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Currencies NZD/USD

NZD/USD Bats Below 0.5750 Amid Market Jitters and Significant Economic Events

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  • March 7, 2025
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NZD/USD continues to lose steam below 0.5750 amid market jitters in advance of China’s trade balance release and US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) announcement. The pair ends its four-day losing streak, trading at around 0.5730 in the Asian session. Meanwhile, international trade events, such as Trump’s exemption of Mexican and Canadian imports from threatened tariffs and Canada’s slowdown in retaliatory tariffs, are still influencing market sentiment. The US labor market remains strong, with initial unemployment claims falling and NFP to increase to 160K in February. Besides that, China’s promise of more stimulus and a dovish move from the People’s Bank of China have assisted somewhat in support of the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). But fears surrounding US policy uncertainty and possible Fed rate actions deter the strength of the US Dollar, placing the NZD/USD currency pair in a subdued trading band. KEY LOOKOUTS • China’s trade balance report is followed closely by traders, which has the potential to affect NZD sentiment considering that China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner. • The anticipated increase in US job additions to 160K has the potential to affect Federal Reserve policy expectations and influence the strength of USD against NZD. • Market sentiment is affected by Trump’s tariff exemptions and Canada’s postponed retaliatory tariffs, influencing risk appetite and currency fluctuations in the forex market. • Promises of additional stimulus and possible rate reductions by the People’s Bank of China would help support the NZD, offsetting overall market uncertainties. NZD/USD continues to be pressured as investors wait for major economic releases, including the release of China’s trade balance and the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report. Market mood is influenced by continued global trade news, such as Trump’s tariff exemptions on Mexico and Canada and Canada’s postponement of retaliatory tariffs. In the meantime, hopes of more stimulus from the government of China and the dovishness of the People’s Bank of China lend some strength to the New Zealand Dollar. But US policy uncertainty fears and the prospect of the Federal Reserve responding to slowing economy and inflation keep the US Dollar down, keeping the NZD/USD currency pair in a cautious range. NZD/USD is trading with caution below 0.5750 as the market looks to China’s trade data and the US NFP report. Global trade events and China’s stimulus plans drive sentiment, with uncertainty over Fed policy holding back the USD. • The pair is under selling pressure ahead of major economic data releases, as market caution prevails. • Investors are extremely careful watching China’s trade data, which has the potential to affect NZD due to China being New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. • The employment market is likely to improve, with payroll additions climbing to 160K, having a bearing on USD strength and Fed policy expectations. • Exemptions of Mexican and Canadian imports from potential tariffs under the USMCA affect global trade sentiment and risk appetite. • Canada delays its second round of tariffs on US goods until April 2, lowering near-term trade tensions. • Pledges of further economic stimulus by Chinese officials help support NZD with concern over global economic growth. • Expectations in the market move towards possible action by the Fed to curb economic slowdown, influencing movement in USD in the forex market. The market scene is still influenced by global economic events and policy measures, shaping investor perception and currency movement. Ahead of the release of China’s trade balance figures, market players are watching closely for its possible implications on international trade and economic expansion. With China being New Zealand’s biggest trading partner, any change in the dynamics of trade may have spillover effects on the New Zealand economy. Furthermore, the United States’ performance in its labor market is also being eyed, with the next Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) due to provide some clues about trends in the employment market and the overall stability of the economy. These events reflect the interlinkages between economies around the world and why such economic indicators need to be closely tracked. NZD/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Finally, policy announcements from major economies also have a big impact on market sentiment. The United States’ recent waiver of Mexican and Canadian products from threatened tariffs under the USMCA lightens trade tensions, while Canada’s hesitation on retaliatory tariffs adds to a stable trade atmosphere. In the meantime, China’s agreement to further stimulus measures indicates an activist approach toward maintaining economic growth, supporting confidence in its market policies. While central banks and governments deal with these economic woes, their actions will keep driving financial markets, business plans, and global trade relationships. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS NZD/USD is in a cautious range, unable to build steam above significant resistance levels. The pair recently put an end to its losing streak near 0.5730 but has resistance at the 0.5750 level. A continued break above this level may pave the way for additional upside, while support on the downside is seen around 0.5700. Moving averages reflect a bearish to neutral bias, with sellers in control unless there is a breakout. Furthermore, momentum indicators like the RSI and MACD reflect a lack of strong bullish conviction, leaving the pair susceptible to additional consolidation in the near term. FORECAST NZD/USD may experience a rise, particularly if China’s trade balance figures are better than expected or if additional stimulus is introduced. A robust US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report would also enhance risk appetite, thereby indirectly favoring commodity-sensitive currencies such as the New Zealand Dollar. Technically, a move above the 0.5750 resistance level may pave the way for additional gains, with the next stop being around 0.5780–0.5800. A softer US Dollar, fueled by speculation of Federal Reserve policy changes, would further enhance the pair’s bullish momentum. To the downside, NZD/USD is exposed to bearish forces in case of disappointing Chinese economic statistics, which would trigger concerns of decelerating worldwide trade. An upbeat US NFP reading would further solidify the Federal Reserve’s hawkish bias, firming up the US Dollar and exerting bearish pressure on NZD/USD. If the pair cannot

