The New Zealand dollar experienced a significant decline on Wednesday, emerging as the weakest performer among its currency counterparts, falling by 1% to reach a nearly two-week low.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) decided to keep interest rates steady at 5.5%, but its accompanying statements indicated a more cautious stance on the progress of inflation toward its 1% to 3% annual target. Although the bank conveyed a commitment to maintaining higher interest rates in the short term, traders adjusted their expectations, largely eliminating prospects of additional rate hikes that had been in focus before the meeting.
Analysts from Westpac suggested that the RBNZ might maintain the current interest rates until 2025, reflecting the central bank’s cautious approach amid evolving economic conditions.