Breaking: RBNZ leaves OCR steady at 0.25%, expands QE to NZD100 billion

FXStreet Team FXStreet

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) board members decided to leave the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at a record low of 0.25% for the third straight month in August, as much anticipated.

The RBNZ expanded its quantitative easing (QE) programme size to NZD100 billion.

Additional takeaways

QE eligible assets remain same.

Agreed that package of additional monetary instruments must remain in active preparation.

Package includes a negative OCR.

Purchase of foreign assets remain an option.

Output and employment have recovered sooner than projected.

Any significant change in the global and domestic economic outlook remains dependent on the containment of the virus.

About RBNZ Interest Rate Decision

RBNZ Interest Rate Decision is announced by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. If the RBNZ is hawkish about the inflationary outlook of the economy and rises the interest rates it is positive, or bullish, for the NZD.

NZD/USD reaction

On a dovish RBNZ decision, the NZD/USD pair lost 40-pips and dropped to a multi-week low of 0.6528 before reversing to now trade at 0.6544, still down 0.4% on the day.

Author

FXStreet Team

FXStreet

Composed of a group of economic journalists and FX experts, the FXStreet content team produces and oversees all content published on FXStreet. It provides a purely journalistic approach to the Forex market.

GBP/USD edges lower due to safe-haven demand

GBP/USD inches lower after opening at a bullish gap, trading around 1.3200 during the Asian hours on Monday. The pair loses ground as the Pound Sterling declines against the US Dollar amid emerging safe-haven demand, which could be attributed to the United States-Iran talks uncertainty.

EUR/USD remains stronger despite uncertainty surrounding US-Iran talks

EUR/USD pair maintains its upward momentum for a third consecutive session, trading near 1.1390 during Monday's Asian hours. Despite this positive streak, the Euro’s gains could face headwinds if geopolitical uncertainty sparks a flight to safety, boosting the US Dollar.

Gold remains bid and close to $4,100

Gold accelerates its recovery and approaches the key $4,000 mark per troy ounce at the end of the week, adding to Thursday’s advance. However, expectations for a hawkish Fed remain steady and keep the yellow metal’s potential upside contained.

Week ahead: NFP report to challenge Dollar strength and the hawkish Fed

The end of the Middle East conflict and the steps made so far towards securing a comprehensive deal over the next five weeks – with oil prices dropping aggressively but maintaining a small risk premium – has allowed investors to focus elsewhere. Contrary to expectations, the greenback has been the main protagonist lately.

Week ahead – NFP report to challenge Dollar strength and the hawkish Fed

Dollar strength dominates markets, as the hawkish Fed overshadows geopolitics and lower oil prices. NFP week could drive September Fed hike expectations and boost market volatility. The euro lacks fresh bullish catalysts, all eyes on the preliminary inflation report and the ECB Forum.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.