AUDNZD Potential UpsidesHey Traders, In today's trading session, we are paying close attention to the AUDNZD currency pair, as we believe there might be an opportunity to buy around the 1.09600 zone. From a technical standpoint, AUDNZD is currently in an uptrend but experiencing a corrective phase. It is approaching a significant support zone around 1.09600, which adds to its appeal as a potential buying opportunity.
From a fundamental perspective, it's worth noting that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is still in the process of gradually raising interest rates. This indicates their intention to tighten monetary policy in order to manage the economy. On the other hand, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has officially halted any further rate hikes, suggesting a more stable or potentially looser monetary policy approach.
Considering both the technical and fundamental factors, the current market conditions suggest that the AUDNZD pair could present an attractive buying opportunity near the 1.09600 support zone.
Trade safe, Joe.
Rbnz
NZDCAD 29/MAY/2023The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) recently made a decision to raise interest rates. Normally, when a country raises its interest rates, it tends to strengthen its currency. in this case, the opposite happened in this situation. The price of the New Zealand dollar actually went down because of a dovish statement from the RBNZ. A dovish statement means that the central bank (RBNZ) expressed concerns about the economy uncertainty, causing it to decline in NZD value against other currencies.
NZDCAD has formed a bearish channel, which suggests a downward trend in the NZD's value. Given the support area and the bearish channel, there is a possibility that the price of the New Zealand dollar will rebound or increase in value in the near future. Traders and investors will be closely watching this support area to see if the NZD's price bounces back from there. There are several geopolitical, economic, and fiscal policy issues that could potentially impact the rebound of the New Zealand dollar and even push it to drop further. These factors are particularly relevant in light of the dovish statement from the RBNZ.
Geopolitical events, such as trade disputes, political instability, or global conflicts, can have a significant impact on currency values. If there are geopolitical tensions or uncertainties that affect New Zealand's trade relationships or create instability in the region, it could put downward pressure on the New Zealand dollar.
Economic factors also play a crucial role. If there are indications of a weakening New Zealand economy, such as lower-than-expected GDP growth, rising unemployment, or a decline in consumer spending, it could negatively impact the NZD's value. If there are concerns about inflation exceeding expectations or a deterioration in the overall economic outlook, it could lead to a further decline in the currency.
Fiscal policy decisions by the New Zealand government can also influence the currency. If there are indications of expansionary fiscal policies, such as increased government spending or tax cuts, it could stimulate economic growth and potentially support the New Zealand dollar. Conversely, if there are concerns about fiscal austerity measures or a lack of government support for the economy, it could undermine the currency's rebound.
Furthermore, any additional dovish statements or actions from the RBNZ could reinforce the downward pressure on the New Zealand dollar. If the central bank continues to express concerns about the economy, hinting at further interest rate cuts or unconventional monetary policy measures, it could erode market confidence and lead to a deeper drop in the NZD's value.
The currency market is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors, and predicting its movements with certainty is challenging. Traders and investors should carefully monitor geopolitical developments, economic indicators, and fiscal policy decisions, along with any further statements from the RBNZ.
NZD/USD unchanged ahead of New Zealand retail salesThe New Zealand dollar is coming off a strong week, with gains of 1.36%. In Monday's North American session, NZD is unchanged, trading at 0.6274.
New Zealand releases retail sales on Tuesday. The central bank's tightening has hampered consumer spending and the markets are bracing for a decline in retail sales for the first quarter. Headline retail sales are expected at -0.4%, after -0.6% in Q4 2022. The core rate is projected to decline by 0.6%, following -1.6% in Q4.
The retail sales report will be followed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's rate decision on Wednesday. The markets have priced in a modest 25-basis point hike, which would be the smallest increase since February 2022, when the central bank raised rates from 0.75% to 1.00%. The central bank has not been shy about tightening, with the benchmark cash rate currently at 5.25%.
