New Zealand was the focus of the session, with Q2 inflation data from both StatsNZ and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The official CPI data for the quarter from StatsNZ came in a little under the median expectation, a welcome development. At 3.3% its still, of course, above the upper end of the 2–3% RBNZ target band.

NZD/USD rose on the day despite the lower CPI result. ANZ shifted their forecast for the first RBNZ rate cut from February 2025 to November 2024.

Later in the day we had the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s own inflation measure, their “sectoral factor model” for Q2. This came in at 3.6% y/y, well down from Q1’s 4.2% but, of course, well above the top of the target band still.

US politics remained centre stage. While the Trump convention continued Bloomberg TV had an interview with him. Of note for those interested in economic developments were Trump once again pledging sharply higher tariffs. Of note for traders more specifically were Trump’s remarks on not wanting any Federal Reserve interest rate cut until after the election. The Financial Times headlined this with “Donald Trump warns US Fed chair not to cut rates before the election”. Trump says he does not want a boost given to the economy or Biden ahead of the election. Will Federal Reserve Chair Powell succumb to the threat? I don’t know.

Apart from the NZD move today major FX rates were fairly subdued.

nzdusd wrap chart 17 July 2024 2