The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is trading on a stronger note in the early Asian session on Tuesday amidst a modest decline of the Greenback. This positive momentum comes after a stronger-than-expected New Zealand employment report last week, which reduced the possibility of a Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) rate cut on Wednesday. Signs of improved demand from China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, are also supporting the Kiwi. However, safe-haven buying due to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may limit the downside of the US Dollar (USD).
The upcoming RBNZ interest rate decision and press conference on Wednesday will be closely monitored by traders. Hawkish messages from RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr could potentially lift the NZD against the USD in the near term. Additionally, US economic data releases, such as the Producer Price Index (PPI), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Retail Sales, will provide further insight into the Federal Reserve’s outlook for interest rates. Traders are also keeping an eye on the CME FedWatch Tool, which indicates a nearly 47.5% chance of a 50 basis points (bps) rate cut by the Fed in the September meeting.
According to ING’s FX analysts, there is a narrow favor for a hold in August but a greater chance of a 50 bps cut in October after the Fed moves first. The RBNZ is expected to leave its OCR unchanged at 5.5% on Wednesday, with over 90 bps of easing priced in by year-end. The US Producer Price Index (PPI) for July is forecasted to drop to 0.1% MoM from 0.2% in June. Meanwhile, technical analysis shows the bearish trend of the NZD/USD pair on the daily chart, with key resistance and support levels identified.
The New Zealand Dollar FAQs provide insight into the factors that influence the value of the NZD, including the performance of the Chinese economy, dairy prices, and the actions of the RBNZ. Macroeconomic data releases in New Zealand play a crucial role in assessing the state of the economy and impacting the valuation of the NZD. The NZD tends to strengthen during risk-on periods when market risks are low and weaken during times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty.
Overall, the New Zealand Dollar has gained positive momentum in early Asian trading, supported by reduced bets for a RBNZ rate cut and signs of stronger demand from China. The upcoming RBNZ interest rate decision, alongside US economic data releases, will provide further guidance on the outlook for the NZD against the USD. Traders will closely monitor key technical levels for the NZD/USD pair and factors affecting the broader market sentiment to make informed trading decisions.