NZD Weaker On Trade Data, UK GDP In focus

 | Oct 24, 2014 05:55AM ET

Market Brief

The risk appetite remained limited in Asia as doctor back from South Africa tests positive for Ebola in NYC hospital. The US equity futures traded lower overnight; Dow Jones futures weakened 0.14%, S&P and Nasdaq futures are down 0.32% and 0.37% at the time of writing.

US 10-year yields advanced to 2.30% in New York yesterday, pushing USD/JPY up to 108.35. USD/JPY and JPY crosses were mixed in Tokyo as Ebola story hit wires. We are close to MACD (12, 26) pivot. A week close above 109.00 should signal a short-term bullish reversal. Markets are concerned that low energy prices may further derive the CPI from BoJ’s 2.0% target. Option bids trail above 107.75/108.00, offers dominate below.

New Zealand’s trade deficit overbeat market expectations in September, widened twice more than market estimates. NZ printed 1,350 million NZD deficit in September (vs. -625mn exp. & -489mn last (revised)), exports were little changed 3.61bn (vs. 3.51bn last) but the imports surged to 4.96bn (from 4.00bn last) due to purchase of an aircraft plus parts. The significant September deficit pulled the 12-month trade surplus down from 1,778mn (revised) to 648mn (vs. 1,530mn exp.). NZD/USD spiked down to 0.7791, the bullish momentum fades suggesting a re-test of 0.7709 (Sep 29th low). The RBNZ rate decision is due next week. Given the softer CPI reading and moderate recovery, the RBNZ’s official cash rate is expected to remain unchanged at 3.50%.

In China, soft house price data kept USD/CNY ranged in Hong Kong. New home prices fell in 69 cities over 70 by 1.3% in year to September (vs +0.3% in Aug). The USD/CNY bias should remain on the downside for a week close below 6.13 (MACD pivot).