The two items of most interest during the session here were the Australian monthly inflation data, for October, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cash rate cut.

Australian headline consumer price inflation (CPI) stayed at a three-year low in October, unchanged for September at 2.1% y/y. Government rebates continued to restrain energy prices (electricity). Core inflation, however, was a completely different story. The trimmed mean CPI rose to 3.5% y/y, from September’s 3.2%. This is higher than the top of the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2 – 3% target band for inflation. The sticky high core inflation reading argues against any near-term Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate cuts. As always, though, we really have to wait for the ‘official’ CPI data, which is released once a quarter. December Quarter 2024 (September - December) CPI is due on Wednesday 29 January 2025.

AUD/USD didn’t do much on the data.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut its cash rate target by 50bp, from 4.75% to 4.25%, in a widely expected decision. There was a perception that the Bank were projecting a slower pace of rate cuts ahead and NZD/USD surged higher. This perception was disputed by RBNZ Governor Orr who went out of his way at his press conference to say that the Bank’s projections are consistent with a 50bp cut in February, depending on how the economy develops, of course. The Bank’s next meeting is on February 19 2025.

NZD/USD topped out around 0.5880 and then dribbled back down towards 0.5845. As I update its back nearer to highs around 0.5870.

Data from China showed industrial profits fell again in October. The headwinds for Chinese industrial earnings are familiar, soft demand and deflation pressure. Commentary relating to the report trotted out the familiar hopes of more policy easing next year.

Yen continued to strengthen, with USD/JPY dropping under 152.30 at its lows. There was no fresh news nor data of note from Japan.

NZD/USD 5 minute candles:

New Zealand dollar rbnz wrap 27 November 2024 2