Is NZD/USD Resuming the Uptrend?


NZD/USD turned bullish in October as the USD started the bearish trend, following the softer FED comments and a slowing US economy. This forex pair retreated lower in February as the US economy rebounded, but the 200 SMA (purple) has been acting as support on the daily chart, holding the price during the retreating periods.

Last month NZD/USD was retreating lower since the first week, but the retreat stopped at the 200 SMA again and after the bound off this moving average late last week, it seems like buyers might resume control again. Yesterday the bullish momentum picked up again after the Reserve Bank of Australia delivered a surprising 25 basis points rate hike, which sent the AUD almost 100 pips higher, pulling the NZD higher as well.

Early this morning the employment report from New Zealand was released, with expectations for the unemployment rate to tick higher. Alth0ugh, the rate remained unchanged in Q1 at 3.4%, while the employment change jumped by 0.8%. But, the labour cost index posted a decline, which is a dovish sign for the RBNZ.

New Zealand Jobs Report for Q1 2023

  • Unemployment Rate 3.4% vs 3.5% expected
  • Q4 of 2022 unemployment rate was 3.4% prior
  • Employment change Q1 0.8% vs 0.4% expected
  • Previous unemployment change was 0.2%
  • Labour cost index change for Q1 0.9% vs 1.1% expected
  • Labour cost index change for Q4 of 2022 was 1.1%

NZD/USD Live Chart

NZD/USD
ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Skerdian Meta
Lead Analyst
Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.

Related Articles

Comments

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

HFM

Doo Prime

XM

Best Forex Brokers