Lately Asia ex-China swap rates and bond yields have been mostly driven by fluctuations in US/core rates, and we expect this dynamic to remain for the rest of 3Q. On policy rates, most Asia central banks are already in pause mode, albeit without confirming that policy rates have peaked. In contrast, DM hike cycles are being extended further out, and there is still some uncertainty on the level and timing of terminal rates. On inflation, barring a larger-than-expected El Nino impact on food prices, Asia inflation expectations appears to be well anchored. In DM, however, there are greater worries of inflation being sticky and staying above central banks' targets. Therefore, the relatively stability in the Asia outlook would mean that US/core rates would be more consequential in how Asia rates move in 3Q.
The implications are that Asia market rates could still be pulled higher by US/core rates, even though Asia hike cycles are expected to have ended. For rates markets more correlated to US rates, such as Korea and Singapore, we estimate a beta of 0.4-0.6 range. For the rest of Asia rates markets, we estimate a beta of 0.2-0.4 range. Current levels of Asia swap rates are certainly looking high relative to our forecast for policy rate trajectories. That said, for Asia swap rates to correct lower towards our estimates of fair levels, it will likely require DM central banks to turn less hawkish and/or DM data to worsen.
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