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Currencies NZD/USD

NZD/USD Under Pressure as US-China Trade Tensions Flare and US Dollar Strengthens in Advance of Important US GDP Release

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  • May 29, 2025
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NZD/USD currency pair declined to close to 0.5935 in early Asian trading on Thursday under pressure from a stronger US Dollar as well as strengthened US-China trade tensions. The suspension of vital technology sales to China by the Trump administration, as well as strengthened restrictions by China on mineral exports, has increased fears of supply chain disruptions. In the meantime, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s 25-basis-point rate reduction last week was partially defused by hints that easing is coming to an end. Contributing to volatility, a US federal court halted Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, further bolstering the US Dollar. Market participants now look to the US Q1 GDP preliminary reading, which can greatly impact the pair’s short-term direction. KEY LOOKOUTS • Any intensification or relaxation of trade tensions between the US and China would have a major influence on NZD/USD, as New Zealand has a significant trade relationship with China. • The first release of US GDP figures will also be watched closely. A softer-than-anticipated reading can soften the US Dollar and see support for the Kiwi. •   Expectations of future Reserve Bank of New Zealand rate cuts remain subdued. Any shifts in RBNZ tone or policy signals may affect NZD/USD sentiment. •  General strength or weakness of the US Dollar, dependent on items like court decisions regarding tariffs and overall economy data, will remain a fundamental driver for the currency pair. Market players will be paying close attention to a number of factors influencing the near-term direction of NZD/USD. Excluding tensions between the US and China are a key risk, as further escalation may bear down on the New Zealand dollar owing to its trade dependence on China. Another key event is the US Q1 GDP preliminary figure, with the release potentially weakening the US Dollar and providing respite to the Kiwi if softer than anticipated. In turn, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s conservative approach to further rate reductions implies muted downside from monetary policy, but any change in tone would be able to rapidly influence market sentiment. Lastly, the overall resilience of the US Dollar, driven by legal updates regarding tariffs and economic prints, will remain a significant driver for the direction of the pair. NZD/USD also involve the ongoing US-China trade tensions, which can put pressure on the Kiwi because of New Zealand’s close relationship with China. Market participants are also concerned about the upcoming US Q1 GDP release as weaker-than-expected data can weaken the US Dollar and favor NZD/USD. Moreover, any changes in the RBNZ’s monetary policy expectations and overall US Dollar strength will be key considerations. •  Silver is also fluctuating around the nine-day EMA at around $33.10 and serves as a near-term support. • NZD/USD sagged to around 0.5935 against a stronger US Dollar and escalating US-China trade tensions. • The Trump administration halted US sales of key US technologies to China as a counter-measure to China’s export curbs on minerals. •  New Zealand’s proximity of trade with China exposes the Kiwi to worsening US-China relations. •  The Reserve Bank of New Zealand lowered its Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25%, but suggested easing may be approaching its conclusion. •  Market expectations of another RBNZ rate cut in July have considerably decreased. • A US federal court stopped Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, which strengthened the US Dollar. • Traders look for the US Q1 preliminary GDP figures, which can shape the US Dollar and NZD/USD trend. Escalating tensions between the United States and China have brought uncertainly to New Zealand’s currency, as the nation has strong trade links with China. The recent move by the US government to limit the sale of key technologies to China is in retaliation to China imposing its own export restrictions on vital minerals. This tit-for-tat has made people uncertain about the security of global supply chains and subjected markets tied to both economies to stress. NZD/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Concurrently, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand recently cut its official interest rate but signaled that more cuts may not be soon in the offing, which has somewhat comforted investors. On the American side, a federal court temporarily suspended sweeping tariffs drafted by the Trump administration, causing the US Dollar to rally. Going forward, investors are on the lookout for releases of crucial US economic statistics that would determine the direction of both currencies in the weeks ahead. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS NZD/USD is facing resistance around the 0.5950 level, where sell pressure has developed, curbing upside strength. The pair’s recent slide towards 0.5935 indicates bearish sentiment building support from a stronger US Dollar. Important support levels to pay attention to are around 0.5900, a breach below which could see the downward move gain momentum. To change the short-term attitude back in favor of the upside, a bounce above 0.5950 would be necessary. Market players will also be keeping a close eye on moving averages and momentum indicators for guidance on the pair’s next move. FORECAST NZD/USD currency pair is able to stay above crucial support levels and the US economic data, especially the soon-to-be-released GDP report, arrives weaker than anticipated, the Kiwi may get some reprieve. Weaker US Dollar due to weak US growth figures would tend to lift demand for the New Zealand currency. Also, any indication that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is approaching the end of its rate-cut cycle would enhance market conviction in the Kiwi to drive a possible rally above resistance levels near 0.5950. On the bearish side, further aggravation of US-China trade tensions could prove significantly bearish for NZD/USD, considering New Zealand’s economic links with China. Additional constraints or retaliatory actions might depress investor sentiment and place bearish pressure on the Kiwi. Additionally, if the US GDP figure comes in stronger than expected or the US Dollar is generally strong as a result of positive economic news or legal decisions, the NZD/USD exchange rate might come up against lower support levels around

