC Likely to Reach Output Consensus, Delegate Says (WSJ)
• Trump’s Targets in First 100 Days: Trade, Regulation, Corruption (BBG)
• Trump Poised to Push Nafta Changes, Pressure Mexico on Trade (WSJ)
• China Touts Its Own Trade Pact as U.S.-Backed One Withers (WSJ)
• Trump to kill trade deal on day one (Reuters)
• Overtime Pay Rule to Go Into Effect, but May Not Last (WSJ)

David McWilliams interviewed Jim Rickards at Kilkenomics for TV3’s Agenda and the short ten minute interview is a must watch.

McWilliams Rickards interview here (from 34:16)

Key points covered are

European and Asian stocks rose after the early scare from the latest Fukushima quake dissipated when all Tsunami warnings were cancelled. The global risk on mood was spurred by another jump in crude, which was up 1% in early trading, with the commodity complex now enjoying its biggest three-day rally since May, after Nigeria signaled optimism that OPEC will agree a supply-cut deal next week in Vienna. S&P futures are up 0.3%, with the cash index set to open at new record highs.