• ANZ anticipates that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will maintain its current interest rates at the upcoming August 14 meeting but may signal potential rate cuts later this year
  • A softer U.S. unemployment claims report could influence the short-term direction of the NZD/USD currency pair.

ANZ anticipates that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will maintain its current interest rates at the August 14 meeting but may signal potential rate cuts before the year ends. Although ANZ estimates a small 10-15% chance that the RBNZ might shift to an easing bias during this coming meeting. 

Markets are currently pricing in 89 basis points of cuts by November 2024 and 222 basis points by November 2025. However, ANZ is cautioning against expecting such drastic moves and that markets could be disappointed with this reflected in market volatility if the RBNZ doesn’t deliver. 

A key level to watch on the downside is April’s low which has twice served as a support level in recent weeks, rebuffing sellers. 

NZD/USD is currently moving higher, nearing the 100 SMA on the daily chart. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests that momentum remains strong, with the potential for a softer unemployment claim report from the US influencing the pair’s short-term direction. 

For the exact date and time of these major economic events, import the BlackBull Markets Economic Calendar to receive alerts directly in your email inbox.