Early Wednesday in Asia, Statistics New Zealand released the quarterly Retail Sales data for the second quarter (Q2) of 2023.
As per the details, New Zealand’s (NZ) headline Retail Sales figures improves to -1.0% QoQ compared to the market expectations of -2.6% and -1.6% previous readings (revised from -1.4%).
That said, the Real Retail Sales also improved to -3.5% YoY from -4.1% prior details.
However, the Retail Sales ex Autos, also known as the core Retail Sales, drops to -1.8% QoQ for the same period from -1.1% prior but came in better than -2.5% market forecasts.
It’s worth noting that Reserve Bank of New Zealand Chief Economist Paul Conway crossed wires, via NZ media, earlier in the day and said they’re (RBNZ) mindful of the latest fall in the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), as the Kiwi drops to the yearly bottom.
RBNZ’s Convay also defended the central bank’s inaction by saying that they would lower the OCR sooner than they have signaled if there was a more significant slowdown in China than the RBNZ expects.
Market reaction
NZD/USD initially refreshed the intraday low to 0.5938 on the data release before recently picking up bids to 0.5945.
About New Zealand Retail Sales
The retail Sales released by Statistics New Zealand measures the total receipts of retail stores. Quarterly percent changes reflect the rate of changes in such sales. Changes in Retail Sales are widely followed as an indicator of consumer spending. A high reading is seen as positive (or bullish) for the NZD, while a low reading is seen as negative (or bearish).
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD trades sideways below 1.0450 amid quiet markets
EUR/USD defends gains below 1.0450 in European trading on Monday. Thin trading heading into the Xmas holiday and a modest US Dollar rebound leaves the pair in a familair range. Meanwhile, ECB President Lagarde's comments fail to impress the Euro.
GBP/USD stays defensive below 1.2600 after UK Q3 GDP revision
GBP/USD trades on the defensive below 1.2600 in the European session on Monday. The pair holds lower ground following the downward revision to the third-quarter UK GDP data, which weighs negatively on the Pound Sterling amid a broad US Dollar uptick.
Gold price sticks to modest gains; upside seems limited amid USD dip-buying
Gold price attracts some follow-through buying at the start of a new week and looks to build on its recovery from a one-month low touched last Thursday. Geopolitical risks stemming from the protracted Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, along with trade war fears, turn out to be key factors benefiting the safe-haven precious metal.
The US Dollar ends the year on a strong note
The US Dollar ends the year on a strong note, hitting two-year highs at 108.45. The Fed expects a 50-point rate cut for the full year 2025 versus 4 cuts one quarter earlier, citing higher inflation forecasts and a stubbornly strong labour market.
Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building
Bank of England rates were maintained at 4.75% today, in line with expectations. However, the 6-3 vote split sent a moderately dovish signal to markets, prompting some dovish repricing and a weaker pound. We remain more dovish than market pricing for 2025.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.