NZ Dollar Stabilizes at $0.61 as Q4 Inflation Aligns with Forecasts.
Solid ECN – The value of the New Zealand dollar remained stable at approximately $0.61, reflecting a tepid market response to the latest inflation data for the country. The inflation figures for the fourth quarter showed a 0.5% increase every quarter, a deceleration from the 1.8% rise witnessed in the previous quarter, aligning with market expectations. The year-over-year inflation rate dipped to 4.7% in the fourth quarter, down from 5.6% in the third quarter, marking the lowest rate since mid-2021.
Market participants are now turning their attention to an upcoming speech by Paul Conway, the Chief Economist at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, who is anticipated to challenge the current dovish market sentiment. Additionally, the New Zealand currency continues to face challenges due to the robust performance of the US dollar as market speculation around early interest rate reductions by the Federal Reserve this year recedes.