Inflation in March from 7.2% to 6.7% on an annualized basis, more than double the upper range of the 1-3% target. The RBNZ is unlikely to wind up the current rate-tightening cycle before inflation drops substantially. There was some positive news earlier in the month, as inflation expectations eased in the first quarter to 2.79%, down from 3.30% in the previous quarter. This may have cemented a 25-bp hike on Wednesday, as the central bank pays close attention to inflation expectations, which if embedded can lead to higher inflation.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Friday that the banking sector turmoil could mean that the Fed will not have to raise rates "as much as it would have otherwise". Powell reiterated that inflation remained too high and future rate decisions would depend on data. The takeaway from Powell's remarks is that we could be close to the end of the current rate-hike cycle, but inflation will have to cooperate and move lower to the 2% target.
NZD/USD is putting pressure on support at 0.6256. Below, there is support at 0.6207
0.6326 and 0.6375 are the next resistance lines
New Zealand Dollar higher ahead of employment dataNZD/USD is considerably higher on Tuesday, trading at 0.6203, up 0.57%. Earlier, NZD/USD rose as high as 0.6218, its highest level since April 19th.
New Zealand's labour market has remained robust, despite relentless tightening from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which has raised rates to 5.25%. We'll get a look at first-quarter employment numbers later today, with the markets expecting solid numbers. The unemployment rate is projected to come in at 3.5%, a touch above the 3.4% rate in Q4 of 2022. Employment change is expected at 0.4%, following a Q4 read of 0.2%.
The RBNZ would like to see the labour market weaken in order to hasten the fall of inflation, which remains its number one priority. The central bank will also release the Financial Stability Report later today, which will provide insights into the Bank's take on inflation and growth. Investors will be looking for hints on rate policy, with the RBNZ meeting next on May 24th. Policy makers would like to pause rates and provide households with a bit of relief, but that will depend on the data, including inflation expectations which will be released next week.
The Fed meets on Wednesday and a 25-basis point hike is widely expected, with a 93% probability according to the CME Group. The banking crisis, which reappeared with First Republic Bank's shares plunging, is off the radar for now after JP Morgan agreed to purchase First Republic's assets. Still, credit conditions have tightened, which is estimated to be equivalent to a Fed hike of 25 or perhaps 50 basis points. That fallout is unlikely to prevent a Fed hike on Wednesday but could well lead the Fed to wind up its current tightening cycle earlier than anticipated.
NZD/USD tested resistance at 0.6209 earlier today. Above, there is resistance at 0.6332
0.6133 and 0.6072 are the next support levels
NZDUSD Outlook 6th April 2023The NZDUSD spiked up yesterday as the RBNZ surprised markets with a 50bps rate hike (the forecast was for 25bps). With the interest rates now at 5.25%, it is just 25bps shy of the peak rates of 5.50% previously indicated by the RBNZ.
Following the spike up, the NZDUSD retraced the move to trade below 0.63 again (due to the overnight recovery of strength on the DXY).
With the support level at 0.6270 coinciding with the 61.8% fib level, this could be a crucial level. A break of the support could see the NZDUSD trade lower to retest the 0.6240 price level (the upward trendline)
NZD/USD surges briefly after RBNZ hikes by 50 basis pointsThe New Zealand dollar is showing sharp movement on Wednesday after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand shocked the markets and raised rates by 50 basis points. In the US, JOLTS Jobs Openings was below expectations, raising concerns about the strength of the US labour market.
In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6296, down 0.24%.
The RBNZ gets the prize for shocker of the week, after the central bank delivered a 50-bp hike, bringing the benchmark cash rate to 5.25%. Most analysts were expecting a modest 25-bp increase and ahead of the decision, the markets had priced in such a move at a massive 86%. The New Zealand dollar climbed over 1% following the decision, but has pared all of the gains and fallen into negative territory.
The RBNZ statement noted that inflation remains too high, and there's no arguing that point, as CPI was unchanged in the fourth quarter at 7.2%. The reason that the markets were completely blindsided was that the economy is sputtering. GDP declined by 0.6% in the fourth quarter. The uncertain global outlook doesn't bode well for the export-dependent economy, and high interest rates and red-hot inflation are hurting domestic demand. This writer suggested yesterday that it seemed a sensible time for the RBNZ to take a breather, but instead, the Bank pushed the rate pedal down even harder than expected.
