Chart Of The Day: Traders Bearish On New Zealand Dollar Despite Positive Data

 | May 24, 2021 09:32AM ET

Positive economic data out of New Zealand compared to inflation fears in the US means the New Zealand dollar has an advantage ahead of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's interest rate decision on Wednesday.

New Zealand retail sales rose 2.5% in the first quarter, after falling 2.6% in the same quarter a year ago. Recreational goods added 16%, the highest category, showing optimism that a resurgent virus won’t stop people from outdoor activities.

This follows Thursday’s interview, in which New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson—also the finance minister—said that his country’s economy has recovered “a lot better than expected ,” and it was able to assist low-income earners during the pandemic while keeping its net debt in check.

Meanwhile the NZD/USD pair has been ranging since December. The next catalyst for the currency is the country's trade balance release, which will print on Wednesday morning locally followed later the same day by the RBNZ's interest rate decision, rate statement, press conference (all will occur late evening Tuesday in the US)—which will provide considerable rhetoric and clues as to the direction of the economy, as well as monetary policy.

From a technical perspective, however, it appears that positions have been building to short the kiwi vs the US dollar.