NIBA Journal

Insights, analysis, and updates from the National Introducing Brokers Association

Correlation Of The U.S. Dollar To Commodities
Resource Articles
2 min read

Correlation Of The U.S. Dollar To Commodities

I recently spoke at an ETF conference about commodities. During the panel discussion I mentioned that commodities includes a lesser known factor; currencies. An investor may view commodities partially as a currency play. Many commodities are quoted in U.S. dollars (spot $DXY). In the short-term the direction of $DXY may not impact commodities (S&P GSCI spot), however, over the longer-term a trending $DXY may impact commodities. For example, if the dollar is moving higher, commodities become more expensive to the rest of the world. Thus potentially reducing demand and potentially having an impact to suppress commodity prices. If the dollar weakens, commodities become cheaper around the world relative to other currencies. This could increase demand for commodities and potentially increase prices. The Long-term correlation of the $DXY to S&P GSCI is -0.3. However when analyzing the rolling 12-month correlation of the dollar to commodities we find the correlation has a...

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Utilizing a European volatility index for Pan-European volatility
Resource Articles
6 min read

Utilizing a European volatility index for Pan-European volatility

In past articles, I’ve discussed the negative correlation between the VSTOXX® Volatility index and the EURO STOXX 50® Index and how the volatility index tends to rally when equities decline (downside volatility). The recent passing of the Brexit vote on 23 June 2016 introduced immediate uncertainty and downside volatility to the global capital markets. The results of several upcoming European elections could introduce more uncertainty and volatility into the capital markets. According to Bloomberg News, 40 percent of the EU economy will be voting in 2017.[i] Market reactions to the Brexit vote are still being determined and several European elections right around the corner, this is a timely opportunity to examine various moments of global macro volatility and how several European equity indexes behaved during these moments. Does this discussion begin to identify a larger macro story of positive correlation behavior of several European equity indexes? If so, could investors...

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