In the US, a soft JOLTS Job Openings release has the markets abuzz about the strength of the US labour market. JOLTS slipped to 9.93 million, down from 10.56 million and its lowest level since May 2021. The nonfarm payrolls report on Friday will have added significance, as a soft reading would put pressure on the Fed to take a pause at its meeting in May.
NZD/USD tested resistance at 0.6362 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 0.6425
0.6308 and 0.6245 are providing support
NZD/USD in holding pattern ahead of Reserve Bank decisionThe New Zealand dollar is almost unchanged ahead of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) rate decision on Wednesday (New Zealand time). The US releases JOLTS Job Openings.
NZD/USD is trading quietly at the 0.63 line in the European session.
The RBNZ is widely expected to raise rates by 25 basis points, which would bring the benchmark cash rate to 5.0%. Over the past year, the RBNZ has delivered oversize hikes of 50 and even 75 basis points, marking an aggressive rate-tightening cycle in order to contain red-hot inflation. The battle with inflation has been slow, as CPI came in at 7.2% in Q4 2022, unchanged from the third quarter.
The sharp rise in rates and weak global demand have battered the New Zealand economy. GDP declined by 0.6% in Q4 2022, and the cyclone in February will have a negative impact on GDP for Q1. This backdrop supports the RBNZ taking a break from its relentless rate hikes at the upcoming meeting. In February, the RBNZ projected a terminal rate of 5.50%, but with the economy showing signs of strain, the central bank might end the current cycle at 5.25%, especially if inflation heads south. We could even see a rate cut before the end of the year.
In the US, the highlight of the week is nonfarm payrolls on Friday. After a better-than-expected reading of 311,000 in March, the consensus estimate stands at 240,000 which is still decent. The Fed will be looking at nonfarm payrolls as an important factor in its rate decision in May. Currently, the odds of a 25bp increase are at 59% and a pause at 39%, according to the CME Group. This week's employment releases kick off with JOLTS Job Openings later today. The estimate stands at 10.49 million, following the prior reading of 10.82 million.
NZD/USD tested resistance at 0.6310 earlier in the day. Above, there is resistance at 0.6362
0.6245 and 0.6127 are providing support
Potential bear flag on NZD/USDThe combination of hawkish Fed speak and firmer inflation has seen the US dollar strengthen overnight. But we're interested in shorting the Kiwi dollar against it, given yesterday's lower forecasts for 2 and 3-year inflation forecasts by RBNZ. It should be noted that RBNZ hold their monetary policy meeting on Wednesday February the 22nd, and there has been call for a 50 or 75bp hike.
But that doesn't mean it can't dip lower ahead of the meeting, even if they do go for another aggressive hike - especially if Fed members continue to read from the same hawkish script.
NZD/USD has spent nearly 7 days within a sideways channel / consolidation, after an aggressive bearish reversal from its YTD high. A double top has formed around 0.6400 to suggest demand resides in the area, so the bias is now for a bear-flag breakout in line with the momentum which took it into consolidation.
- Bears can either seek a break of the cycle low, or the channel around 0.6294 to assume bearish continuation.
- The lows around 0.6200 make a likely target for bears and risks a corrective bounce
- The eventual target projected form the bearish flag is around 0.6120
NZD/USD eyes central bank meetingThe New Zealand dollar is slightly lower on Tuesday. NZD/USD declined over 0.50% earlier but has pared most of these losses and is trading at 0.6240, down 0.20%.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will meet on Wednesday, its first policy meeting this year. The Bank last met in November, at which time it hiked rates by a record 75 basis points, bringing the cash rate to 4.25%. There had been expectations of another 75-bp increase at tomorrow's meeting, but Cyclone Gabrielle has thrown a monkey wrench into the decision. The cyclone, which caused damage in the billions of dollars, has raised concerns about the economy and the RBNZ is widely expected to lower gears and deliver a 50-bp increase. In the short term, the major disruptions from the cyclone are projected to raise inflation, which is already running at 7.2%, its highest level since 1990.
