GBPNZD - How will the BOE decision affect the pound?The GBPNZD currency pair is above the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H timeframe and is moving in its medium-term bullish channel. In case of downward correction, we can see the demand zones and buy this currency pair within those zones with appropriate risk reward.
The Bank of England has lowered its interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 4.75%. According to the Bank’s monetary statement, GDP is projected to grow by 0.2% in Q3 2024 compared to the previous quarter (September forecast: 0.3%) and increase by 0.3% in Q4 this year. The goal is to keep the interest rate restrictive enough until the risks of inflation persistently returning to the 2% target diminish.
Andrew Bailey, the Bank of England’s governor, noted that the rate of inflation decline has been faster than expected. However, further reduction in service price inflation is still needed to maintain the consumer price index at the 2% target level, and sufficient spare capacity will be essential to reach this goal in the medium term.
The rise in the employer’s national insurance contribution, included in the budget, is expected to have a slightly inflationary effect on prices and a marginally negative impact on wages and corporate profitability. The combined effect of increased employer national insurance and minimum wage is likely to raise hiring costs, with the net impact on inflation yet to be determined.
Adrian Orr, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s governor, highlighted geopolitical tensions as a significant risk to the economy, expressing concern over the economy lagging behind the interest rate cuts.
Orr also emphasized that climate change poses an existential threat to New Zealand, calling for serious attention to this issue. This view reflects deep economic and environmental concerns in the country.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Financial Stability Report indicates that the financial system remains resilient despite the economic downturn, with risks under control. Banks anticipate a slight increase in non-performing loans, although this level remains below what was experienced during previous economic recessions. Debt servicing costs have peaked and are now declining, with mortgage interest rates dropping over the past six months. Although many households and businesses are under financial pressure and some borrowers face challenges with rising unemployment, domestic economic challenges persist.
Rbnz
NZDUSD -DXY will continue its upward trend?!The NZDUSD currency pair is located between EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H timeframe. In case of a downward correction, we can see the demand zone and buy within that zone with a suitable risk reward. Crossing the specified resistance range of this currency pair will provide the path for its ascent to higher price targets.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has stated that geopolitical tensions are considered a risk to financial stability. Concerns about these tensions have recently grown, and the potential impacts of these risks cannot be ignored. The RBNZ has also pointed out that the economic policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump would lead to increased inflationary pressures. Hawksby, an RBNZ official, noted that central banks have the capacity to manage the global ramifications of these policies.
Orr, the head of the RBNZ, mentioned that the world may have reached a peak in global trade, and Trump’s return to the White House could pose additional challenges for central banks. Trump has discussed imposing global tariffs of 10-20%, higher tariffs with China, reductions in corporate and personal taxes, and the lifting of bureaucratic regulations.
George Saravelos, a senior analyst at Deutsche Bank, has identified two key points regarding this situation: caution in making fundamental market changes and the way Trump’s and the Republicans’ policies are priced in. Saravelos believes these changes are not solely political but are also linked to the structure of financial markets. He notes that high-risk global assets are tracking the upward trend in U.S. equities, which has resulted in high-risk commodity currencies performing better. However, he stresses that this trend should not be easily projected into the future, and potential shifts in correlations should not be overlooked.
According to him, the U.S. election results are historic and could lead to structural changes in the markets, potentially breaking previous correlations. This implies that the U.S. market could continue to grow, while other global markets may experience negative performance. Saravelos also observes that markets are currently evaluating a relatively balanced set of policies, which differ from the election promises, particularly regarding budget deficits and tariffs. He believes that if Trump’s plans are implemented, there is a possibility of further increases in the valuation of the dollar and other financial instruments.
New Zealand dollar higher despite pessimistic RBNZThe New Zealand dollar has moved higher on Tuesday. In the North American session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.5998, up 0.46% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand released its semi-annual Financial Stability Report and the financial system received a favorable grade. That was it for the good news, as the report pointed to weak economic conditions that were hampering households and businesses.
