- NZD/USD edges lower to around 0.5910 in Wednesday’s Asian session.
- The RBNZ is anticipated to cut its OCR by 50 bps next week.
- Geopolitical risks could boost the USD and create a headwind for NZD/USD.
The NZD/USD pair trades in negative territory near 0.5910 during the Asian session on Wednesday. The rising expectations of interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) next week and geopolitical risks weigh on the riskier asset like the Kiwi.
ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner expects the RBNZ to cut its Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points (bps) next week, bringing the rate to 4.25%. “If there is going to be a surprise, a larger cut seems likelier than a smaller one,” added Zollner. Markets are fully pricing in a 50 bps reduction, with 12% odds of a larger 75 bps rate cut. The rising bets of the RBNZ are likely to weigh on the Kiwi in the near term.
Elsewhere, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced to leave its Loan Prime Rates (LPRs) unchanged on Wednesday. The one-year and five-year LPRs were at 3.10% and 3.60%, respectively.
On the other hand, analysts expect incoming US President Donald Trump's policies could reignite inflation and might slow the path of interest rate cuts. This, in turn, could lift the USD against the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Markets have pared bets for a 25 basis points (bps) interest-rate cut at the December meeting to less than 59%, down from 76.8% a month ago, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Additionally, Ukraine used US ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time, Moscow said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for a possible nuclear strike, per Reuters. The rising geopolitical risks between Russia and Ukraine could boost the safe-haven demand, supporting the Greenback.
New Zealand Dollar FAQs
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD), also known as the Kiwi, is a well-known traded currency among investors. Its value is broadly determined by the health of the New Zealand economy and the country’s central bank policy. Still, there are some unique particularities that also can make NZD move. The performance of the Chinese economy tends to move the Kiwi because China is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. Bad news for the Chinese economy likely means less New Zealand exports to the country, hitting the economy and thus its currency. Another factor moving NZD is dairy prices as the dairy industry is New Zealand’s main export. High dairy prices boost export income, contributing positively to the economy and thus to the NZD.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) aims to achieve and maintain an inflation rate between 1% and 3% over the medium term, with a focus to keep it near the 2% mid-point. To this end, the bank sets an appropriate level of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the RBNZ will increase interest rates to cool the economy, but the move will also make bond yields higher, increasing investors’ appeal to invest in the country and thus boosting NZD. On the contrary, lower interest rates tend to weaken NZD. The so-called rate differential, or how rates in New Zealand are or are expected to be compared to the ones set by the US Federal Reserve, can also play a key role in moving the NZD/USD pair.
Macroeconomic data releases in New Zealand are key to assess the state of the economy and can impact the New Zealand Dollar’s (NZD) valuation. A strong economy, based on high economic growth, low unemployment and high confidence is good for NZD. High economic growth attracts foreign investment and may encourage the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to increase interest rates, if this economic strength comes together with elevated inflation. Conversely, if economic data is weak, NZD is likely to depreciate.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) tends to strengthen during risk-on periods, or when investors perceive that broader market risks are low and are optimistic about growth. This tends to lead to a more favorable outlook for commodities and so-called ‘commodity currencies’ such as the Kiwi. Conversely, NZD tends to weaken at times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty as investors tend to sell higher-risk assets and flee to the more-stable safe havens.
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
AUD/USD holds steady below 0.6550 after PBOC's status quo
AUD/USD is trading in a tight range below 0.6550 in Asian trading on Wednesday. The pair lacks bullish conviction after the PBOC left the Lona Prime Rates unchanged. Escalating Russia-Ukraine geopolitical tensions keep the Aussie on the edge ahead of Fedspeak.
USD/JPY pares gains below 155.00 amid risk-off mood
USD/JPY is paring back gains below 155.00 in Wednesday's Asian session. A broadly softer US Dollar, a risk-off market mood and looming Japanese intervention risks limit the pair's upside. Mounting Russia-Ukraine tensions weigh on risk appetite, lending support to the safe-haven Japanese Yen.
Gold stays firm amid geopolitical concerns, nears $2,650
Gold price holds comfortably above $2,600, nearing $2,650 early Wednesday. Escalating geopolitical tensions on latest developments surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the pullback seen in US yields help Gold price hold its ground.
XRP on the verge of a rally to $1.96 as investors maintain bullish sentiment
Ripple's XRP trades at $1.11 on Wednesday, maintaining its position as the best-performing cryptocurrency in the top 20 cryptos by market capitalization, with over a 50% rise in the past week.
How could Trump’s Treasury Secretary selection influence Bitcoin?
Bitcoin remained upbeat above $91,000 on Tuesday, with Trump’s cabinet appointments in focus and after MicroStrategy purchases being more tokens.
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.