Potential Reversal on the NZDUSD?

The current market consensus is that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) would likely keep interest rates at 5.50% at the upcoming meeting on 12th July. This is supported by the RBNZ’s monetary statement indicating that “monetary policy is having a sufficiently moderating effect on demand and inflation, and that we are yet to see the full effects of past tightening on the economy. A pause would also allow more time to assess the impact of the significant tightening, and the timing of any further increase that might be needed.”

However, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has turned down from its peak of 7.3%, the most recent data was released at 6.7%, this is still significantly higher than the RBNZ’s target level of 1-3%. Therefore, another rate hike from the RBNZ cannot be ruled out.

In May, the RBNZ released its decision to hike rates to 5.50% but also indicated that the official cash rate has reached its peak at 5.50% but would need to remain at the restrictive level until at least the middle of 2024. This led to the NZDUSD falling steadily from 0.6250 to reach the round number support level of 0.60.

As the NZDUSD climbs toward the 0.6250 price area, formed by the previous swing high and the downward trendline, look for a potential reversal if the RBNZ holds interest rates at 5.50% as forecasted. A reversal to the downside could reach the price level of 0.61, supported by the upward trendline, and beyond that, the 0.60 round number key support level.