The report noted that rising unemployment was causing “acute” financial difficulties for some households and that businesses had been impacted by weak demand and high cost pressures. This had caused households to reduce spending and businesses to freeze investing. Although inflation and interest rates had fallen, “significant further weakening in the economy remains a risk.”
The negative tone of the report could mean that the central bank will remain aggressive in its rate-cutting cycle. The RBNZ slashed rates by 50 basis points in October, lowering the cash rate to 4.75%. The final meeting of the year is on Nov. 27 and another 50-bp is likely, with a supersize 75-bp cut an outside possibility.
The RBNZ will be keeping a close eye on Wednesday’s third-quarter employment report. Employment change is expected to decline by 0.4% after a 0.4% gain in the second quarter. As well, the unemployment rate is projected to jump to 5%, from 4.6% in the second quarter. With inflation easing, the RBNZ is keeping a closer eye on the labor market and if the deterioration in employment is worse than expected in Q3, the calls for a 75-bp cut at the next meeting will get louder.
NZD/USD has pushed above resistance at 0.5987 and is testing resistance at 0.6002
There is support at 0.5957 and 0.5942
NZD/USD rises ahead of jobs data, US electionThe New Zealand dollar is higher on Monday. In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.5991, up 0.49% on the day. The New Zealand dollar is coming off a miserable October, plunging 5.9%.
New Zealand releases the third quarter employment report on Wednesday. The markets are braced for soft numbers that point to a deterioration in the labor market. Employment change is expected to decline by 0.4% after a 0.4% gain in the second quarter. As well, the unemployment rate is expected to jump to 5%, from 4.6% in the second quarter. The New Zealand dollar is vulnerable to a weak employment report.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will be keeping a close eye on the job release. A weak employment report will support for the case for a rate cut at the Nov. 27 meeting. Last month, the central bank made an aggressive cut of 50 basis points, lowering the cash rate to 4.75%. What can we expect at the next meeting?
Inflation has been moving lower and eased to 2.2% y/y in the third quarter. This was down sharply from 3.3% in Q2 and more importantly, was back within the RBNZ’s target band of 1%-3%. The decline in inflation has raised expectations of further aggressive cuts and the most likely scenario is another 50-bp cut. Still, the RBNZ has demonstrated in the past that it can be very aggressive and a 75-bp cut cannot be ruled out.
The US election on Tuesday is too close to call and the political uncertainty could translate in volatility in the financial markets. With the votes in some swing states expected to be very close, we can expect recounts and even court challenges, which means that the election outcome won’t be determined for days or even weeks, which could leave investors uneasy. The election will be followed by the Federal Reserve rate decision on Thursday, with the markets pricing in a 25-bp cut at close to 100%.
NZD/USD tested resistance at 0.6014 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 0.6028
There is support at 0.5988 and 0.5974
NZDUSD Analysis for 16/10/2024: Slight Bullish Bias ExpectedIntroduction
As of 16th October 2024, the NZDUSD (New Zealand Dollar vs. US Dollar) pair shows a slight bullish bias in today’s trading session. A combination of fundamental factors, economic data releases, and market sentiment are all playing a pivotal role in driving this price action. In this article, we will break down the key drivers for the potential bullish trend in NZDUSD today, with a focus on the latest developments in the global economy, central bank policies, and market conditions.
Key Drivers for NZDUSD Bullish Bias
1. New Zealand Economic Data Strength
One of the primary factors contributing to the slight bullish bias in NZDUSD is the recent release of positive economic data from New Zealand. Key indicators such as GDP growth and retail sales have come in stronger than expected, supporting the NZD. The New Zealand economy continues to exhibit resilience despite global challenges, and this has attracted investors towards the Kiwi dollar.
In the latest report, New Zealand’s consumer sentiment index showed improvement, reflecting increased consumer confidence. This suggests that domestic demand is picking up, which is supportive of the New Zealand Dollar’s strength. As a result, this economic optimism is likely to boost NZDUSD.
2. RBNZ Hawkish Stance
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has maintained a relatively hawkish stance, signaling a possible interest rate hike in the near future to combat inflation. Although inflation remains elevated globally, New Zealand’s inflation figures are closely monitored by the RBNZ, and the central bank is prepared to act if needed. A potential rate hike would increase the attractiveness of the NZD in the forex market.
