INDIA: Country Wrap:   Inflation Lowest in More than Five Years

Oil prices are off their intraday highs but are still moderately stronger on the session. They were boosted early in trading by news of intensive US strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen due to the resumption of their targeting of vessels in the Red Sea. WTI is 0.7% higher at $67.68/bbl after a peak of $68.37 where it found resistance (initial resistance at $68.36). Brent is up 0.7% to $71.10/bbl following a high of $71.80, still below resistance at $71.92. The USD index is little changed.

• There is significant uncertainty around both the demand and supply outlooks for oil with tariffs likely to weigh on the former and higher OPEC and US output increasing the latter. The degree additional supply will be offset by tighter sanctions on Iran and Russia is not yet known.
• Goldman Sachs has reduced its Brent forecast by $5 to $71/bbl for December 2025 for these reasons, according to Bloomberg. It expects Brent to trade between $65 and $80 and average $68 in 2026.
• China’s activity data for February was mixed but IP, investment and retail sales printed better than expected. Plans to stimulate consumption and stabilise the troubled property market have helped to support oil prices. 
• The outlook for Russian sanctions is also unclear with talks regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine ongoing. US President Trump is due to speak to Russian President Putin on Tuesday.
• Later US March Empire manufacturing and February retail sales print. ECB President Lagarde appears.  

JGB futures are stronger, +16 compared to settlement levels, but off the session’s best level.

• The local data calendar has been empty today.
• The market’s focus is on Wednesday’s BoJ decision. The BoJ is widely expected to maintain its policy rate at 0.50%. The BoJ’s January rate hike marked a significant policy shift, bringing short-term rates to levels unseen since 2008. However, policymakers do not appear to see an urgent need for another increase at the March meeting.
• Market expectations point to a gradual path toward policy normalisation. The BoJ is projected to raise its policy rate to 0.75% by July or September and to reach 1.0% by the first quarter of 2026.
• Cash US tsys are flat to 1bp richer in today’s Asia-Pac session after Friday’s modest sell-off. The Fed remains in Blackout until after Wednesday's FOMC policy announcement. Monday's US data highlight is Retail Sales.
• Cash JGBs are 2bps richer to 7bps cheaper across benchmarks, with a steepening bias. The benchmark 10-year yield is 0.2bps higher at 1.518% versus the cycle high of 1.58%.
• Swap rates are 1bp lower to 3bps higher. Swap spreads are mixed.
• Tomorrow, the local calendar will see the Tertiary Industry Index and Tokyo Condominiums for Sale data alongside 1-year note supply.

• Gold opened Monday strongly initially touching $2,994.20 before lower at $2,987.25
• The Belgian government is considering the sale of a portion of its gold reserves (valued at €20bn) to bolster its defense budget, according to L’Echo newspaper.
• Ramelius Resources Ltd. will acquire Spartan Resources Ltd. in a deal valuing the latter at A$2.4 billion with the combined entity expected to become a leading Australian gold producer, with output exceeding 500,000 ounces a year by 2030.
• The relentless demand for gold ETF’s in India continued in February with net inflows of US$260m.  Whilst down from January it still represented the second highest total since records began.
• Gold finished Friday at US$2,984.16 up +2.5% for the week.
• Having reached a new high, trading through $3,000 briefly, gold’s retreat looks driven by profit taking rather than a change in its fortunes.  .
• Many strategists have revisited their gold forecasts for 2025 with some suggesting $3,500 as their target.