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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
by OANDA
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.
by BlackBull_Markets
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
by FOREXcom
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.
by CityIndex
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
by OANDA
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. Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. S tratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”), previously FXCM EU Ltd (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com): Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com): Losses can exceed deposits. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website: Stratos Markets Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Europe Ltd clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
by FXCM
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
by OANDA
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
by OANDA
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
by BlackBull_Markets
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
by OANDA
Bearish Signals Intensify for NZDUSD Below 0.5800NZDUSD – 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 0.6083 – 10 April high – Strong R1 0.5985 – 29 April high – Medium S1 0.5852 – 19 April 2024 low – Medium S2 0.5800 – Figure – Medium NZDUSD – fundamental overview RBNZ Governor Orr and Deputy Governor Hawkesby spoke earlier in the session before a parliamentary committee as part of their scheduled Financial Stability Report briefing. Hawkesby said that while there had been an increase in the proportion of non-performing loans, this had been "largely as predicted six months ago," and "provisions hadn't risen or weren't projected to rise as far as they had." On the data front, New Zealand building permits were balanced on the whole. Key standouts on Thursday’s calendar come from German and Eurozone manufacturing PMIs, Canada trade, US trade, US initial jobless claims, and US factory orders. Exclusive FX research from LMAX Group Market Strategist, Joel Kruger
by BlackBull_Markets
NZDCAD: Policy Divergence Favoring the KiwiHello Traders, In today's trading session, we are keeping a close watch on NZDCAD for a promising buying opportunity around the 0.83900 level. After experiencing a prolonged downtrend, NZDCAD has successfully broken out and is currently in a correction phase. This correction is bringing the pair closer to a critical support and resistance zone at 0.83900, making it a prime area for potential buy entries. The ongoing policy divergence between the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) and the Bank of Canada (BoC) adds an extra layer of favorability for the NZD over the CAD. The RBNZ's more accommodative stance compared to the BoC's policies provides a supportive backdrop for the NZD, further bolstering the case for a buying opportunity at this level. Trade safely, Joe
Long
by JoeChampion
3
NZD/CAD: Capitalizing on RBNZ Stability and BoC DovishnessHello Traders, In the coming week, we are closely monitoring NZD/CAD for a potential buying opportunity around the 0.84090 zone. NZD/CAD is currently trading in an uptrend and is undergoing a correction phase, bringing it closer to the key support and resistance area at 0.84090. This level has historically served as a significant pivot point for price action, making it an attractive entry point for long positions. From a fundamental perspective, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is maintaining a steady stance and is not looking to cut rates anytime soon. In contrast, the Bank of Canada (BoC) seems to be on pace to cut rates, given the easing inflationary pressures in Canada. This divergence in monetary policy favors the NZD over the CAD, adding strength to our bullish outlook on NZD/CAD. Additionally, the overall bullish sentiment in the stock market could further benefit NZD/CAD due to the positive correlation between risk-on environments and NZD strength. This confluence of technical and fundamental factors makes the 0.84090 zone a strategic area to look for buying opportunities in NZD/CAD. Trade safely, Joe
Short
by JoeChampion
11
Kiwi Upside Bias Strengthened after Hawkish RBNZThe Reserve Bank of New Zealand delivered a hawkish hold on Wednesday, as it raised the OCR forecast to 5.7%, leaving room for further tightening. Policymakers believe that longer restriction may be needed to achieve the 1-3% inflation target and also upgraded their forecast, expecting CPI to fall less and slower than previously thought. The US Fed meanwhile has adopted a cautious stance towards removing monetary restraint, due to stubborn inflation this year, strong economy and robust labor market. The central bank is still widely expected to lower rates this year though. Most commentary - including from Chair Powell - has dismissed prospects of rate hikes, pointing to the need that sustained restrictive stance to control inflation. The monetary policy differential favors the Kiwi, since RBNZ has kept more tightening in play, whereas its US counterpart has hinted to cuts. NZD/USD is on the driver’s seat with the ability to tackle 0.6219, although news 2024 highs, but further gains towards 0.6412 have higher degree of difficulty. On the other hand, the Fed’s apprehension provides support to the greenback and this can create pressure back toward the EMA200 (black line). Daily closes below it would pause the upside bias, but sustained weakness below it does not look easy – fundamentally and technically as the daily Ichimoku looms. Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”), previously FXCM EU Ltd (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com): Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com): Losses can exceed deposits. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website: Stratos Markets Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Europe Ltd clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
Long
by FXCM
Missed the NZD trade? What's next? As expected, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) kept interest rates unchanged yesterday but did provide some surprises to the market; extending the timeline for a potential rate cut, and even noted its consideration of a rate hike. This unexpectedly hawkish stance sent the NZDUSD higher. Before the announcement, markets saw an ~80% chance of a rate cut by November, but this probability has now dropped to ~50%. Despite this, bullish momentum seemed capped. After probing above 0.6117 several times (with diminishing conviction), buyers turned into sellers. Governor Orr's comments during the post-decision press conference were perceived as slightly less hawkish, which helped push the price back down. Additionally, over in the US, minutes from the two-day Federal Open Market Committee meeting ending May 1 showed that while participants felt the policy was “well positioned,” several officials expressed a willingness to tighten policy further if necessary. If the price declines, the next key target could be the 100-day moving average at 0.60712, which coincides with a 50% Fibonacci retracement level. However, support is potentially located at .6083 before this, with resistance kicking in at the session high above .6150.
