Kiwi Tumbles As RBNZ Signals A Pause

 | Jul 24, 2014 02:54AM ET

The Kiwi experienced sharp drops today after RBNZ hike OCR by 25bps to 3.50% as expected, but signaled a pause. Governor Wheeler noted in the statement that "it is prudent that there now be a period of assessment before interest rates adjust further towards a more-neutral level." The comments regarding exchange rate were also seen a bit strong as Wheeler noted that the level of the Kiwi is "unjustified and unsustainable" versus prior description that it's not "sustainable at current levels". RBNZ even went further as warned "there is potential for a significant fall." Markets are now pricing in for RBNZ to stand pat within this year. Also released from New Zealand, trade surplus narrowed less than expected to NZD 247m in June.

Technically, the NZD/USD's sharp decline today pushed it through the 55 days EMA firmly. The development further affirmed the case that an important top is formed at 0.8835, just ahead of key resistance level of 0.8842. Near term outlook stays bearish as long as 0.8719 resistance holds. Deeper decline is expected to 0.8401 cluster support (38.2% retracement of 0.7682 to 0.8835 at 0.8395).