Aside from Gabrielle, there are signs that inflation may have peaked. Inflation Expectations eased in Q1 to 3.3%, down from 3.6% in Q4 2022. Inflation hit 7.2% in the final quarter of 2022, lower than the RBNZ's forecast of 7.5%. The RBNZ still has its foot on the brake, but if inflation continues to head lower, we can expect the Bank to ease up on the pace of rates in the coming meetings.
In the US, we'll get a look at the February PMI reports. Recent US numbers have beaten expectations, including employment growth, retail sales, and inflation. This is not a complete picture of the economy, as the services and manufacturing sectors have been in contraction territory for months, with readings below the 50.0 level. This negative trend is expected to continue, with Manufacturing PMI expected at 47.3 and Services PMI at 47.2 points.
There is resistance at 0.6275 and 0.6357
0.6162 and 0.6080 are providing support
NZ dollar surges, eyes inflation expectationsThe New Zealand dollar has started the week in positive territory. In the North American session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6357, up 0.76%.
It has been a long break for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which last met in November. At the meeting, the central bank delivered a record 75-basis point hike, bringing the cash rate to 4.25%. The rate statement noted that the cash rate would have to rise higher and faster than previously expected in order to curb inflation. The RBNZ holds its next meeting on Feb. 22, with inflation now falling in most major economies. This makes Tuesday's Inflation Expectations release critical, as it is the final tier-1 release ahead of the rate meeting. Inflation Expectations rose to 3.6% in Q4, up from 3.0% in Q1 and the RBNZ will be watching closely, as the reading could signal in which direction inflation is headed. This could mean significant volatility for the New Zealand dollar after this release.
Inflation will also be the buzz-word on Tuesday in the US, with the release of the January inflation report. Inflation is projected to fall to 6.2%, down from 6.5%, but there is unease in the markets that inflation could be hotter than expected, as used car prices and energy prices climbed higher in January. If inflation is indeed higher than expected, the markets could fully price in two rate hikes of 25 basis points and remain uncertain about a third hike. This would be a huge shift from recent market thinking, which is that the Fed could hold rates after a 25-bp hike in March and cut rates late in the year. The US dollar has taken strong hits after recent inflation releases were softer than the forecast. If tomorrow's release is higher than expected, it could be payback time and the US dollar could post gains.
0.6375 is under pressure in resistance. Above, there is resistance at 0.6442
There is support at 0.6323 and 0.6256
NZD/USD higher ahead of retail salesThe New Zealand dollar continues to gain ground this week. In the North American session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6267, up 0.35%.
New Zealand will release retail sales for Q3 later in the day. The markets are expecting a small gain of 0.5%, which would be a turnaround from a disappointing -2.2% in Q2. Consumers continue to struggle with high inflation and rising interest rates, and after back-to-back declines, a gain in retail sales would be welcome news.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand delivered a huge 75-bp hike on Wednesday, which raised the cash rate to 4.25%. The move had been priced in by the markets, but the New Zealand dollar jumped 1.5%, thanks to the oversize move and a broadly-lower US dollar. The cash rate is the highest among major central banks, but there's more to come. The RBNZ has projected a terminal rate of 5.5% in 2023, which means more rate hikes in 2023. Inflation has been stickier than the RBNZ anticipated, and the bank's Monetary Policy Statement was decidedly hawkish, noting that “core consumer price inflation is too high" and "near-term inflation expectations have risen.”
The statement said that inflation is expected to accelerate to 7.5% in Q4 and would not fall to the midpoint of the 1%-3% target until 2025. The RBNZ is ready for a long fight with inflation, but it remains to be seen if the bank can guide the economy to a soft landing.
