|

NZD is strong for good reason and is likely to remain that way - BNZ

Jason Wong, Currency Strategist at BNZ, suggests that the NZD has typically traded above long-term fair value for such a long time owing to the above-normal terms of trade

Key Quotes

“On a TWI basis, the NZD has traded above our long-term (PPP) fair value estimate for much of the past 12 years, supported by NZ's strong terms of trade. The current level of the TWI is about 7% above our longterm FV estimate, which is actually below the average "valuation" gap of the past 12 years.”

“There are large divergences on the crosses, with the NZD well above long-term FV against EUR, GBP, JPY and CAD.  The NZD is below FV against CNY, while only slightly above against USD and AUD.”

“Our projections suggest more of the same, with little in the way of the closing of the gap with long-term FV over the coming year on most of the crosses.”

“Overall, our TWI projections hover within a few percent of the current level through the next couple of years, given the mixed view on the crosses.  In an overall sense then, the NZD is expected to remain a “strong” currency, leaving it above long-term fair value for some time.”

“We strongly disagree with RBNZ Governor Wheeler’s belief that “the exchange rate is higher than the economic fundamentals would suggest is appropriate.”  The NZD is strong for good reason and is likely to remain that way.”

Author

Sandeep Kanihama

Sandeep Kanihama

FXStreet Contributor

Sandeep Kanihama is an FX Editor and Analyst with FXstreet having principally focus area on Asia and European markets with commodity, currency and equities coverage. He is stationed in the Indian capital city of Delhi.

More from Sandeep Kanihama
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.