EM FX has depreciated against the dollar (CEE FX has outperformed in line with a higher EURUSD), as core yields have continued to move higher (bund yields: +32bp, 10y UST yields: +25bp) and commodity prices have softened. Despite the recent weakness of EMEA EM high yielding FX, we remain comfortable holding short ZAR and RUB position.
EM currencies have especially suffered as the rates increased, and curves steepened when US 10yr yields recently hovered close to 2.4%. So it should be no surprise that benign commentary by Yellen has seen these trends reverse alongside the dip in US yields. While the risks of a yield shock have dissipated, they could re-surface at any time. Below, we review our analysis of what typically happens to emerging market assets during periods when US yields rise significantly.
Since mid-June, the US 10y Treasury yield is up by 19bp (though it is 8bp lower in the past two days), the German 10y has moved up by 35bp, and the average G3 yield is up by 18bp. Over this period, EM currencies have fallen, rates have risen, and curves have bear steepened.
The performance of EM assets during yield shock episodes, defined as a rise in the US 10y yield by at least 50bp. Unpredictably, the results show that higher US yields push up EM rates at both the front- and long-end of the curve, and that yield curves tend to steepen.
Swap rates in the CNY, TRY, and ZAR tends to rise the most when US yields are moving markedly higher. In this context, we took profits on our SAGB 2048 (FX unhedged) bond trade recommendation, given that the position was one of the most vulnerable to large upside moves in DM rates. The swap curves (2s5s) in Russia and Malaysia tend to steepen the most when US yields move higher. Interestingly, RUB rates are the only ones in EM that tend to fall on average during periods of higher rates, with declines in the front end of the curve outpacing declines in the longer end.
EMFX and our theme “in carry we trust” remain our guiding principle to navigate markets. We remain short USDCLP, USDTHB, and USDTRY and will look to add risk going forward.


SpaceX Stock Gets $175 Target as Analysts See Massive Growth Ahead
Today’s space race could turn fatal if we don’t agree on new rules
AI Memory Boom Sparks Global Chip Supply Crunch
Global Markets React to Strong U.S. Jobs Data and Rising Yields
Trump’s Iran Strategy: What Has Been Achieved After Three Months of Conflict?
Goldman Predicts 50% Odds of 10% U.S. Tariff on Copper by Q1 Close
Sell the Bounce": Gold Rally Stalls Near $4165 as Fed Hawks Slam the Door on Rate Cuts — Targets $4000/$3600
Goldman Sachs: US Dollar Likely to Stay Strong Despite Oil Price Retreat
China's Refining Industry Faces Major Shakeup Amid Challenges
How AI prompting turned writerly description into an everyday skill
Energy Sector Outlook 2025: AI's Role and Market Dynamics
World Cup technology: from ref cams to AI analysts, cutting-edge research is changing the game
Indonesia Surprises Markets with Interest Rate Cut Amid Currency Pressure 