The US Federal Reserve, by contrast, is leaning towards a more neutral stance, with expectations that interest rates may have peaked for the time being. This divergence in monetary policy between the RBNZ and the Federal Reserve is providing support to NZDUSD, as a more hawkish RBNZ outlook favors the New Zealand Dollar.
3. US Dollar Weakness
On the other side of the equation, the US Dollar has experienced some softness amid mixed economic data and shifting market sentiment. The recent US CPI (Consumer Price Index) report showed inflation cooling, reducing the likelihood of aggressive Federal Reserve tightening. As inflation shows signs of easing, investors are beginning to price in the possibility of a Fed pause, which has led to USD weakness.
Additionally, political uncertainty in the US, particularly related to fiscal policy and government shutdown risks, is weighing on the USD. The combination of a potentially dovish Federal Reserve and domestic uncertainty is making the US Dollar less attractive, boosting the NZDUSD pair.
4. Global Risk Sentiment
Risk sentiment in global financial markets is another critical driver of NZDUSD. As a commodity-linked currency, the New Zealand Dollar often performs well when risk appetite improves. Today, we see a more optimistic tone in equity markets as investors respond positively to the easing inflation pressures in the US and signs of stabilization in global growth. This “risk-on” environment typically benefits the NZD, and we are seeing this reflected in the slight bullish bias for NZDUSD.
Moreover, China's economic stabilization efforts, especially in the property sector, have provided additional support for commodity-exporting countries like New Zealand, bolstering the NZD.
5. Technical Outlook
From a technical perspective, NZDUSD has been testing key support levels in recent trading sessions, and a bounce from these levels is likely to fuel further upside. The 50-day moving average (MA) has recently crossed above the 200-day MA, forming a bullish “golden cross,” which is a positive signal for further upside movement in the short term.
In addition, RSI (Relative Strength Index) readings are indicating that the pair is not yet in overbought territory, suggesting more room for the bullish momentum to continue.
Conclusion
In summary, the NZDUSD pair is expected to maintain a slight bullish bias on 16th October 2024, driven by several key fundamental factors. Strong New Zealand economic data, a hawkish RBNZ stance, US Dollar weakness, positive global risk sentiment, and favorable technical signals all contribute to the optimistic outlook for NZDUSD today. However, traders should remain cautious of any unexpected developments that could shift the market sentiment.
Keywords: NZDUSD, New Zealand Dollar, US Dollar, Forex Analysis, 16th October 2024, bullish bias, RBNZ, Federal Reserve, US inflation, interest rates, forex market, technical analysis, risk sentiment, currency trading, New Zealand economy, NZD strength, TradingView analysis, forex forecast, USD weakness.
RBNZ implements jumbo cut; Kiwi dollar plummeted
Following the Fed's lead, the RBNZ also took a big step. The RBNZ took the jumbo step of cutting its benchmark interest rate by 50bps, bringing it down from 5.25% to 4.75%. RBNZ stated that New Zealand's economy is now in excess capacity, and low import prices fuel deflation. They insisted that the committee unanimously confirmed that domestic economic activity is decelerating, as business investment and consumer spending are weakening, and employment conditions are persistently deteriorating.
As hopes for the Fed’s additional rate cut diminish, the US dollar is on the rise, while the Kiwi dollar has dropped briefly to 0.6050, matching its lowest since 18th August. NZDUSD advanced to 0.6095 after breaching the ascending channel’s upper bound. If NZDUSD breaches the resistance at 0.6110, the price could gain upward momentum toward 0.6175. Conversely, if NZDUSD fails to hold above the channel’s upper bound and breaks below the support at 0.6050, the price could fall further to 0.5960.
New Zealand dollar sinks after RBNZ cuts by 50 bpsThe New Zealand dollar is sharply lower on Wednesday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6079 in the European session, down 0.96% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand lowered the cash rate by 50 basis points on Wednesday to 4.75%. The RBNZ cut rates by 25-bps in August, the first rate cut in over four years. The jumbo rate cut had been priced in by the markets but the dramatic move has sent the New Zealand dollar sharply lower.
