[MARKET ANALYSIS] Fixed firmer into a pivotal week, headlined by the midterms and the potential for kinetic action against Iran

A firmer start to a potentially pivotal week for fixed income. Aside from the numerous data points, a handful of policy decisions and earnings, the week is headlined by the US midterms and then the potential for US kinetic action against Iran on the weekend. While of note, the implications for price action thus far see USTs near enough flat, despite the c. 4% of WTI downside; essentially, as participants await clarity on those two points. This leaves USTs in a narrow 106-15+ to 106-25+ band, with upside of a couple of ticks as things stand. Today, stateside, the main update is ISM Manufacturing PMI before after-hours earnings from Apple. Bunds are bid, faring slightly better than USTs, but still relatively contained amid a few conflicting factors for EGBs generally. Firstly, the discussed pullback in crude has also made itself known in Dutch TTF, which is teetering on the EUR 100/MWh handle, to the benefit of EGBs. However, the space is knocked by the surprise outlook cut to France by Fitch, and as civil unrest spilled over into Germany on the weekend. Amidst this, Bunds are bid by 15 ticks and at the top-end of 122.22 to 122.62 parameters, while OATs actually outperform among EGBs, despite Fitch placing the rating on a negative outlook, amid concerns over the nation's finances. Gilts are bid and outperforming currently, higher by about 60 ticks and just off an 86.18 peak. Upside driven by the discussed energy moves, and the weekend press focused on potential aspects of the Burnham/Healey 10yr plan and commentary that they are looking to cut welfare, pending the two reviews due this month.