Headline: RBNZ Poised for 25 bp Cut as AUD/NZD Rally Meets Resistance
Introduction: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is widely expected to lower the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% at its meeting on Wednesday, 26 November. The decision is due at 2:00 p.m. NZT (0100 GMT; 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday), followed by a press conference an hour later, with investors watching for signals that this could be the final move in the current easing cycle.
Analysts anticipate that a well-telegraphed cut, paired with guidance suggesting a pause ahead, could shift momentum in the AUD/NZD exchange rate. If the RBNZ indicates it is nearing the end of its rate-cutting phase, the yield differential between New Zealand and Australia is likely to narrow. That backdrop tends to support the New Zealand dollar against the Australian dollar, potentially putting the brakes on the recent AUD/NZD upswing.
While a narrower AU–NZ yield spread should be constructive for NZD, any gains are expected to be measured, as interest rates still broadly favor Australia. The tone of the RBNZ statement—particularly its inflation outlook and forward guidance—will be critical for near-term FX positioning across NZD pairs and broader forex market sentiment.
Key Points: – RBNZ decision due Wednesday, 26 November at 2:00 p.m. NZT (0100 GMT; 8:00 p.m. ET Tuesday) – A 25 bp rate cut to 2.25% is widely expected – Press conference scheduled one hour after the decision – Analysts see this cut as likely the final step in the current easing cycle – Potential narrowing of the AU–NZ yield differential could support NZD versus AUD – AUD/NZD uptrend may lose steam, but a sharp NZD rally is not anticipated
