2026.01.0503:29:05UTC+00Kiwi Dollar Near Two-Week Low

The New Zealand dollar has declined to approximately $0.576, lingering near a two-week low as investors evaluate the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's policy direction. The central bank has indicated that its phase of monetary easing probably concluded last year after implementing a total of 225 basis points in rate reductions. Additionally, it has countered the expectations of an imminent rate increase. This stance follows remarks by Governor Ann Breman, who suggested interest rates are expected to remain unchanged for an extended duration unless unexpected economic shifts occur. Consequently, market expectations for a rate hike before September have diminished, with the probability falling below 50%. However, an increase is increasingly anticipated by October. Furthermore, the currency faced additional downward pressure from broadly subdued market sentiment due to renewed geopolitical tensions, sparked by US strikes on Venezuela, which have unsettled global markets.