SYDNEY: The Australian dollar was on the defensive on Thursday as losses in global equity markets sapped risk sentiment, while its New Zealand counterpart struggled to find any comfort in an upside surprise for economic growth at home.
Figures showed gross domestic product rebounded by 1.1% in the third quarter, though that followed a 1.0% drop the previous quarter leaving the economy almost flat for the six months.
The bounce was firmer than forecast by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand but still leaves the economy with plenty of excess spare capacity that should help restrain inflation.
"Much of the growth in the September quarter came from a recovery from a shock in the prior quarter," said Shannon Nicoll, an economist with Moody's Analytics. "Future growth won't be as fast."
"The RBNZ won't be stirred to hawkishness over this reading, but the GDP print should see the bank stand pat. It will be a long while before a hike is needed."
Investors responded by paring back the chance of an early hike in the 2.25% cash rate next year, with a move by July implied at 40% compared to 52% before the data.
The kiwi dollar dipped 0.1% to $0.5764, and further away from last week's top of $0.5831. Support now lies around $0.5758 and $0.5700.
The Aussie had eased back to $0.6596, after losing 0.4% overnight as equity markets slid. The currency is often used as a proxy for risk globally and has developed a close correlation to Wall Street in recent months.
The pullback from the recent three-month high of $0.6685 risks a retreat to $0.6550 and $0.6419.
Markets are still wagering on at least one rise in the Reserve Bank of Australia's 3.6% cash rate next year, with a move in February priced at 25%, rising to 40% from March and 70% for May.
Minutes from the RBA's December policy meeting are due next week and will provide some colour around the board's deliberations about a possible future tightening and its concerns about inflation.
There was some mildly positive news for the bond market on the supply side, with the government cutting the amount of debt it plans to sell in 2025/26 by A$25 billion to A$125 billion ($82.48 billion), reflecting increased tax receipts. - Reuters