The rate statement noted that inflation was within the target range and was “converging on the 2% midpoint”. This is a remarkable turnaround by the central bank, which only a few months ago was warning that inflation was too high and could force the Bank to raise rates. The RBNZ had projected that initial rate cut would not occur before mid-2025 but has moved up the timetable in dramatic fashion.
The decision to cut rates by 50 bps is not surprising, given that inflation has been falling and GDP contracted in the second quarter. New Zealand releases the quarterly inflation report next week and if inflation is within expectations, it could set up another rate cut at the November meeting.
The RBNZ would like to continue trimming rates but the sharp decline of the New Zealand dollar is a concern. The New Zealand dollar has plunged 4.25% in October and has slipped to a seven-week low. Today’s oversized cut sent the kiwi sharply lower and further cuts will add downward pressure on the currency.
NZD/USD has pushed below several support levels and is testing support at 0.6079. Below, there is a monthly support level at 0.5995
There is resistance at 0.6131 and 0.6153
Breaking: NZD Slips as RBNZ Cuts Rates by 50 bpsAt its October meeting, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, lowering it from 5.25% to 4.75%, in line with expectations.
The NZD/USD pair deepens its decline, falling below the crucial 100 AND 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). A clear break could set the stage for a move toward the psychological 0.6000 level.
Looking ahead, traders will focus on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes, set for release later on Wednesday.
NZD/USD - RBNZ poised to cut, but by how much?The New Zealand dollar is down for a sixth straight day and has fallen 3.6% during that time. NZD has stabilized on Tuesday and is trading at 0.6120 in the North American session, down 0.07% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand meets on Wednesday and is widely expected to a cut rates, but by how much? The markets have priced in an oversize rate cut of 50 basis points, but a modest cut of 25 bps cannot be ruled out.
The RBNZ joined the rate-cutting club of major central banks in August after holding rates for over a year. The August cut which brought the cash rate down to 5.25%, marked the first rate cut in over four years. That move surprised the markets as the central bank had projected its first rate cut would not take place until mid-2025.
Why would the RBNZ slash by 50 bps? Elevated interest rates have weighed on economic activity and GDP contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter. Inflation eased to 3.3% in the second quarter, closer to the RBNZ’s upper band of the 1-3% target range.
The RBNZ’s latest projections have inflation falling to 2.3% in Q3. The inflation report won’t be released until next week and if the RBNZ chops rates by 50 bps and inflation is higher than the RBNZ estimate, it will put the central bank in an awkward position.
Another factor which supports a 50-bps cut is that the Federal Reserve lowered rates by 50 bps in September, which allows the RBNZ to do the same without risking a sharp decline in the value of the New Zealand dollar.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6137 and 0.6161
There is support at 0.6100 and 0.6076
NZD Sinking as RBNZ Preps 50bps Cut The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is widely expected to slash the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points this Wednesday, a move that's adding pressure on the New Zealand dollar.
A Reuters survey of 28 economists reveals that 60% anticipate the central bank will deliver a half-point cut, while market pricing suggests near-certainty of such a decision. Major banks—ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac—are all forecasting a similar outcome.
The kiwi has fallen to $0.611, down 3.33% since last Monday, extending its decline into a key technical zone, marked by the 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages, as well as the 50% retracement level from the July rally.
Meanwhile, escalating tensions in the Middle East are further driving investors into the safe-haven U.S. dollar.
NZ dollar drifting ahead of manufacturing dataThe New Zealand dollar is showing little movement on Thursday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6139 at the time of writing, up 0.05% on the day.
New Zealand’s manufacturing sector has been in the doldrums, as the manufacturing PMI has posted 17 consecutive declines. Friday’s PMI is expected to improve to 47 in August, up from 44 in July (a reading below 50 points to contraction). The New Zealand economy has deteriorated and in August the Reserve Bank of New Zealand responded with its first rate cut since March 2020. The RBNZ has joined the club, as most major central banks have lowered rates and the Federal Reserve is poised to do so next week.
