- Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) to Keep Official Cash Rate at 1.75%.
- Will Governor Wheeler Toughen the Verbal Intervention on Kiwi?.
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Trading the News: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Interest Rate Decision
After reducing the official cash rate to a fresh record-low of 1.75% in November, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is widely expected to endorse a wait-and-see approach at its first policy meeting for 2017, but the fresh batch of central bank commentary may curb the near-term advance in NZD/USD should Governor Graeme Wheeler and Co. show a greater willingness to further embark on the easing-cycle.
What’s Expected:
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Why Is This Event Important:
With Governor Wheeler’s tenure set to expire in September, the RBNZ may toughen the verbal intervention and further insulate New Zealand economy before the departure as the central bank struggles to achieve its 1 to 3 percent target-range for inflation. In turn, officials may sound increasingly cautious this time around and stress ‘numerous uncertainties remain, particularly in respect of the international outlook, and policy may need to adjust accordingly,’ but a more balanced tone may keep NZD/USD afloat over the near-term especially as the Federal Reserve remains in no rush to further normalize monetary policy.
Expectations: Bearish Argument/Scenario
| Release | Expected | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Change (YoY) (4Q) | 6.1% | 5.8% |
| Private Wages ex. Overtime (QoQ) (4Q) | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| REINZ House Sales (YoY) (DEC) | -- | -10.7% |
Weak job/wage growth accompanied by the slowdown in the housing market may push Governor Wheeler and Co. to endorse a dovish outlook for monetary policy, and the New Zealand dollar stands at risk of facing a bearish reaction should the policy statement drag on interest-rate expectations.
Risk: Bullish Argument/Scenario
| Release | Expected | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Year Inflation Expectations (1Q) | -- | 1.92% |
| Consumer Price Index (YoY) (4Q) | 1.2% | 1.3% |
| Gross Domestic Product (YoY) (3Q) | 0.8% | 1.1% |
However, the upbeat 3Q Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report paired with signs of stronger price growth may encourage the RBNZ to adopt an improved outlook for the region, and the kiwi-dollar may extend the advance from earlier this year should the central bank talk down speculation for more easing.
How To Trade This Event Risk(Video)
Bearish NZD Trade: Governor Wheeler Casts Dovish Outlook for Monetary Policy
- Need a red, five-minute candle following the rate decision to consider a short NZD/USD position.
- If market reaction favors a bearish kiwi trade, sell NZD/USD with two separate position.
- Set stop at the near-by swing high/reasonable distance from cost; at least 1:1 risk-to-reward.
- Move stop to entry on remaining position once initial target is met, set reasonable limit.
Bullish NZD Trade: RBNZ Highlights Improved Outlook, Endorses Wait-and-See Approach
- Need green, five-minute candle to favor a long NZD/USD trade.
- Implement same strategy as the bearish New Zealand dollar trade, just in reverse.
If you’re looking for trading ideas, check out our Trading Guides
Potential Price Targets For The Release
NZD/USD Daily
Chart - Created Using FXCM Marketscope 2.0
- NZD/USD may stage a more meaningful run at the November high (0.7403) as the pair threatens the downward trending channel carried over from the previous year, but lack of momentum to close above the Fibonacci overlap around 0.7330 (38.2% retracement) to 0.7350 (61.8% expansion) raises the risk for a near-term exhaustion especially as price appears to be deviating with the Relative Strength Index (RSI); will keep a close eye on the momentum indicator as it preserves the bearish formation from the summer months and appears to be responding to trendline resistance.
- Interim Resistance: 0.7520 (50% retracement) to 0.7530 (78.6% retracement)
- Interim Support: 0.6885 (2017 low) to 0.6950 (38.2% retracement)
Impact that the New Zealand Employment report has had on NZD/USD during the last release
| Period | Data Released | Estimate | Actual | Pips Change | Pips Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NOV 2016 | 11/09/2016 20:00 GMT | 1.75% | 1.75% | +55 | -78 |
November 2016 Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Interest Rate Decision
NZD/USD 15-Minute
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) reduced the official cash rate to a fresh record-low of 1.75% at its last policy meeting for 2016, but it seems as though the central bank is in no rush to further support the real economy as ‘current projections and assumptions indicate that policy settings, including today’s easing, will see growth strong enough to have inflation settle near the middle of the target range.’ Nevertheless, Governor Graeme Wheeler and Co. went onto say that ‘numerous uncertainties remain, particularly in respect of the international outlook, and policy may need to adjust accordingly,’ and the central bank may keep the door open to further embark on its easing-cycle amid the ongoing slack in the global economy. NZD/USD bounced back from 0.7263 as the RBNZ endorsed a wait-and-see approach for monetary policy, but the New Zealand dollar struggled to hold its ground throughout the day, with the pair closing at 0.7213.
Read More:
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--- Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
To contact David, e-mail dsong@dailyfx.com. Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong.
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