- NZD/USD is struggling to defend the crucial support of 0.6000 as the USD index is aiming to extend recovery.
- The overall market mood is expected to remain cautious amid the release of the US Employment and Manufacturing PMI.
- Caixin Manufacturing PMI data landed higher at 50.9 vs. the consensus and the prior release of 49.5.
The NZD/USD pair is struggling to defend the psychological support of 0.6000 in the Asian session. The Kiwi asset is expected to test Wednesday’s low around 0.5985 as the USD Index (DXY) is gathering strength for breaking above the immediate resistance of 104.30.
S&P500 futures have generated some decent gains in the Tokyo session, indicating some improvement in the risk appetite of the market participants. The overall market mood is expected to remain cautious amid the release of the United States Employment and ISM Manufacturing PMI (May) data.
As per the consensus, US ISM Manufacturing PMI (May) is expected to soften marginally to 47.0 vs. the former release of 47.1. While the New Orders Index that indicates forward demand is expected to drop to 44.9 from the prior release of 45.7. A figure below 50.0 is considered a contraction in economic activities, which could put some pressure on the USD Index.
The US Dollar Index witnessed an intense sell-off on Wednesday as investors were confident that the US debt-ceiling bill will receive clearance from Congress. For now, the entire focus has shifted to economic indicators, which could keep the USD Index choppy ahead.
The New Zealand Dollar has failed to capitalize on upbeat Caixin Manufacturing PMI data (May). The IHS Markit reported the economic data at 50.9, higher than the consensus and the prior release of 49.5. Investors should note that China’s official Manufacturing data contracted to 48.8 vs. the estimates of 49.4 and the former release of 49.2.
It is worth noting that New Zealand is one of the leading trading partners of China and higher Chinese factory activity might support the New Zealand Dollar.
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: Formidable resistance sits above 0.6500
AUD/USD reversed part of Tuesday’s pronounced recovery, coming under renewed downside pressure on the back of the late rebound in the US Dollar. The move higher in the Greenback was propped up by prospects of further progress on the trad front, while speculation kept pointing to a later-than-expected Fed rate cuts.

EUR/USD: Another drop to 1.1060 is not ruled out
EUR/USD rapidly faded its initial move to weekly highs around the 1.1270 zone on Wednesday, refocusing on the downside and approaching the 1.1160 region toward the closing bell on Wall Street. The pair’s pullback came on the back of the firm tone in the Greenback, which managed to regain balance and reverse initial losses, all ahead of Thursday’s release of US Retail Sales and the speech by the Fed’s Powell.

Gold looks consolidative below 3,200
Gold appears to have entered a brief consolidation phase below the $3,200 mark per troy ounce on Wednesday, following an earlier drop to five-week lows. The retreat came as investors continued to rotate out of the safe-haven asset, with growing optimism over trade developments driving steady selling in the metal.

$100M DeFi Development funding sends Solana price above 73-day resistance
Solana price surged past $184 on Wednesday, marking a 25% gain in May. The rally follows a fresh capital injection by DeFi Development, reaffirming institutional confidence in Solana’s blockchain ecosystem amid favorable macroeconomic signals.

US-China trade truce only emphasizes timeless investing truths
Markets roared back to life as the US and China hit pause on their escalating trade war, with both sides emphasizing mutual respect and dignity. But it wasn’t the fine print that moved markets—it was the mood shift. Investors rushed back into risk assets, betting that the worst might be behind us.