Headline: NZD/USD Holds Near Lows as Markets Await US Data; RBNZ Bias Stays Dovish
The New Zealand dollar is trading heavy against the US dollar as investors look to upcoming US data for confirmation of softening momentum in the American economy. The greenback’s recent weakness briefly extended after softer weekly ADP figures flagged job losses in the second half of October, before stabilizing as traders positioned for official releases and the expected resolution of the government shutdown this week.
Markets continue to price a roughly 64% probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, keeping the US dollar on the defensive. In New Zealand, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the Official Cash Rate by 50 bps at its last meeting to 2.5%—the lower end of its estimated neutral band of 2.5%–3.5%—and maintained an easing bias as it gauges the economic outlook. With domestic indicators still soft, pricing implies about a 91% chance of another 25 bps reduction at the next policy decision, a backdrop that caps NZD/USD rallies.
From a technical perspective, NZD/USD remains rangebound near recent lows. On the daily chart, a descending trendline sits close to the 0.5700 area; a pullback toward this zone may attract sellers aiming for fresh lows, while a decisive break higher would expose resistance near 0.5850. On the 4-hour view, the 0.5670 swing high marks initial resistance and the first level bulls must clear to challenge the broader downtrend. Intraday, a minor rising trendline is underpinning short-term momentum; a break beneath it would likely reinforce the bearish bias and reopen the path to the prior lows.
Key Points – USD remains broadly soft ahead of key US economic data, with shutdown resolution expected this week. – Markets price around a 64% chance of a Fed rate cut in December. – RBNZ cut the OCR by 50 bps to 2.5% and kept an easing bias, citing a cautious approach. – Odds imply about a 91% chance of an additional 25 bps RBNZ cut at the next meeting. – NZD/USD daily resistance clusters near 0.5670–0.5700; a break higher targets 0.5850. – Loss of intraday trendline support would favor renewed downside toward recent lows.
