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Bank of America

FX Outlook 2026: Structural Dollar Headwinds

LIVE5 December 2025USD bearish

FX Volatility

Bank of America volatility outlook, carry-to-vol analysis, and event risk

VXY Level
7 handle
Valuation
Below historical average, room for repricing
Outlook
Volatility expected to rise in H2 on election risks
CB Activity
Low (2-3 decile) in H1, rising in H2

Carry-to-Vol Ratios

Higher ratio = more attractive carry trade. Color = quality score

Quality Distribution

Carry trade quality scores

Carry Pairs: Live Rate Tracking

Current live rates for BofA carry-to-vol pairs

ZAR/JPYHigh
Ratio2.35
BRL/CHFHigh
Ratio2.12
HUF/EURHigh
Ratio1.85
MXN/JPYHigh
Ratio1.72
PLN/EURMedium
Ratio1.55
NOK/CHFMedium
Ratio1.15
AUD/JPYMedium
Ratio0.95
TRY/USDLow
Ratio0.88
INR/USDLow
Ratio0.75
KRW/USDLow
Ratio0.62

FXO Themes for 2026

Theme 1

Structural USD weakness via options

Express USD bearish view through EUR/USD and GBP/USD call spreads. 6-month tenors preferred to capture fiscal catalyst timeline. Risk reversals favor EUR topside.

Theme 2

Scandi vol underpriced

NOK and SEK implied volatility is cheap relative to expected moves from European fiscal expansion. Buy EUR/NOK and EUR/SEK put spreads.

Theme 3

EM carry via options

Carry-to-vol ratios in ZAR, BRL, and HUF remain elevated. Use ERKO structures to harvest carry with defined risk. EUR/HUF election vol is rich - sell.

Theme 4

JPY vol for carry unwind

JPY volatility is cheap relative to the asymmetric risk of carry unwind. Buy USD/JPY puts and JPY cross puts as portfolio hedge.

Theme 5

Election risk calendar

Brazil October elections and US midterms in November 2026 will create vol spikes. Build positions ahead of event risk pricing normalization.

Event Volatility Profile

Current vs historical average

Election & Event Risk

Hungary Parliamentary Elections

12 April 2026
Current
58 EUR/HUF
Historical
15-18 vols
Premium
3X historical average

Overpriced. Sell topside EUR/HUF one-touches.

Brazil General Elections

4 Oct / 25 Oct 2026
Current
88 vols average
Historical
Peak of 105 in 2018
Premium
Near historical average

Fair pricing. Build long BRL vol positions in Q2 for value.

US Midterm Elections

3 November 2026
Current
7.5 EUR, ~11 JPY
Historical
Similar to prior cycles
Premium
No premium yet

Start accumulating USD vol in Q3 ahead of pricing.