LATAM: Natixis Says Mexico Most Vulnerable To US Tariffs
Mar-03 10:35
- Comparing the degree of openness of the Latin American economies, Natixis says that it is clear that Mexico is significantly more exposed to a trade war than the rest of the region. Together, imports plus exports amount to almost 85% of GDP in Mexico, according to their calculations, as compared to 56% in Chile and 49% in Peru.
- With a more closed economy, they note that Argentina is somewhat shielded from US tariffs. Commodity-dependent nations like Brazil, Chile, and Peru may face significant challenges if global commodity prices fall, particularly due to a China slowdown and strengthening dollar. Similarly, Colombia, may also be adversely affected if US policies lead to lower oil prices.
- Natixis analyses the impact of a 10% tariff imposed by the US on imports from the largest Latam economies. The impact on Mexico's GDP growth is significant, ranging from -1.0ppt in 2027 GDP to -0.6ppt in 2028. For the other countries, the impact on 2027 GDP is smaller, but not insignificant, ranging from -0.06ppt in Brazil to almost -0.2ppt in Peru.
- Natixis emphasises that commodity-producing countries may experience more significant indirect effects, for example due to tariffs imposed on China or tariffs on specific commodities that may affect global commodity prices.
- They note that the Peterson Institute estimates that a 25% tariff could put Mexico's GDP on a permanently lower growth path, with the impact of up to -0.19% in the first year, rising to between -1% and -2% from year three for every year over the next decade.
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FED: Powell To Deliver Semi-Annual Testimony In Mid-Feb
Jan-31 21:48
The House Financial Services Committee's website confirms that Fed Chair Powell will deliver his semi-annual Monetary Policy Report on Wednesday Feb 12 at 1000ET.
- The Semi-annual testimony will be closely eyed as Powell's first scheduled appearance since the January FOMC - and the House testimony on the 12th is the same day as the release of January CPI (and the week after nonfarm payrolls and benchmark revisions) so will be of particular interest.
US OUTLOOK/OPINION: Nonfarm Payrolls, Revisions Highlight Next Week In US Macro
Jan-31 21:39
Friday’s nonfarm payrolls for January highlights the US macro week. It's a highly anticipated report that could alter recent trends considering it will include annual benchmark revisions along with seasonal factors and an updated birth-death model.
- The preliminary estimate for the benchmark revision pointed to the level of payrolls being some 818k lower than currently reported for back in March 2024. There’s a broad expectation from what we can gather that the hit seen next week won’t be as large but it could still be significant. We also watch the seasonal revisions closely, as whilst they should have a zero-sum impact over the calendar year, we’ve noted some particularly favorable seasonal factors in recent months that have biased seasonally adjusted jobs growth higher.
- With these considerations in mind, the early days of the Bloomberg consensus points to nonfarm payrolls growth of 150k after a solid three-month average of 170k. Note that the unemployment rate from the separate household survey won’t be affected by these revisions, having already seen its own seasonal factor revisions last month. A population control will complicate month-on-month changes in the levels of employment and unemployment but shouldn’t be significant for the rate, which is seen unchanged at 4.1% having surprised lower with 4.09% in December. The recent high is technically 4.23% in November having first popped to 4.22% back in July.
- Two other special mentions for the week are: 1) rare remarks from FOMC Vice Chair Jefferson speaking on the economic outlook and monetary policy late on Tuesday with both text and Q&A, having last spoke on Oct 9. 2) ISM services on Wednesday after its priced paid series jumped 5.9pts to 64.4 in December for the highest since Feb 2023.
- Away from macro but still material, the coming week brings the US Treasury's quarterly refunding process - our preview is here.
MACRO ANALYSIS: MNI US Macro Weekly: Uncertainty Vindicates Fed’s Patience
Jan-31 21:37
In a largely positive week for economic activity data, including in core durable goods and MNI Chicago PMI, the Q4 GDP accounts stood out by showing a very strong end to 2024 for the consumer.
- As we go to press, though, President Trump has confirmed that tariffs would be imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China beginning this weekend – while also threatening further action against the likes of the European Union and across various import categories.
- The combination of solid growth and policy uncertainty, along with stubborn “supercore” PCE inflation for December, seemingly vindicated the Federal Reserve’s “hawkish hold” at its January meeting.
- A March rate cut is still a possibility but the bar for such an outcome has been set high.
- That gets us to the first key release between now and then: Friday’s nonfarm payrolls for January is the highlight of the US macro week, and could alter recent trends considering it will include annual benchmark revisions along with seasonal factors and an updated birth-death model.
- Other highlights in the upcoming week include ISM Services and the Treasury’s quarterly Refunding announcement (Wednesday), while FOMC Vice Chair Jefferson delivers commentary on the economic outlook and monetary policy Tuesday.
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