by BlackBull_Markets
Policy Divergence: BoC and RBNZ Take Opposing PathsGreetings Traders, In today's trading session, our focus is on NZDCAD, where we see a promising buying opportunity emerging around the 0.83500 zone. NZDCAD has been traversing a downtrend but is currently undergoing a correction phase, drawing nearer to the retrace area near the 0.83500 support and resistance zone. Adding depth to our analysis, recent fundamental developments are worth noting. Just yesterday, the Canadian CPI figures came in softer than anticipated. Meanwhile, during the night, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) issued some notably hawkish guidance. This sets an interesting stage: while the Bank of Canada (BoC) is poised to initiate rate cuts come June, the RBNZ appears to be steering clear of such measures for the time being. This subtle policy divergence introduces a compelling dynamic that suggests NZDCAD may continue its upward trajectory. In summary, the confluence of technical retracement and fundamental policy disparities presents an opportune moment for traders to consider a bullish stance on NZDCAD.
Long
by JoeChampion
NZD/USD steady ahead of RBNZ rate announcementThe New Zealand dollar is almost unchanged on Tuesday. NZD/USD is down 0.06%, trading at 0.6102 in the European session at the time of writing. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has shown it can be patient, having held the cash rate at 4.35% for six straight times. The central bank is expected to maintain rates yet again at Wednesday’s meeting as inflation has remained stubbornly high. Inflation has been moving lower and fell to 4% in the first quarter, down from 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, this remains double the midpoint of the 1-3% target range and is too high for the RBNZ to start trimming rates in the near-term. At the same time, economic data for the first quarter was soft which should result in disinflation. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in the first quarter, private wage growth decelerated and GDP contracted by 0.1% q/q. The RBNZ had its mandate limited to inflation in December; previously, the central bank was mandated to maintain low inflation and full employment. Still, the strength of the labor market and wage growth will be eyed by the central bank as it determines its rate policy. The Federal Reserve continues to sound hawkish about rate policy and remains cautious about rate cuts. On Monday, Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said that it was too early to tell if the downtrend in inflation would be “long lasting”. Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Michael Barr said that first-quarter inflation data was disappointing and was not supportive of easing monetary policy. For a second straight day, there are no US economic releases and we’ll hear from a host of FOMC members, which could provide insights about the Fed’s rate policy plans. NZD/USD is tested support at 0.6089 earlier . Below, there is support at 0.6039 0.6185 and 0.6235 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
Continuation for Kiwi Ahead Of RBNZ?Kiwi showed a robust continuation candle last week on the daily chart. The price recovered above the 0.6085 resistance level and finished the week above the 0.61 area, suggesting a potential continuation pattern unfolding in the middle of an impulsive recovery. This week, the Bank of New Zealand's interest rate decision is anticipated, and they are not expected to implement any cuts this year. Their relatively "not dovish" stance might keep the pair in recovery mode, especially considering the recent downside movement in US yields that was bullish for USD, and the positive performance of stocks. Higher stock prices and risk-on flows could be supportive for Kiwi. A closer look at the Elliott wave structure indicates the possibility of at least one more push higher, potentially reaching up to the 0.6200 area for wave C/3.
Long
by ew-forecast
NZ dollar climbs ahead of RBNZ rate decisionThe New Zealand dollar has posted considerable gains on Tuesday. In the North American session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6065, up 0.54% and its highest level since March 21. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand meets early on Wednesday and it’s practically a given that it will hold the cash rate at 5.5%. This would mark the sixth straight time that the RBNZ maintains rates and prolongs its “higher for longer stance”. Investors will be interested in whether the RBNZ pushes back against market expectations of rate cuts – investors have priced in two cuts with a 70% probability of a third this year. The decision will not include updated economic forecasts or a news conference with Governor Orr, which could limit New Zealand dollar volatility around the meeting. The markets are being aggressive in their pricing of rate cuts, mainly due to a weak economy, as GDP has contracted in four of the past five quarters. However, high inflation is a key reason why the RBNZ is hesitant to signal rate cuts are coming. In the fourth quarter, the inflation rate was 4.7%, well above the upper limit of the 1-3% target band. New Zealand releases first-quarter CPI next week, and the release will be a key factor in the central bank’s rate policy. The RBNZ would prefer to have the Federal Reserve cut rates first, as this would boost the New Zealand dollar and weigh on inflation. The Fed has signaled rate cuts are coming but stronger than expected data, such as last week’s nonfarm payrolls, may lead the Fed to delay lowering rates. NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6060. Above, there is resistance at 0.6107 0.6000 and 0.5953 are providing support
by OANDA