RBNZ chief economist Conway: Inflation is high and widespread because strong demand outstripped supply

Ross J Burland FXStreet

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Chief Economist Paul Conway on Thursday said interest rates were clearly in the contractionary territory and causing a welcome slowdown in demand in the economy, though it was not yet clear that inflation expectations were under control, as Reuters reported.

He was also reported saying that the 450 basis point rise in interest rates over the last 18 months was still "percolating" through the economy and would likely further weigh on consumer spending.

Reuters noted that he said that it was unclear whether inflation expectations were falling fast enough to mean current and projected rate setting were high enough to be disinflationary.

NZD/USD update

The NZ Dollar flew to a fresh high for the month at 0.6282 and was up from a low of 0.6171 on the back of a dovish Federal Reserve on Wednesday.

The bulls are moving back in on Thursday and eye a break of the 0.6280s.

Author

Ross J Burland

FXStreet

Ross J Burland, born in England, UK, is a sportsman at heart. He played Rugby and Judo for his county, Kent and the South East of England Rugby team.

AUD/USD remains offered below 0.7000

AUD/USD extends its decline for a second consecutive session, retreating toward the 0.6960 region, or multi-day lows, ahead of the opening bell in Asia. The pair’s decline comes as investors keep digesting the RBA’s latest monetary policy decision and gear up for US Midterm election results.

USD/JPY fails near 159.00 amid weak USD, intervention risks

USD/JPY edges lower during Tuesday’s Asian session, reversing part of the previous day's gains to 158.00 as the US Dollar remains depressed amid hopes for Iran diplomacy and ahead of US midterm elections. Meanwhile, intervention risks support the Japanese Yen, though the uncertainty over the timing of the next BoJ rate hike caps gains. This keeps the pair confined within a familiar range and warrants caution before placing directional bets.

Gold struggles near $3,900 as traders assess Middle East developments,US election risks

Gold (XAU/USD) loses momentum on Tuesday as Oil prices rebound after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported a US strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island. At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades around $3,909, down 0.93% on the day.

BNB Price Forecast: BNB rebounds above $700 as Binance records net inflows after hack

BNB (BNB) springs up above $700 on Tuesday, as bulls push to regain momentum following last week’s sell-off. The decline from highs above $760 on Thursday to lows of $680 was largely driven by investor reaction to the security breach on Binance, the largest crypto exchange. The hack impacted approximately $6.3 billion, the largest in crypto industry history.

US Dollar Index edges up within range with midterm elections front and centre

The US Dollar Index is picking up from session lows but remains within previous ranges, below 102.00. The Greenback is drawing support from hostilities in Iran and higher Oil prices, but US political uncertainty is capping gains.

The 2% inflation target came from a throwaway remark. It now moves trillions

The Federal Reserve's 2% inflation goal grew out of an off-the-cuff remark by a New Zealand politician in 1988. Bond investors still price long-term US debt as if 2% holds, so a change in how the Fed measures inflation would move markets.