NZD/USD Breaks Below .8200 Level (March 14, 2013)

Even though the central bank kept rates on hold at 2.50% as expected, RBNZ head Graeme Wheeler commented that domestic economic activity is weak. A couple of reasons that he mentioned for this slowdown were the worsening drought conditions and the strength of the New Zealand dollar.

In fact, he pointed out in his speech a few hours later that he thinks the New Zealand dollar is overvalued by 10-15%, prompting traders to speculate that the RBNZ will engage in currency intervention if the Kiwi doesn’t return to their desired levels.

If you missed the initial reaction to the report, there’s still a chance to catch the rest of the move as European traders and U.S. session traders have yet to react to the news. Based on past price action following the RBNZ statement, NZD/USD typically makes a strong reaction right after the event then consolidates at the start of the London session, after which it makes a breakout in the same direction.

At the moment, NZD/USD is moving below the .8200 major psychological level and is consolidating around .8175, suggesting a potential breakdown later on. The selloff could last until the next minor psychological level of .8150 or possibly until the .8100 major psychological support. Take note that the U.S. is set to release its PPI and initial jobless claims later and that stronger than expected results typically boost the U.S. dollar.

Shorting at the break of .8175 with a stop above .8200 and a profit target around .8100 would yield a good reward-to-risk ratio for a day trade.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way