Is the 10’s-2’s Spread Outdated?

What’s in Today’s Report:

• Is the 10’s-2’s Spread Outdated?
• EIA Analysis and Oil Market Update (Prices Back Near the Recent Highs)

Futures are modestly higher following good economic data and as oil didn’t continue Wednesday’s rally (at least not overnight).

Economic data was solid as both the March EU Flash Composite PMI (54.5 vs. (E) 54.1.) and the UK Flash Composite PMI (59.7 vs. (E) 58.7) beat estimates, implying the Russia/Ukraine war wasn’t materially slowing growth.

Today focus will be on economic data, specifically the March Flash PMIs (E: 56.7).  With inflation still high and the Fed threatening a 50 bps hike in May, the PMIs need to give markets a “goldilocks” number to extend the early rally, as a “Too Hot” number will invite even more Fed tightening, while a “Too Cold” number will increase stagflation risks.  Outside of the PMIs, we also get Jobless Claims (210K) and Durable Goods (E: -0.5%) although they shouldn’t move markets.

From the Fed today we get Kashkari (8:30 a.m. ET), Waller (9:10 a.m. ET) and Bostic (11:00 a.m. ET) and of the three, Waller is the most important (he’s Fed leadership and if he hints at a 50 bp hike expect that to mildly weigh on stocks).