The Fed minutes reiterated that lower rates are on the way, which we've been hearing from a stream of Federal members over the past two weeks. The minutes were vague as far as a timeline, noting that smaller rate increases would happen "soon", as the Fed continues to evaluate the impact of the current policy on the economy. Members also voiced concern that inflation was yet to show any signs of peaking. Still, the markets viewed the minutes as dovish, which is weighing on the US dollar today.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6283. Above, there is resistance at 0.6361
There is support at 0.6217 and 0.6139
NZDUSD belatedly breaks up after hawkish RBNZ, broad USD selloffNZDUSD looks to have taken out resistance capped just below 0.6230, which may set the stage for upward extension toward resistance in the 0.6352-0.6469 zone. Reclaiming a foothold below 0.6150 now seems necessary to neutralize near-term upward pressure.
Prices were relatively staid after November's RBNZ announcement registered on the hawkish end of expectations - seeing some gains at first but struggling to find momentum - but overall USD weakness offered fuel thereafter (with November FOMC meeting minutes at least somewhat helpful in pushing the Greenback lower, though its slide began before the news hit the wires).
The RBNZ could push AUD/NZD down to the 1.07 and 1.06 handlesIf the RBNZ hike by 75bp tomorrow in line with the consensus, it will be their first hike of this magnitude on record. It would also mean they have to upgrade their terminal rate of their OCR projection, which could be deemed as a hawkish hike by markets and send NZD higher against other currencies. Of course, this also leaves the Kiwi dollar to weakness should the RBNZ surprise markets with a 50bp hike tomorrow.
As things stand, the RBA are expected to hike in 25bp increments and have even spoken of a potential 'pause' in rate hikes. This means RBNA remain the more hawkish than the RBA. This has allowed AUD/NZD to develop a nice bearish trend on the daily chart with timely swing highs, and prices are now on the cusp pf breaking lower and heading for 1.0700 and 1.0612. Unless we see a surprise 50bp hike tomorrow, the path of resistance appears lower for the cross and bears could seek to fade into rallies or short a break of new lows.
- Initial target is 1.0700, then the 1.0612 low.
- The bias remains bearish below 1.0900.
Will the NZD rally or reverse after the RBNZ rate decision? The NZD/USD has been on an uptrend since mid-October. However, this rally may be on a temporary halt as the pair hits the upper trend line on its downward channel, as shown below in the daily timeframe chart. For now, the long-term downtrend, since the start of the year, is still intact and could signal a possible reversal for the short-term rally for the New Zealand dollar.
Fundamentals will be playing a huge part in the direction of the NZD/USD this week. The market is showing some risk aversion due to renewed lockdown worries in China and a possibility that the US Federal Reserve will not let up on its aggressive tightening cycle in the upcoming FOMC meeting. The focus for now, however, is the interest rate decision from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) this Wednesday. Markets are widely expecting a 75-basis-points hike, but a 50-basis-points hike is still entirely possible, thus some volatility might be injected in the markets if expectations are not met.
Back to the technical perspective, there is a double top formation with a gravestone Doji candle as the price fails to create a higher high above the 0.62000 area in the 4-hour chart.
Using the Extreme Trend Reversal Points indicator (ETRP), we can identify if there is a probable reversal in this zone before the RBNZ rate decision. The triangle arrow from the ETRP signals that a possible reversal may happen in this area. However, considering the moving average, which is color-coded according to the trend strength, which is mainly green for extreme bullish, lime for bullish, silver for range, orange for bearish, and red for extreme bearish, is still indicating that the trend is still bullish. Traders who are looking for a sell signal confirmation could wait for the ETRP to change its moving average color to bearish before considering an entry.
NZDUSD range bound, with RBNZ on the horizonOn Friday, the NZDUSD traded with significant volatility as the price surged strongly to the 0.62 resistance level but failed to break above, ending the trading week at the 0.6150 price level.
Early in the trading session today, the NZDUSD is trading lower with the potential to reach the 0.61 support level.
Look for the NZDUSD to break the 0.6120 interim price level to signal further downside potential toward the 0.6070 key support level.
Watch out for the RBNZ interest rate decision on the horizon, with a 75bps rate hike expected, this could bring significant volatility to the NZDUSD.