The RBNZ will be looking to continue lowering rates, as the cash rate of 5.25% remains high and is weighing on economic activity and households. Inflation has dropped to 3.3%, which is close to the target of between 1% and 3%. The central bank meets next on Oct. 9 and there is pressure on the RBNZ to follow up with a second straight rate cut.
In the US, today’s inflation numbers were a mix. Headline producer prices rose 1.7% Y/Y in August, following a downwardly revised 2.1% gain in July and just below the market estimate of 1.8%. However, core PPI rose from 2.3% to 2.4%, below the estimate of 2.5%. Today’s PPI data didn’t budge the market pricing of a Fed rate cut, with an 87% probability of a 25-bps cut next week, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Still, not everybody is on board for small cut – JP Morgan is projecting that the Fed will deliver a jumbo 50-bps reduction.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6134. Above, there is resistance at 0.6160
There are support lines at 0.6110 and 0.6084
Did you miss out on the surprise NZD/USD trade? The Reserve Bank of New Zealand unexpectedly cut interest rates by 25 basis points, sending the New Zealand dollar plunging by 1% against the U.S. dollar. The move caught markets off guard, as most analysts had anticipated the central bank would hold rates steady until at least its next meeting. Today wasn’t supposed to be the day, but these are the moments traders eagerly anticipate to capitalize on sudden market shifts.
The RBNZ's decision underscores a growing trend among central banks, signaling a potential global shift in monetary policy. This early rate cut hints that central banks may be increasingly focused on fostering economic growth and ensuring a soft landing amid weakening economies. The big question now: Will the Federal Reserve follow suit?
The NZD/USD had been on an upward trajectory for nearly two weeks, but that rally has now reversed. The pair has broken above the 200-day moving average and is nearing the 50-day as well. The key support zone around 0.5850, which has held since last September, could now be in play, with a closer pivot point near 0.5980.
NZD/USD looking bullish before RBNZ rate decisionNZD/USD has reversed the downside break sparked by US recession fears, smashing through the downtrend it had been trading in since early June on Tuesday. With RSI and MACD providing bullish signals on momentum, risks are skewing towards further gains ahead of today’s RBNZ interest rate decision.
While economists are evenly split on whether the bank will cut rates by 25 basis point, I’m with market pricing that marginally favours a reduction in the cash rate to 5.25%. If that eventuates, we could see the Kiwi pull back initially. However, it will be the rate track path from the RBNZ that will likely drive direction beyond the actual decision, providing clues as to how fast and much the RBNZ expects it will have to cut rates this cycle.
Whatever that indicates, NZD/USD finds itself back at the 50-day moving average, a level it has often respected over the course of this year. That creates a great setup opportunity depending on how the Kiwi performs post RBNZ.
Buy a break above the level with a stop below for protection, targeting a push towards .6150. Alternatively, if the price can’t break or hold above the 50DMA, sell below the level with a stop above for protection. .6050 would be one target with .5985 after that. Good luck!
DS
EUR/USD, AUD/USD, NZD/USD levels into US PPI, CPI and RBNZTwo key inflation reports for the US and a potentially live RBNZ meeting over the next 24 hours has put EUR/USD, AUD/USD and NZD/USD onto my radar. And in each case, these markets have risen to interesting levels which hint at a weaker US dollar over the near-term. Part of this may be because traders are front-running weaker US inflation data.
If the RBNZ treat markets to a dovish cut, it could make for the more volatile move out of the three pairs, whereas weaker US PPI and CPI could help EUR/USD have another crack at breaking above 1.10.
NZ dollar surges on strong employment dataThe New Zealand dollar has soared today. In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6018, up an impressive 1.1% at the time of writing.
New Zealand’s labour market has been cooling off due to elevated interest rates and the markets were braced for a soft jobs report for the second quarter. Instead, job growth rebounded and unemployment was lower than expected, sending the New Zealand dollar sharply higher.
Job growth expanded by 0.4% in the second quarter, up from -0.2% in Q1 and above the market estimate of -0.2%. The unemployment rate rose from 4.4% to 4.6%, a notch under the market estimate of 4.7%. This is the highest level since Q1 of 2021 but investors were pleased that it was lower than expected.
