Cutler Commentary

China Devaluation; Time to Panic?

August 12, 2015

Blog Post Image

On Monday evening, the People’s Bank of China lowered the currency peg to the US Dollar by 1.9%.

On Monday evening, the People’s Bank of China lowered the currency peg to the US Dollar by 1.9%. This was followed by additional weakening on Tuesday night, with the two-day move the largest Yuan fluctuation since 1994. Given that China’s currency reserves have been depleted by over US$300 billion this year defending against the rise in the Dollar, this is not entirely surprising. The devaluation immediately makes Chinese exporters more competitive and Chinese assets cheaper in Dollar terms. What does it mean for the US stock market and US multi-nationals? The market reaction has been pronounced, but not severe. The negative response is based, in our view, on two developments: 1) The USD continues to rally, decreasing the value of overseas earnings and hurting competitiveness, and 2) China’s currency movement may portend greater economic weakness in the world’s 2nd largest economy.


We feel that the latter of these concerns is the greater risk. For much of this century, the Chinese economy was the global engine for growth. This growth, while still in excess of 6%, has abated while simultaneously the US is at the onset of a rising rate environment. We believe that investors should recognize that the Chinese government is showing its determination to maintain growth, at any cost. Such determination may ultimately be successful and greater currency flexibility will allow stimulative monetary policy. Furthermore, the devaluation of the Yuan is deflationary, meaning that if the Federal Reserve was cautious about impending rate increases, they are more so now. We believe that a September rate hike is still the more likely scenario, but the Fed Statement will likely have strong language regarding the cautiousness with which the central bank will proceed.  A Fed fueled rally may still be in the cards.a

 

CATEGORIES

3 Minute Money Mile Events Financial Thoughts
Unlock Your Tax-Saving Potential Using an HSA AccountCutler's 2023 Year-End Review and Market Outlook WebinarCUTLER'S Q4 MARKET UPDATECutler's Q3 Market Update WebinarCutler's 3rd Quarter Market UpdateCutler's Q2 Market Update WebinarCutler's 2nd Quarter Market Update1st Quarter 2023 Market Newsletter2023 Market OutlookWEBINAR: QUARTERLY MARKET UPDATE 3Q 2022Market Commentary 3Q22A Bear Market BlueprintWebinar: Quarterly Market Update 2Q 2022Market Commentary 2Q22Webinar: Quarterly Market Update 1Q22Market Commentary 1Q22Webinar: Quarterly Market Update 4Q21Market Commentary 4Q21Market Commentary 3Q21Webinar: Quarterly Market Update 2nd Quarter 2021Market Commentary 2Q21Beers with Bryan - Value and GrowthWebinar: Quarterly Market Update 1st Quarter 2021Market Commentary 1Q21Equity Income Commentary 1Q21Explaining the GameStop Short Squeeze ChaosWebinar: Quarterly Market Update 4th Quarter 2020Market Commentary 4Q20Market Commentary 3Q20Markets Reach All Time High in 2020Three Alternative Sources for Yield in Today's Low Rate EnvironmentMarket Commentary 2Q20Coronavirus and the Market Sell-OffCutler Comments on the Inverted Yield CurveMarket and Equity Income Commentary 2Q 2019Market and Equity Income Commentary 1Q 2019Market and Equity Income Commentary 4Q 2018Webinar: Cutler's 3rd Quarter 2018 Market OutlookMarket and Equity Income Commentary 3Q 2018Market and Equity Income Commentary 2Q 2018Webinar: The Impact of Rising Rates on the Mortgage MarketWebinar: Cutler's 1st Quarter 2018 Market OutlookMarket and Equity Income Commentary 1Q 2018Equity Income 4Q 2017Equity Income 3Q 2017Webinar: Estate PlanningWebinar: Cutler's 3rd Quarter Market OutlookWebinar: Cutler 2nd Quarter Market Outlook Equity Income 2Q 2017 CommentaryThe Bull Market Turns 8The Fed Meets ExpectationsCutler 4Q Newsletter Q4 2016 Market and Equity Income Commentary3rd Quarter 2016 Market CommentaryThe Glass Half Empty? An Optimist's View of the ElectionThe Fed Follows Shakespeare's ComedyXavier's Thoughts on the Fed MinutesSlow and Steady Wins the Race
Global Market

ARTICLES BY YEAR/DATE

Disclaimer

These blogs are provided for informational purposes only and represent Cutler Investment Group’s (“Cutler”) views as of the date of posting. Such views are subject to change at any point without notice. The information in the blogs should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any types of securities.   Some of the information provided has been obtained from third party sources believed to be reliable but such information is not guaranteed.  Cutler has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any individual investor. There is a risk of loss from an investment in securities, including the risk of loss of principal. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will be profitable or suitable for a particular investor's financial situation or risk tolerance.  Any forward looking statements or forecasts are based on assumptions and actual results are expected to vary. No reliance should be placed on, and no guarantee should be assumed from, any such statements or forecasts when making any investment decision.
 

Cutler

Contact Us

info@cutler.com