$NZDUSD: Tight stop, big target...I think the Kiwi offers a tremendous reward to risk ratio on the short side here. The situation with persistent inflation and rising energy prices is certainly a headwind for the economy, combined with Powell's increased determination as per his last speech at Jackson Hole, has helped bears gain ground here, triggering both a daily and a weekly down trend simultaneously. The invalidation for this signal is a move back above the 0.6255 mark, in which case a short squeeze would happen. Currently, the chart signal points to a decline towards 0.5762 by October 21st, the latest.
Overall, good setup in the currency market to add to a more holistic trading portfolio (like mine). Any market that adds uncorrelated returns, is a good use of leverage/cash.
Best of luck,
Ivan Labrie.
GBPNZD GAINS AS NZD DECLINESAs China reaffirmed its commitment to its zero-corona strategy, dashed hopes for an economic revival that may increase global demand, the New Zealand currency declined below $0.59, erasing gains after a robust surge.
China has said that it will continue to impose restrictions in the interim. Naturally, that raises the possibility of a possible adjustment as markets progressively reopen this week. As a result, everything is "volatile, reactive, and globally fluid.
Officials from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand stated that, despite warning of potential downside risks to the global economy, the country's high inflation and tight labor market call for a cooling of demand. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand increased interest rates by half a percentage point in October, but markets now expect a greater increase of 75 basis points in November.
GBPNZD testing support + newsPrice is testing the support for the 4th time, such as MACD.
We can see the columns in MACDS indicator losing power, and the line crossing each other.
About candles we've a three inside up after testing the support, show us a bullish signal.
And to conclude the Reerve Bank of New Zeland says "economy will slow as rising rates curb consumption", the houses prices are still expensive; and this morning in NZ we had data about unemployment and employment, and:
Unemployment: 3,3%, higher thand expected (3,2%). They though the rate was lower than last Q, but is the same as the previous and higher than expected.
Employment: Higher than expected with a change of 1,3bp and the forecast was 0,5%
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Dont forget about yesterday:
BOE made a £838b stimulus and sold £750m of gilts
NZD higher ahead of employment reportNZD/USD is showing some strength today. In the North American session, the New Zealand dollar is trading at 0.5838, up 0.41%. Earlier today, NZD/USD rose to 0.5902, its highest level since September 21st.
New Zealand releases its Q3 employment report on Wednesday. The data is expected to reaffirm that the labour market remains robust. Employment Change is expected to rise to 0.5% (0.0% prior) and the unemployment rate is forecast to tick lower to 3.2% (3.3% prior).
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is unlikely to be pleased if employment numbers improved in Q3, as it points to inflation remaining high. Moreover, business sentiment is soft, with businesses concerned about rising labor costs and many of them planning to raise their prices. Inflation in Q3 came in at 7.2%, and the RBNZ finds itself much further behind inflation than it had anticipated. The cash rate is currently at 3.5% and the hot inflation report has analysts projecting that the cash rate won't peak until 5.0% or even higher in early 2023. This leaves the RBNZ with little choice but to continue with oversize rate hikes, despite the spectre that high interest rates will tip the economy into a recession.
The Federal Reserve will announce its rate setting on Wednesday, with CME's Fed Watch pegging the likelihood of a 75 bp hike at 86%. This would bring the benchmark rate to 4.0%. The question on the minds of investors is what happens next? The last meeting of the year is on December 14th and the Fed is expected to begin to ease its foot off the rate pedal, likely in the form of a 50-bp hike. This will depend on economic data, especially inflation. If inflation isn't showing any signs of peaking, the Fed will have to consider another 75 bp hike.
There is resistance at 0.5906 and 0.5999
There is support at 0.5782 and 0.5689
AUD/NZD weakness as central bank policies divergeTo strip out the effects of the Fed we can take a look at the moves in AUD/NZD, both bolstered by risk-on sentiment. In this pair, the 25bps hike from the RBA is clearly seen as the bank underdelivering on its mandate to bring inflation back to its 2% target, a clear divergence from the RBNZ so far. The bank is due to meet on November 23rd and markets are suggesting we may see a 75bps hike this time around as inflation continued to tick higher in Q3.