The positive employment report has reduced market expectations of a rate cut from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which has driven the New Zealand dollar sharply higher today. Inflation has fallen to 3.3%, its lowest level in three years and close to the upper level of the central bank’s target range between 1% and 3%. A weak employment report could have cemented a rate cut at next week’s meeting but the job data was better than expected, which will complicate the rate decision.
The final tier-1 release before the August 14 meeting is Inflation Expectations on Thursday. This indicator is closely followed by the central bank and will be a factor in the rate decision. Inflation Expectations has been on a steady downtrend and is expected to ease to 2.33% in the second quarter, compared to 2.5% in the first quarter.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6009. Above, there is resistance at 0.6061
There is support at 0.5934 and 0.5882
NZDCAD Simple Trade Plans (Technical/Fundamental)The latest mid-term downtrend has reflected an uptrend/upwards trajectory on a faster easing BOC Policy.
Lately, The RBNZ has reacted to data and given a more dovish stance, supplying NZD weakness and a return back down the up-trending channel.
CPI out of Canada today does not change this, NZD data later might.
Sentiment case still largely supports upside.
GBPNZD Simple Trade Plans PRE New Zealand InflationA rampant GBP Post UK Elections and a dovish stance coming out the RBNZ have provided us with a significant rally to start to look short on (Carefully).
If CPI comes in higher, we may see a reversal of the latest NZD sentiment, ultimately dropping GBPNZD (not a given).
Short side bias comes at local highs, extreme push. Likely to weaken.
NZD/USD Rises despite Soft NZ InflationThe Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept rates at 5.5% last week, but adopted a softer tone compared to the hawkish messaging of the previous meeting, raising chances of a rate cut this year. Today’s soft inflation data help towards such action, since CPI eased to 3.3% in Q2 and the lowest in three years.
Despite these prospects, NZD/USD contains its fall and rebounds today, as there is still a high bar for an RBNZ pivot. At the same time, the Fed may have adopted a cautious stance, but Chair Powell appears to be laying the groundwork for a September cut, as the disinflation trend has resumed, with markets pricing in three moves this year.
The monetary policy dynamics are a bit murky, but likely support further upside. Having defended crucial technical levels, NZD/USD can regain the EMA200 (black line) and push for new monthly highs (0.6148), but we are cautious around greater advance 0.6223.
But market bets for three cuts by the Fed are very aggressive and would require the Fed to move in three consecutive meetings. This optimism could be disappointed, just as prospects of an RBNZ pivot are strengthening. Below the EMA200, immediate bias is on the downside and risk of a breach of the 50% Fibonacci and the daily Ichimoku Cloud persists. This would make NZD/USD vulnerable t0 0.5952, but sustained weakness is not easy based on the monetary policy dynamics.
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NZ dollar can’t find its footingThe New Zealand dollar has posted sharp losses for a second successive day. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6042 in the North American session, down 0.54% on the day at the time of writing. The New Zealand dollar has declined 1.3% this week and is trading at its lowest level since May 15.
New Zealand releases the second quarter inflation report early Wednesday. The market estimate stands at 3.5% y/y, compared to 4% in the first quarter. Quarterly, inflation is expected to remain steady at 0.6%.
The inflation report will be a key factor in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s rate decision on August 14. The central bank stunned the markets with a dovish stance at last week’s rate meeting. The RBNZ held the cash rate at 5.5% as expected but left the door open to rate cuts if inflation falls as expected.
The dovish pivot means that the August meeting will be live. At the previous meeting in May, the RBNZ discussed a rate hike but made a dramatic shift at the July meeting, noting that it was concerned the economy could be cooling faster than it had expected.
US retail sales dipped to 2.3% y/y in June, down from 2.6% in May but higher than the forecast of 2.1%. Monthly, retail sales were unchanged in June, down from a revised 0.3% in May and matching the market estimate. This was the second time in three months that retail sales were unchanged, pointing to weakness in consumer spending.
