Graph illustrating NZD/USD trade balance trends and projections - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image showcases a graph detailing the NZD/USD trade balance trends and projections for February. It highlights the expected widening of the trade surplus, reflecting better trade activity, which is crucial for traders monitoring currency fluctuations.
Trading

NZD/USD TRADING GUIDE: TRADE BALANCE

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on March 27, 2014

3 min read
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 (March 26, 2014)

Upcoming New Zealand Trade Balance Release

New Zealand is scheduled to release its trade balance for February in the upcoming Asian trading session. Analysts project the trade surplus to widen from January’s 306 million NZD surplus to 595 million NZD, reflecting better trade activity for the past month.

Historical NZD/USD Response to Trade Data

A quick look at NZD/USD’ reaction to mixed data back when the January figures were release still reflects underlying Kiwi strength. Back then, the actual figure came in stronger than the estimated 230 million NZD reading but the previous month’s surplus was revised down from 523 million NZD to 493 million NZD, showing that the initially reported trade activity was not as strong.

Despite that, NZD/USD managed to hold on to its gains during the February 26 release date and even go for more. The currency pair was kept on its uptrend mostly by interest rate hike expectations from the RBNZ (Reserve Bank of New Zealand).

Technical Outlook for NZD/USD

NZD/USD is currently testing a short-term uptrend line visible on its 4-hour and 1-hour time frames, indicating that further rallies could be in the cards if the actual figure comes in better than expected. Bear in mind that NZD/USD is supported by a positive interest rate differential between the Fed and the RBNZ. However, weakening risk appetite is preventing the pair from staging significantly strong rallies for now.

On the other hand, a smaller than expected trade surplus or a deficit might lead to a downside break from the trend line. This might usher in a short-term selloff for the pair, as the RBNZ has been blaming Kiwi strength for the weakness in the country’s exports lately. If the trade balance reflects this slowdown, RBNZ officials might grab the opportunity to jawbone the Kiwi later on.

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Key Takeaways

  • Analysts expected NZ’s February trade surplus to widen significantly from January’s NZD 306 million to NZD 595 million.
  • Markets had already reacted to January’s data revision and stronger-than-estimated figures, keeping NZD/USD on an uptrend amid RBNZ rate hike expectations.
  • When February’s actual surplus beat expectations, NZD/USD surged to highs not seen in over two years.
  • A smaller-than-expected surplus or deficit risked breaking short‑term uptrend support, potentially prompting RBNZ intervention via jawboning.
  • The positive interest rate differential between RBNZ and the Fed underpinned NZD/USD strength, though global risk sentiment capped rallies.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a higher trade surplus boost NZD/USD?
A larger surplus suggests stronger export demand, meaning increased demand for NZD to pay for exports, which supports its value against USD.
How do RBNZ rate expectations influence NZD/USD?
Expectations of RBNZ rate hikes enhance NZD yield appeal compared to USD, attracting inflows and lifting the currency pair.
What could cause NZD/USD to fall despite a surplus?
If the surplus is smaller than expected or markets worry about exports, NZD/USD may break trend lines and decline, potentially triggering RBNZ jawboning.
What’s jawboning in this context?
Jawboning refers to central bank verbal intervention to influence exchange rates—RBNZ might warn that Kiwi strength hurts exporters if data disappoints.

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