NZD/AUD Transfer

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) reached a key 12-week level of 0.9325 (1.0725) late in the week against the Australian Dollar (AUD) the wash up of the RBA leaving rates unchanged last week. The pair is bouncing around the 0.9285 (1.0770) area early Tuesday as it consolidates ahead of a thin week of data releases. NZ Inflation expectations prints tomorrow with the view predicted inflation should be tracking around the 3.0% mark in two years’ time, but this shouldn’t be a big currency mover. Price in the cross could drift close to the 0.9300 (1.0750) area this week.

Current Level: 0.9283
Resistance: 0.9320
Support: 0.9165
Last Weeks Range: 0.9147 – 0.9323

 

NZD/USD Transfer

Inflation data will be key this week to determining the next move by the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), US Dollar (USD). With the kiwi travelling close to long term lows recently around the 0.6030 zone it’s an important week, will the NZD finally fall below pivotal 0.6000 or maintain enough buyer support and rally back to levels around 0.6400 seen a couple of weeks back. Certainly, NZ inflation expectations for the 3rd quarter could determine if we see a last-ditch hike by the RBNZ to bring down inflation. US CPI y/y is predicted to rise to 3.3% from 3.0%, the first time since June 2022, which may decide if the US economy falls into recession.

Current Level: 0.6105
Resistance: 0.6390
Support: 0.6065
Last Weeks Range: 0.6058 – 0.6224

FX Update: Risk Holding Up

Market Overview

Key Points:
• Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) printed poorly at 187,000 compared to 205,000 putting the US Dollar under pressure.
• The Bank of England (BoE) may need to raise rates again, we see a 70% chance the Central Bank will hike 25 points at their Sep 21 meeting.
• Germany’s economic situation is worsening as they face industrial production declines, energy rises, and a lack of consumer spending.
• The Fed have not ruled out the possibility of cutting rates in 2024
• UK House prices fell 0.3% in July vs 0.0%
• The Euro (EUR) has been the strongest currency in the month of August while the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the worst performer.

Major Announcements last week:
• Chinese July Manufacturing 49.3 vs 48.9 forecast
• RBA maintain cash rate at 4.10%
• NZ Unemployment Rate climbs to 3.6% from 3.4% in June
• Bank of England (BoE) hike 25 points to 5.25%
• Canadian Unemployment remains unchanged at 5.5%
• Non-Farm Payroll prints 187k vs 205k expected

AUD/GBP Transfer

Our predictions were correct with the British Pound (GBP) pushing higher from Tuesday’s 0.5240 (1.9080) to reach 0.5140 (1.9460) in early Friday trading. The lowest level since April 2020. The BoE signalled they are close to reaching a top in this tightening cycle later this year but highlighting further persistent pressures remain with taming inflation, consumer spending and strong wages. Earlier the Bank of Australia surprised markets by holding their cash rate at 4.10% against expectation of a hike, maintaining their forward guidance of further tightening required. For now, the Aussie looks down for the count, the worst performing main board currency.

The current interbank midrate is: AUDGBP 0.5157 GBPAUD 1.9391

The interbank range this week has been: AUDGBP 0.5136- 0.5242 GBPAUD 1.9072- 1.9469

NZD/GBP Transfer

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) extended midweek losses against the British Pound (GBP) reaching fresh lows around 0.4775 (2.0950) marking a 28-month level in the cross. The Bank of England (BoE) hiked their interest rate 25 points overnight as widely predicted voting 6-3 in favour. The central bank saying they will need to hike again later this year with inflation projections this year still exceedingly high. Earlier in the week NZ job’s data released with the participation rate hitting an all-time high and the unemployment rate clicking higher to 3.6%, up from 3.4% in quarter one. The kiwi looks poorly with further declines on the horizon expected.

The current interbank midrate is: NZDGBP 0.4782 GBPNZD 2.0911

The interbank range this week has been: NZDGBP 0.4771- 0.4844 GBPNZD 2.0643- 2.0959

Key Points This Week

FX Update

Key Points:

Australian Manufacturing in July 49.6 vs 48.2 expected, with pressures over the past few months easing.

NZ Building Permits for June +3.5% m/m prior -2.2% which is positive, however the number is still down 20% from the June 22 figure.

Chinese media are taking pot shots at Australia again warning of tight ties with the US after the two countries expand military operations together.

US earnings season continues this week with Apple, Amazon and Uber up this week.

German Retail Sales -0.8% vs 0.2% expected in June highlighting poor consumer spending.

July Chinese manufacturing data index (49.3) remains in contraction- the 4th straight month.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) is the strongest performer over the month of July with the US Dollar (USD) the worst performer.