Home Daily Commentaries Kiwi vulnerable ahead of US labour market data

Kiwi vulnerable ahead of US labour market data

Daily Currency Update

NZD - New Zealand DollarThe New Zealand dollar extended the weeks sell off, edging further below 0.70 US cents amid increased USD demand. While investor focus remains affixed to tonight’s non-farm payroll data, a robust ISM manufacturing report helped bolster demand for the USD and drive an uptick across US 10-year treasury yields, pushing the NZD to intraday lows at 0.6960. Thursday’s sell off stopped short of the 7-month lows seen in mid-June, yet the NZD remains vulnerable to near-term headwinds. While we still believe the NZD is fundamentally undervalued, especially when compared with historical drivers and markers of value, we acknowledge the pandemic has reshaped traditional pricing models. We anticipate the NZD will outpace most counterparts leading through Q3 and into Q4, pushing back toward ranges between 0.71 and 0.74 US cents. However, as transitory inflation pressures linger and new more virulent variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge, the timeline for a higher NZD becomes increasingly clouded.

Key Movers

The US dollar strengthened through trade on Thursday, as leading domestic indicators suggest today’s non-farm payroll print will show strong growth across the labour market, as the US economy continues to reopen. The ISM manufacturing survey showed the manufacturing sector has maintained recent momentum, printing near record highs. While there remains intense pressure on input and component prices, signals that supply constraints are starting to ease helped fuel expectations inflation concerns could well be transitory. With jobless claims falling to a pandemic low, there is an expectation a faster than anticipated labour market recovery will force the Fed to bring forward its timeline of monetary policy adjustment. The Blomberg index advanced 0.3% and the USD now sits near the highs enjoyed in the wake of the FOMC policy update in mid-June. The euro was able to stave off a significant sell, off edging only marginally lower on the day, yet still marked new 3-month lows below 1.1850, while the yen slipped to its lowest level since march and the GBP failed to hold above 1.38. The pound came under pressure following comments from Bank of England Governor Bailey. Bailey reiterated statements issued after the last BoE policy meeting reminding investors it is crucial the Bank does not undermine the recovery by tightening monetary policy too quickly. The comments dampened expectations the UK and BoE could move ahead of schedule, as inflation pressures grow and the recovery outpaces expectations. Having touched lows at 1.3750, sterling now buys 1.3762 as attentions turn to tonight’s US non-farm payroll print.

Expected Ranges

  • NZD/USD: 0.6890 - 0.7050 ▼
  • NZD/EUR: 0.5820 - 0.5930 ▼
  • GBP/NZD: 1.9605 - 1.9950 ▼
  • NZD/AUD: 0.9290 - 0.9350 ▲
  • NZD/CAD: 0.8630 - 0.8720 ▼