NZD/USD pushed below support at 0.6071 earlier. Below, there is support at 0.6024
There is resistance at 0.6160 and 0.6202
New Zealand dollar takes a tumble after RBNZ’s dovish toneThe New Zealand dollar is sharply lower on Wednesday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6081 in the European session, down 0.72% on the day at the time of writing.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand held the cash rate at 5.50% at today’s meeting, the eight consecutive time it has maintained rates. No surprise there, but the rate statement was very dovish, which was completely unexpected.
At the previous RBNZ meeting in May, policy makers projected that the Bank would not lower interest rates until the third quarter of 2025. Today’s meeting appears to signal a significant shift away from that hawkish stance.
The heading of the policy statement was “Inflation Approaching Target Range”, in sharp contrast to the “Official Cash Rate to Remain Restrictive” in May. The statement noted that restrictive monetary policy had “significantly reduced consumer price inflation”, language which was more dovish than in the May statement. In the statement, the central bank acknowledged that policy would remain restrictive but added that this could change if, as expected, inflationary pressures eased.
The markets viewed the statement as a signal that the RBNZ might lower rates much sooner than expected, perhaps as early as the August meeting. This has triggered sharp losses for the New Zealand dollar as lower interest rates makes the New Zealand currency less attractive to investors.
The money markets have raised the possibility of an August rate cut to 60%, sharply higher than 33% prior to the rate decision. The inflation report for the second quarter, which will be released next Wednesday, will be a critical factor in the RBNZ rate decision in August.
NZD/USD has pushed below support at 0.6114 and is testing support at 0.6079. Below, there is support at 0.6013
0.6180 and 0.6215 are the next lines of resistance
NZDUSD: Profit taking into RBNZ decisionNZDUSD – technical overview
Overall pressure remains on the downside with the market continuing to stall out on runs up into the 0.6500 area. At the same time, there are some signs of the market wanting to put in a longer-term base. Ultimately, a break back above 0.6500 would be required to take the medium-term pressure off the downside and encourage this prospect. A monthly close below 0.5800 will intensify bearish price action.
R2 0.6222 – 12 June high – Strong
R1 0.6200 – Figure – Medium
S1 0.6048 – 2 July low – Medium
S2 0.6031 – 15 May low – Strong
NZDUSD – fundamental overview
There is no change expected from the RBNZ today, though we have seen profit taking into the event risk. We've also seen some Kiwi selling on the New Zealand Treasury's reporting of weaker sales, with consumers experiencing hardship. Absence of first tier data on Wednesday’s calendar will leave the focus on another round of Fed Chair testimony and some Fed speak.
Exclusive FX research from LMAX Group Market Strategist, Joel Kruger
NZD edges lower ahead of RBNZ decisionThe New Zealand dollar is steady on Tuesday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6115, down 0.16% in the European session at the time of writing. The New Zealand dollar looked sharp last week against the slumping US dollar, climbing 0.88%.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to hold its cash rate at 5.50% for an eighth straight time when its meets early on Wednesday. The RBNZ has been unwilling to shift away from its ‘higher for longer’ stance, despite the worsening economic downturn. The services and manufacturing sectors are both showing contraction and consumer and business confidence has been weak. The economy posted annual growth of only 0.3% in the first quarter after two quarters of contraction, which is a technical recession.
The weak New Zealand economy badly needs a rate cut to kick-start growth, but the RBNZ’s first priority is to bring inflation back down to the target band of 1% to 3%, preferably around the 2% midpoint. Inflation eased from 4.7% to 4.0% in the first quarter but this is still above the target band.
What can we expect from the central bank? With a rate hold widely expected at Wednesday’s meeting, the focus will be on the tone of the rate statement. At the previous meeting in May, the RBNZ projected that it wouldn’t lower rates until the third quarter of 2025 and the economy may have worsened since then, which could delay a rate cut even further. I expect that the message from Wednesday’s meeting is that rates will not drop before the inflation picture improves and the RBNZ could warn that rate hikes remain on the table.
NZD/USD is testing support at 0.6114. Below, there is support at 0.6079
0.6180 and 0.6215 are the next lines of resistance