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Australian Dollar Gains Ground as US Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key Inflation Data
AUD/USD Currencies

Australian Dollar Gains Ground as US Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key Inflation Data

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  • January 15, 2025
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The strength gained recently by the Australian Dollar was partly driven by improved market sentiment, broad China trade data, and rising commodity prices. An additional factor for the AUD is the stabilizing momentum as created by Beijing regarding stabilizing the Yuan. On the contrary side, the US Dollar has declined following the December Producer Price Index that came way worse than expected. Thus, as a result of this, traders are now focusing on upcoming US inflation data regarding future market trends. Key Lookouts Consumer confidence in Australia’s Westpac Consumer Confidence Index slid by 0.7% in January. This continued the trend of pessimism, in part a response to the loss of AUD in value relative to the USD. Market pricing suggests a 67% probability of the RBA cutting the cash rate by 25 basis points in February, with cuts through to April. US NFP data reported an increase of 256K jobs in December; it was better than expected but did not produce the desired result as the mixed reaction in markets indicated. Here are the key developments influencing the Australian Dollar and US Dollar dynamics in the current market environment: Consumer confidence remains one concern in Australia. The Westpac Consumer Confidence Index fell by 0.7% in January, indicating that Australian households remain pessimistic. The decline in confidence is partly due to the depreciation of the AUD against the USD, which has caused concerns about the cost of living and economic conditions. Consequently, markets are factoring in a 67% chance of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in February and expect more cuts in April to sustain the economic activity. AUD/USD Daily Price Chart Source: TradingView, prepared by Jacob Although there have been difficulties for the consumer sentiment in Australia, risk sentiment from other parts of the world has given some boost to the AUD. Strong trade data from China and rising commodity prices have helped boost the outlook for Australia’s economy, which is heavily reliant on exports. Moreover, Beijing’s efforts to stabilize the Yuan have contributed to a more favorable environment for risk-sensitive currencies like the AUD. With positive global factors at play, the Australian Dollar is likely to remain supported but its movement would be largely related to the future economic data released from Australia as well as from the US. Technical Analysis The AUD/USD pair is still trading within a descending channel on the daily chart, at around 0.6190. The immediate resistance is found at the 9-day EMA at 0.6193, then at the 14-day EMA at 0.6207. The next resistance is seen near the upper boundary of the descending channel, at around 0.6220. Support may be tested near the lower boundary of the channel, at around 0.5940, if the bearish momentum continues. Support and Resistance Forecast Support for the AUD/USD remains at 0.5940, which aligns with the lower boundary of the descending channel. If this level is unable to hold as support, it may open a way for even more downside action, potentially moving towards 0.5900. A violation below 0.5940 would be very bearish in nature and allow for a breakdown to even weaker levels in the short term.The key resistance for the AUD/USD pair will be at 0.6193, with the 9-day Exponential Moving Average placed there, and at 0.6207, marked by the 14-day EMA. If the pair breaks above this level, it could test the upper boundary of the descending channel around 0.6220. A strong move beyond 0.6220 could signify a change in momentum, sending the pair further up to resistance zones around 0.6250 or 0.6300.

