The US Dollar may weaken as a downgrade of first-quarter US GDP data weighs on Fed rate hike bets. The New Zealand Dollar fell on building RBNZ easing speculation.
Talking Points:
NZ Dollar Swoons Amid Building RBNZ Interest Rate Cut Speculation
Unexpected Swiss GDP Drop Fuels SNB Easing Bets, Punishes Franc
US Dollar May Weaken as GDP Downgrade Weighs on Fed Outlook
The New Zealand Dollar underperformed in overnight trade, falling as much as 0.8 percent on average against its top counterparts. The move tracked a slump in front-end bond yields, pointing to building RBNZ rate cut speculation as the catalyst behind the move.
A round of disappointing economic data may have inspired the shift in investors’ outlook. Building permits fell 1.7 percent in April while a measure of business confidence from ANZ bank dropped to the lowest level since September 2014. Markets now price in a 54 percent probability of an RBNZ rate cut at the next policy meeting. That amounts to the most certain that investors have been about on-coming easing in three years.
The Swiss Franc likewise traded lower after GDP figures unexpectedly showed the economy contracted 0.2 percent in the first quarter, marking the worst result since the three months through September 2011. The currency’s slump was mirrored by a drop in Switzerland’s benchmark 10-year bond yield, suggesting investors took the data to mean an expansion of the SNB’s stimulus efforts may be in the cards.
Looking ahead, a revised set of first-quarter US GDP figures is in focus. A downward revision showing output shrank at an annualized pace of 0.9 percent is expected. Initial estimates pointed to a 0.2 percent increase. A soft print may weigh on the US Dollar as investors turn their gaze back to Fed rate hike expectations, which have conspicuously stagnated this week even as the greenback soared.
FXCM, L.L.C.® assumes no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions in these materials. FXCM, L.L.C.® does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials. FXCM, L.L.C.® shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation losses, lost revenues, or lost profits that may result from these materials. Opinions and estimates constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD holds above 1.0650 after US data
EUR/USD retreats from session highs but manages to hold above 1.0650 in the early American session. Upbeat macroeconomic data releases from the US helps the US Dollar find a foothold and limits the pair's upside.
GBP/USD retreats toward 1.2450 on modest USD rebound
GBP/USD edges lower in the second half of the day and trades at around 1.2450. Better-than-expected Jobless Claims and Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index data from the US provides a support to the USD and forces the pair to stay on the back foot.
Gold clings to strong daily gains above $2,380
Gold trades in positive territory above $2,380 on Thursday. Although the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield holds steady following upbeat US data, XAU/USD continues to stretch higher on growing fears over a deepening conflict in the Middle East.
Ripple faces significant correction as former SEC litigator says lawsuit could make it to Supreme Court
Ripple (XRP) price hovers below the key $0.50 level on Thursday after failing at another attempt to break and close above the resistance for the fourth day in a row.
Have we seen the extent of the Fed rate repricing?
Markets have been mostly consolidating recent moves into Thursday. We’ve seen some profit taking on Dollar longs and renewed demand for US equities into the dip. Whether or not this holds up is a completely different story.