NZD edged lower as Chinese yuan marks new 2024 low
Daily Currency Update
The NZD tracked with a narrow range on Tuesday, consolidating below US$0.59 and closing lower on the day. With little domestic data on hand, the NZD succumbed to a spillover in Chinese yuan weakness as the world’s second-largest economy saw its currency weaken and mark a fresh 2024 low, almost touching ¥7.30. Market concern surrounding the impact of potential tariffs has weighed on the yuan since the US election. If officials allow the yuan to weaken and President-Elect Trump pushes a significant extension in export tariffs, the NZD could test pandemic lows through Q1 next year.Our attention today turns to US private payroll numbers and ISM services data, while political and geopolitical developments dominate sentiment and headlines.
Key Movers
The biggest move overnight has been in the Korean won which tumbled following the stunning declaration of Martial Law by the South Korean President. The move comes after months of political wrangling and impasse as the President’s minority government battles the main opposition party. While lawmakers immediately and unanimously voted to lift martial law military leaders refused announcing they would uphold Martial Law until otherwise ordered by the President. Korean assets and the won plunged nearly 3% before a pledge of support helped ease market fears. There was little spillover into other currencies and price action across majors has otherwise been relatively subdued. The Chinese yuan faced increased selling pressure and the USD/CNY pushed toward ¥7.30. With no fresh political developments in France, the euro has recovered some of Monday’s losses, edging back above US$1.05. With lawmakers holding a no-confidence vote this evening we wait to see whether Macron will be forced to appoint a new Prime Minister.Our attention now remains on French politics while US private payroll data and ISM services data will provide a key snapshot of US economic health.
Expected Ranges
- NZD/USD: 0.5820 - 0.5920 ▼
- NZD/EUR: 0.5520 - 0.5620 ▼
- GBP/NZD: 2.1400 - 2.1700 ▲
- NZD/AUD: 0.9000 - 0.9100 ▼
- NZD/CAD: 0.8200 - 0.8300 ▲