NZD Slips as Safe-Haven Demand Lifts USD Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) has extended its decline for a second consecutive session, slipping against the US Dollar as safe-haven demand lifts the greenback. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are supporting demand for assets perceived as safe havens, despite mixed US economic data.
Initial Jobless Claims edged up to 199K last week from a revised 198K previously, but came in below market expectations of 202K. The release follows Wednesday's weaker ADP employment report. Investors are now turning their attention to Friday's Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for a clearer assessment of US labor market conditions.
The NZD/USD pair trades around 0.5880, down 0.10% on the day, with renewed demand for the US Dollar emerging. Strategists at BBH argue that 'NZD and NZ yields slump' in the wake of New Zealand's latest labour market data, noting that solid Q2 job and wage growth mask ongoing labor market slack.
TD Securities concur that policy tightening remains on the table, stating that 'despite the mixed report today, we believe the RBNZ has the room to hike again by 25bps in September given that economic activity continues to recover in Q3.'