NZD creeps lower despite improved sentiment

Daily Currency Update

The New Zealand dollar edged marginally lower through trade on Monday, despite a broad uptick in the underlying risk narrative. With little of note on the domestic docket, attention remained affixed to developments surrounding the health of the US and European banking systems. Risk appetite was lifted as confidence improved following key announcements from regulators.

In a major step to restoring confidence, the FDIC announced First Citizens bank, with substantial support from the FDIC, will buy out the remnants of Silicon Valley Bank, while First Republic Bank will have access to an expanded emergency lending facility, giving it more time to shore up its balance sheet. The promise to use tools to protect any sized institution and keep the banking system sound helped drive equities and risk assets higher.

The NZD however failed to capitalise on the upturn in sentiment, unable to hold on to gains above US$0.62 While sentiment improved, the renewed confidence in the banking system helped lift expectations for another 25-point Fed rate hike. While many had anticipated the FOMC would pause its hiking cycle in May, stability across the financial system has helped fuel bets for another rate adjustment.

With front-end rates rising back toward 4%, the USD found support against most counterparties adding downward pressure on the NZD.

Our attentions today turn to key commentary from Fed officials and US consumer confidence data. With markets still consumed by developments surrounding the health of US and European banking systems, we anticipate direction will remain choppy and the NZD will track between US$0.6150 and US$0.6230.