New Zealand Dollar: RBNZ hikes offer limited support against USD - BBH

Brown Brothers Harriman’s (BBH) Elias Haddad notes that NZD/USD’s recovery stalled after reaching a one-month high, as New Zealand Q3 Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in below expectations while underlying inflation remains persistent. Haddad highlights that above-target inflation and elevated Oil prices support further Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) tightening, but argues NZD/USD gains are limited because ongoing Fed tightening restricts policy convergence.

RBNZ tightening but gains limited

"NZD/USD recovery lost steam after testing a one month high at 0.5710. New Zealand Q3 CPI undershot expectations. Headline CPI increased 0.7% q/q vs. 1.5% in Q2, below the 0.8% rise forecast by consensus and RBNZ."

"Despite the softer headline reading, underlying inflation points to persistent price pressure. The RBNZ sector factor model printed at 2.8% y/y for a second straight quarter, near the top of its 1-3% target range. Meanwhile, CPI ex. petrol remained at 3.2% y/y for a fourth consecutive quarter."

"Above target inflation and still elevated oil prices argue for additional RBNZ rate hikes. The swaps curve price in 85% odds of a 25bps RBNZ rate hike to 3.00% on October 28 and more than 100bps of tightening over the next twelve months to 3.75% - near the upper end of the RBNZ’s estimated neutral range of 2.20%-4.10%. Nonetheless, NZD/USD upside is constrained because Fed tightening curbs the scope for policy convergence."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Know more.)