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Currencies NZD/USD

NZDUSD Price Forecast: Bearish Bias Remains Intact Stagnating Below 0.5900

NZDUSD Price Forecast: Bearish Bias Remains Intact Stagnating Below 0.5900 The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday faces mounting downward pressure as it breaks its three-day winning streak and traded to around the 0.5890 level in the European session Wednesday. The NZD/USD pair sits in a descending channel, with further bearish bias looking possible unless strong reversal is seen. Pair shows weakness, especially below key 0.5900, and short-term momentum remains bearish. Bearish Momentum: NZD/USD in a Descending Channel From the daily NZD/USD chart, a bearish outlook seems to be of concern for the bullish traders because the chart seems to be moving in a downward trend within a well-defined descending channel. A bearish sentiment usually prevails when the market is entering a kind of downtrend, as the pair cannot keep its course upwards but falls backwards. In the case of NZD/USD, this kind of pattern grows clearer because, day by day, it remains trading below both nine-day and 14-day EMAs. Currently, the nine-day EMA sits below the 14-day EMA, which is an important short-term indicator of price momentum and displays persistent weakness in the market. This means that bearish control is most likely to continue until a strong catalyst forces a directional shift in sentiment. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) – the measure of the speed and change of price movements – is also sitting below the neutral 50 level. When the RSI is constantly under 50, it usually means the market tends to have a bearish look, which commensurate with current trends for NZD/USD. Resistance Levels: Immediate Hurdles for NZD/USD Resistance levels for NZD/USD, however, are found in the immediate upside. The first level of key resistance is currently sitting at 0.5907, at the nine-day EMA. This represents the zone that sellers will be keenly watching for as a potential turning point. A break back above the nine-day EMA would be a marked shift in sentiment, though as of now, the pair sits below this resistance, which continues to support the bearish view. Above the nine-day EMA, the next level of resistance is at the 14-day EMA, which stands at 0.5926. This is a more important resistance level since it coincides with the upper boundary of the descending channel. From the breakout above the 14-day EMA and the upper boundary of the channel, the bearish momentum could be weakening, allowing the pair to further advance toward higher levels, even reaching the psychological level 0.6000. Given the current bearish momentum, however, such a breakout seems less likely over the short run unless something fundamental in market sentiment were to shift. NZD/USD Daily Price Chart Source: TradingView, prepared by Richard Miles Levels of Support : 0.5850 and the Lower Boundary of the Channel On the downside, the NZD/USD pair is facing potential support around the 0.5850 level, which represents a psychological level for the pair. If the price continues to slide lower, this support zone will be critical in determining whether the bearish trend will extend further. If the price breaks below 0.5850, the next level of support is likely to be the lower boundary of the descending channel, which is found around the 0.5930 region. The zone is of high importance situated around 0.5850 as it is a throwback support zone – a term used to describe a price zone where the market had previously shown support or resistance. If the NZD/USD pair can remain above the 0.5850 zone, it might be a good place for a reversal or at least a consolidation. On the other hand, if the price breaks decisively below that level, it would endorse the bearish view and push the pair down even further. Downside Risk: Testing the Two-Year Low at 0.5772 If the NZD/USD fails to maintain strength above 0.5850 and breaks below the lower boundary of its falling channel, critical support will be found at the two-year low at 0.5772. It reached the level last in November 2023, and this will be a signal for another decline in the value of the Kiwi versus the US Dollar, should the pair continue to the mentioned level. Such a move towards this level would squeeze the bearish sentiment and thus attract more selling pressure with further declines. Traders will be keenly watching how the price reacts to the lower boundary of the channel and the 0.5850 support. A break below these levels could potentially accelerate the decline and bring the pair closer to the two-year low of 0.5772. On the other hand, a failure to break below these levels might indicate a temporary consolidation, but the overall market sentiment would remain cautious and bearish. What Could Reverse the Bearish Trend? While the current outlook for NZD/USD remains bearish, it’s essential to consider potential catalysts that could reverse the trend. For instance, if there were a significant shift in market sentiment towards riskier assets or a sudden change in global economic conditions, it could provide support for the New Zealand Dollar. Positive economic data from New Zealand or a change in the US Federal Reserve’s policy stance could also impact the NZD/USD pair. Furthermore, if the pair breaks above the nine-day and 14-day EMAs, it could signal that the bears are losing control, allowing for a move higher. This scenario however, looks unlikely to come to pass without a significant fundamental trigger, as the current market sentiment is on further weakness for the Kiwi. What to Expect for NZD/USD Short-term view: The outlook for NZD/USD remains bearish, but the price was unable to stay above the key level of 0.5900. The pattern of the descending channel suggests further downside, with the support areas around 0.5850 and the lower boundary of the channel being areas to watch. A break below these levels would further solidify a strong bearish case, with a view toward reaching the two-year low of 0.5772. On the positive side, two important barriers that one needs to watch are resistance levels at the nine-day EMA (0.5907) and at the

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