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Currencies NZD/USD

NZD/USD Advances to Above 0.5950 as US Dollar Weakens Further and US-China Trade Dominates the Narrative

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  • May 5, 2025
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NZD/USD pair continued its bull run during Monday’s Asian trading, moving beyond the 0.5950 level on further weakness in the US Dollar and on increasing US-China trade discussion momentum. Statements from President Trump on possible cuts to tariffs and the continued dialogue over trade added volatility to the market, with even stronger-than-projected US job numbers having little effect on the greenback. In the meantime, expectations of sharper unemployment numbers in New Zealand have driven speculation over additional monetary accommodation by the RBNZ, with a cut of 25 basis points highly anticipated later in the month. KEY LOOKOUTS • Any developments or setbacks in the trade negotiations will have a serious impact on the market mood and the direction of NZD/USD. • An increase in the unemployment level could reinforce anticipation of additional RBNZ monetary easing. • The markets are factoring in a 25 basis point rate cut; even a change in tone or guidance from the central bank has the potential to influence the Kiwi’s appreciation. • Following a robust NFP reading, ongoing weakness in the US Dollar indicates that traders are paying attention to larger macroeconomic indicators and possible Fed policy action. NZD/USD currency pair is building a firm upside momentum, trading around 0.5970 as the US Dollar loses strength with fresh attention being given to US-China trade negotiations and the dovish tone of central banks. President Trump’s comments on the possibility of reducing tariffs and the likelihood of resumed negotiations have strengthened risk appetite, propping up the Kiwi. Meanwhile, investors are closely watching upcoming labor data from New Zealand, with expectations of a higher unemployment rate likely reinforcing forecasts of further monetary easing by the RBNZ. Despite stronger-than-expected US job growth in April, the Dollar remains under pressure, keeping the NZD/USD pair supported for a second consecutive session. NZD/USD hovers around 0.5970 as the US Dollar loses strength on fresh US-China trade hopes. New Zealand’s future labor statistics are in the market’s focus, with hopes of a rate cut from the RBNZ. Even with strong US employment figures, the Kiwi keeps finding support for the second consecutive session. •  NZD/USD hovers around 0.5970, posting gains for the second consecutive session. • US Dollar declines, led by trade uncertainty and dovish policy expectations. • US-China trade talks in the spotlight, with Trump affirming that there are still talks but no meeting with Xi this week. • Trump suggests future tariff cuts, improving market mood and risk assets. •  US Nonfarm Payrolls beat forecasts, but the USD did not rally as broader concerns persist. • New Zealand unemployment likely to rise, boosting chances of RBNZ monetary easing. • Markets already price in a 25 bps RBNZ rate cut, with rates set to bottom at 2.75% by October. New Zealand Dollar is finding steady support as market focus shifts to general economic and geopolitical trends. One driving sentiment is the current US-China trade issue, and President Trump has confirmed negotiations are ongoing, although there are no scheduled direct discussions with Chinese President Xi in the week ahead. His words that he might cut tariffs have provided a welcome note of optimism to the market, particularly for nations such as New Zealand which are so reliant on world trade. At the same time, China’s Commerce Ministry said it is examining an American proposal to resume talks, adding further to the optimism. NZD/USD DAILY CHART PRICE CHART SOURCE: TradingView Together with the trade story, economic news from the US and New Zealand is driving expectations. While the US posted good job growth in April, worries regarding long-term economic policy and worldwide conditions have left the Dollar under pressure. In New Zealand, forthcoming labor market figures are due to indicate a modest increase in unemployment, supporting the prognosis for additional policy assistance from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Markets are already pricing in a rate cut this month, signaling a guarded but defensive climate for the Kiwi. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS NZD/USD continues to display bullish momentum after breaking out above the 0.5950 resistance point and now trading close to 0.5970. This higher motion indicates buyer demand is increasing, fueled by a softer US Dollar and favorable risk environment. The pair could reach the next resistance level at around 0.6000 if it holds above 0.5970. Support is lower in 0.5920, and a break below there could mark a possible halt to the ongoing uptrend. Momentum gauges such as the RSI continue to be positive, supporting the short-term bull bias. FORECAST NZD/USD may continue its advance towards the psychological level of 0.6000, with additional resistance anticipated around 0.6030. Such an advance would be supported by ongoing US Dollar weakness, a breakthrough in US-China trade talks, or a dovish policy change from the Federal Reserve. Also, if New Zealand economic numbers, especially labor market data, arrive better than anticipated, it may restrict the margin for RBNZ easing and provide further encouragement to the Kiwi. Under such circumstances, the pair may keep going up in the short term as buyers drive it in that direction. On the flip side, if upcoming New Zealand labor data shows a significant uptick in unemployment or if risk sentiment deteriorates due to stalled trade talks, NZD/USD could face downward pressure. A drop below the 0.5920 support zone might trigger further selling, potentially pulling the pair toward the next support level around 0.5880. Moreover, any surprise hawkish comments from the US Federal Reserve or better-than-anticipated US data could support the Dollar and dampen the NZD. The pair might then find it difficult to sustain its latest bullish trend.

