New Zealand Dollar Remains Near 3-Month High

The New Zealand dollar fell to around $0.596 on Monday but stayed close to a three-month high, amid increased bets on interest rate hikes this year. Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Anna Breman said last Friday that interest rates are likely to rise earlier and more sharply than previously indicated in order to curb inflation. Her comments followed the central bank’s decision to keep the official cash rate at 2.25%, with updated projections pointing to two 25-basis-point rate hikes before year-end. Market pricing now implies an 80% probability of a rate hike in July, with expectations for around 75 basis points of total tightening over the year, equivalent to three rate increases. Meanwhile, broader market sentiment remained cautious as investors awaited US President Donald Trump’s decision on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran.

The New Zealand dollar climbed further to $0.595 on Friday, its highest level in over two weeks, supported by growing expectations of tighter monetary policy. Following a hawkish signal from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, markets are now pricing in a 80% chance of a hike in July, with the cash rate expected to reach 3.0% by year-end. RBNZ Governor Anna Breman indicated that interest rates may need to increase as inflationary pressures build. On the data front, New Zealand’s consumer confidence and business sentiment improved in May but remained well below the levels seen prior to the Middle East conflict, as households and firms continue to grapple with higher fuel costs and economic uncertainty. The kiwi also benefited from improved risk appetite after reports that the US and Iran had reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire. The currency has gained nearly 2% this week and is up about 1% for the month, on track for a second consecutive monthly advance.

The New Zealand dollar traded near a two-week high at around $0.589 on Thursday, after RBNZ Governor Anna Breman said the cash rate may need to rise as inflationary pressures intensify. Her remarks reinforced the hawkish tone struck by the central bank when it kept interest rates unchanged the previous day. Updated projections from the RBNZ indicate at least two 25-basis-point rate hikes before year-end. Higher oil prices have lifted the inflation outlook, now projected to peak at 4.3% in the third quarter, well above the RBNZ’s 1-3% target range. The central bank also revised its economic growth forecasts lower. Breman noted that policymakers are closely monitoring the extent to which weaker demand, driven by rising costs and persistent inflation, is acting to ease broader price pressures across the economy, a key factor in assessing the future path of rates. She added that the central bank remains committed to returning inflation to target.