- NZD/USD pares its intraday losses ahead of the release of US Consumer Price Index data.
- The lower US Treasury yields put downward pressure on the US Dollar.
- Morgan Stanley's Robin Xing emphasizes the greater need for China to implement stimulus measures to overcome the debt-deflation challenge.
NZD/USD trims its intraday losses, trading around 0.6150 during the Asian session on Wednesday. The US Dollar (USD) faces challenges as the US Treasury yields continue to decline ahead of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data scheduled to be released later in the North American hours. This inflation report may offer fresh cues regarding the potential magnitude of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) interest rate cut in September.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar against six other major currencies, halts its three-day winning streak. The DXY trades around 101.40 with 2-year and 10-year yields on US Treasury bonds standing at 3.57% and 3.62%, respectively, at the time of writing.
However, last week’s US labor market report raised uncertainty over the likelihood of an aggressive interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) at its September meeting. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are fully anticipating at least a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its September meeting. The likelihood of a 50 bps rate cut has slightly decreased to 31.0%, down from 38.0% a week ago.
Morgan Stanley's Chief China Economist, Robin Xing, stated that China is undoubtedly experiencing deflation, likely in the second stage of the process. Xing noted that Japan's experience suggests that the longer deflation persists, the greater the need for China to implement significant stimulus measures to overcome the debt-deflation challenge, per Business Standard. Any change in the Chinese economy could impact the Kiwi markets as both countries are close trade partners.
UOB Group FX strategists Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia observed that the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) could potentially break below 0.6115, though it is highly unlikely that the support at 0.6085 will come into play. They also noted that as long as the NZD remains below 0.6220, a break below 0.6150 is possible.
Read the full article: NZD/USD can break below 0.6115 – UOB Group
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
How will US Dollar react to inflation data amidst all the tariff noise? – LIVE
Investors will take a break from the non-stop headlines surrounding the US tariff policy and scrutinize March Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the US on Thursday, which could have a significant impact on the Fed policy outlook and the US Dollar's performance.
EUR/USD climbs higher toward 1.1100 ahead of US CPI release
EUR/USD extends its daily rally toward 1.1100 on Thursday as the Euro benefits from the EU's decision to pause countermeasure against US tariffs for 90 days. Meanwhile, the US Dollar remains under pressure ahead of CPI data, further boosting the pair.
Gold clings to gains above $3,110, closes in on all-time high
Gold builds on Wednesday's impressive gains and trades above $3,110 on Thursday. The broad-based selling pressure surrounding the US Dollar and retreating US bond yields on growing fears of a deepening trade war between China and the US fuel XAU/USD's rally.
GBP/USD rises above 1.2900, US CPI data awaited
GBP/USD preserves its bullish momentum and trades above 1.2900 on Thursday. The British Pound capitalizes on risk appetite, courtesy of Trump's tariff pause, allowing the pair to push higher as market focus shits to March inflation data from the US.
Trump’s tariff pause sparks rally – What comes next?
Markets staged a dramatic reversal Wednesday, led by a 12% surge in the Nasdaq and strong gains across major indices, following President Trump’s unexpected decision to pause tariff escalation for non-retaliating trade partners.
The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD
SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.