Similar to AUD/USD, AUD/NZD saw a spike higher on the 26th of October after the Q3 CPI data was released and rate hike odds grew in favour of 50bps. But the two central banks are starting to diverge in policy and therefore the New Zealand dollar is likely to remain dominant over the coming weeks unless we see a shift in stance from either side, whether it be in form of data or commentary from officials.
The 10-year yield differential between them has also been widening which supports AUD/NZD lower and the fact that we have broken below the 200-day MA for the first time since January this year suggests the pair may continue to drop, potentially breaking below support at 1.0920.
NZD/USD tumbles despite RBNZ hikeNZD/USD started the day with gains but has reversed directions and is sharply lower in the North American session. The New Zealand dollar is trading at 0.5657, down 1.38%.
As expected, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand delivered a 0.50% hike, bringing the benchmark to 3.50%, its highest level since 2015. The RBNZ has now hiked rates at eight consecutive meetings and even discussed a super-size 0.75% increase at today's meeting.
The RBNZ has been aggressive with its rate-tightening cycle, and there's likely more to come. The rate statement noted that "core consumer inflation is too high" and the labour market remains tight, a signal that the central bank will continue to tighten until inflation has peaked. This means that the November meeting will likely bring a rate hike of 0.50% or 0.25%, depending on economic data and the inflation picture. Inflation hit 7.3% in Q2, up from 6.9 in Q1.
One of the dangers of a steep rate-tightening cycle is choking off economic growth and Moody's rating agency said after today's rate hike that a soft land was "increasingly unlikely". The RBNZ might disagree, pointing to a 1.7% gain in GDP in Q2 and a robust labour market. The economy has proven strong enough to bear sharp rate hikes and Governor Orr is looking for a peak in inflation before easing up on rates.
September was a disaster for the New Zealand dollar, which plunged a staggering 8.5% and fell to its lowest level since March 2020. NZD/USD has rebounded 2.0% in October, but the currency faces significant headwinds. The escalating conflict in Ukraine, which has seen President Putin annex 15% of Ukrainian territory, and a hawkish Federal Reserve are likely to continue weighing on the New Zealand dollar in the short term.
NZD/USD is testing support at 0.5712. Below, there is weak support at 0.5639, followed by 0.5522
There is resistance at 0.5829 and 0.5902
NZD/USD - All eyes on RBNZThe New Zealand dollar continues to rally. In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.5746, up 0.43%.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand holds a meeting on Wednesday. The RBNZ has been aggressive with its rate tightening and is expected to raise rates by 0.50%, which would bring the cash rate to 3.50%, the highest since 2015. Governor Orr has hinted that the rate cycle could be coming to a close soon, but that is still more work to do to tame inflation. In Q2, CPI rose to 7.3%, up from 6.9% in Q1. The economy has performed well, with GDP rising 1.7% in Q2, along with a strong labour market and solid wage growth. This means that Orr can continue to raise rates above 4.0% in the knowledge that the economy is strong enough to handle additional rate hikes.
September was a disaster for the New Zealand dollar, which plunged 6.5% and fell to its lowest level since March 2020. With the US dollar taking a breather, NZD/USD has rebounded this week, with gains of 2.70%. The volatility could well continue, and the New Zealand dollar is likely to face more headwinds in the short term.
First, the risk-related currency has been hit hard as risk apprehension has soared. The war in Ukraine has escalated and the energy crisis facing Western Europe could tip many countries into recession this winter. China's economy has been slowing down, which means less demand for New Zealand exports.
Second, the Federal Reserve remains in aggressive mode and is committed to curbing inflation, even if that results in a recession. US Treasury yields have been on an upswing, propelling the US dollar higher against most of the major currencies.
NZD/USD is testing support at 0.5712. Below, there is support at 0.5639
There is resistance at 0.5829 and 0.5902