Both domestic macroeconomic data and the general negative market sentiment were detrimental to the New Zealand dollar. But that did not prevent the currency from holding its ground today, rising at least a bit against all other most-traded peers, except for the Australian dollar.
The New Zealand dollar traded either flat or lower against its most-traded peers today, though it managed to gain on few currencies, like the US dollar and the Japanese yen. The kiwi was soft despite the news about the lockdown easing in Auckland.
The South Korean won is trading choppy in the middle of the trading week as investors begin to weigh the possibility of another lockdown related to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite South Korea flattening the curve in March, the nation has been experiencing an uptick in infections for most of August. The country is already in a recession, so another wave of restrictions could exacerbate the downturn.
The New Zealand dollar traded largely lower against its most-traded peers but, surprisingly, demonstrated resilience versus safer currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc. Macroeconomic reports in China, New Zealand’s biggest trading partner, were decent but data in New Zealand itself was not good. Trading was subdued today, especially during the Asian session, as markets in Japan and Singapore were closed for a holiday.
The South African rand is extending its rally midweek, despite analysts warning that the emerging market currency may have already peaked. The rand recently touched its best level in nearly three months due to investors’ risk appetite increasing amid greater certainty, reopening economies, and accommodative monetary policy. Has the rand peaked, or does it still have room to rally?
The Turkish lira is strengthening against several major currency competitors on Tuesday as investors anticipate the central bank to cut interest rates. Forex markets are also optimistic that Ankara can establish swap lines with foreign central banks to mitigate its currency crisis. The lira has been rebounding since it crashed to a record low against the US dollar earlier this month.
The New Zealand dollar was among the strongest currencies today amid the mildly positive market sentiment. The currency waits for tomorrow’s monetary policy decision from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. No economic reports were released in New Zealand today while yesterday’s data was not bad but not particularly good either.
The Australian dollar fell intraday but has rebounded by now. The drop was a result of growing political tensions between China and Australia as well as poor macroeconomic data in both Australia and China.
The South Korean won is looking to extend its gains on Thursday as economic data keeps beating market forecasts. The won, which had weakened due to reports of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s deteriorating health, is set for a considerable gain in April – and analysts say its best days are ahead as Seoul weathers the storm.
The New Zealand dollar was trading either flat or slightly higher against other currencies, including its commodity-related counterparts. The kiwi got a boost from positive macroeconomic data released in both China, New Zealand’s biggest trading partner, and New Zealand itself. The optimistic market sentiment was helping the currency too.