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Currencies NZD/USD

NZD/USD Suffers as Fed is Cautious and Geopolitical Tensions Rise: Can China’s Stimulus Rescue the Kiwi?

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  • March 21, 2025
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The NZD/USD currency pair continues to suffer from downward pressure for a third consecutive session as slight US Dollar strength takes its toll on the Kiwi. The Federal Reserve’s position of offering no more than two rate cuts this year, together with continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, has contributed to safe-haven flows towards the Greenback. Though these forces temper the NZD’s outlook, positives surrounding China’s latest stimulus efforts provide some respite to the antipodean currency. Still, without high-profile US economic data releases, traders might still be cautious, waiting for more definitive signals before establishing a reversal in the NZD/USD trend. KEY LOOKOUTS • The US Dollar continues to be supported as markets absorb the Fed’s expectation of just two rate reductions by year-end. • Safe-haven demand for the Greenback continues to be fueled by ongoing Middle East conflicts and Russia-Ukraine war, putting pressure on NZD. • Hopes for China’s recent stimulus efforts may provide near-term support to the Kiwi and other antipodean currencies. • Weak US economic data may result in defensive trading, with investors waiting for a clear trend reversal in NZD/USD. The NZD/USD currency pair is under pressure against a mildly firm US Dollar, fueled by the Federal Reserve’s conservative approach towards interest rate reductions and persistent geopolitical tensions. The safe-haven demand for the Greenback is supported by ambiguity over global wars, especially in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Nevertheless, hope over China’s newly proposed stimulus packages provides a possible safety net for the New Zealand Dollar, capping further losses. Without major US economic data, market players will resort to a wait-and-see strategy, awaiting clearer signs before affirming a directional change in the NZD/USD trend. NZD/USD continues to struggle for the third consecutive day against the backdrop of modest USD appreciation and increasing geopolitical tensions. Nevertheless, China’s stimulus optimism might serve to confine losses for the Kiwi to a smaller extent. Traders now look for clearer signs before affirming any significant trend change. • NZD/USD is down for the third day in a row, showing ongoing Kiwi weakness in the face of moderate US Dollar firmness. • The Greenback takes support from the Fed estimating only two 25 bps interest rate reductions by the end of the year, enhancing safe-haven demand. • Fed Chairman Powell’s remarks regarding slowed inflation gains and retaliation tariff fears further buoy the Greenback. • Middle East geopolitical tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict remain key drivers of demand for the safe-haven USD. • Recent stimulus in China provides some resilience to the New Zealand Dollar, preventing deep declines. • Traders’ restraint due to absence of key US economic data releases keeps them in wait-and-watch mode for more robust cues to take aggressive positions. • Sentiment in markets remains contradictory, with USD strength potential limited by fears of tariff-induced US economic slowdown. The NZD/USD currency pair remains under pressure as general economic and geopolitical considerations shape market sentiment. The US Dollar is supported by the Federal Reserve’s conservative stance towards interest rate reductions, with policymakers only forecasting two cuts this year. Further, comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell on potential delays in meeting inflation targets due to global tariff retaliation have contributed to the Greenback’s strength. Meanwhile, continued geopolitical tensions, including Middle East tensions and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, have increased the need for secure assets such as the US Dollar. NZD/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Conversely, some of the New Zealand Dollar’s positive momentum is coming from China’s newly announced economic stimulus policies. As a key trading partner for New Zealand, China’s economic outlook plays a crucial role in shaping the Kiwi’s performance. The stimulus efforts are expected to boost economic activity, indirectly benefiting export-driven economies like New Zealand. While these global dynamics continue to unfold, traders are closely monitoring market developments, waiting for stronger signals to determine the long-term direction of the currency pair. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS NZD/USD is appearing to suffer from chronic weakness as it is not able to maintain above crucial levels of support, and new selling pressure is seen near the mid-0.5700s. The pair’s failure to hold a bounce back from the 0.5720–0.5725 area indicates that downward momentum is still intact. The markets are eagerly observing for a firm break below this area of support, which might pave the way for more downside. However, any attempt to recover is threatened by the prospects of sellers cropping up in the 0.5780–0.5800 area, unless there’s a very good bullish stimulus shifting sentiment. FORECAST Any shift in the sentiment towards the riskier assets or a decline in the strength of the US Dollar as a result of the dovish inputs from the Fed or disappointing economic reports might result in NZD/USD recovering. A continued advance past the 0.5780–0.5800 resistance level might indicate fresh buying interest and carry the pair toward the next resistance around 0.5840. Improved Chinese economic news or better-than-anticipated New Zealand data might serve as a further catalyst for further pair upside action. On the negative side, sustained US Dollar strength, ongoing geopolitical tensions, or poor market confidence may continue to keep the NZD under strain. A fall below the 0.5720 support level may initiate further losses, setting the stage for a drop towards the 0.5670–0.5650 area. If bearish momentum gathers pace, the pair may even test lower levels not witnessed in recent months, supporting the bearish outlook unless backed by new fundamental triggers.

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