AUD/NZD falls 60 pips as RBNZ meets market expectations for a 50 bps rate hike

As the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) issued its much awaited interest rate decision early Wednesday morning in Europe, the AUD/NZD pair dropped almost 60 pips to 1.0980. In doing so, the cross-currency pair disregards geopolitical concerns regarding China and North Korea, as well as concerns of a less aggressive RBNZ response in the wake of natural disasters in New Zealand.

In spite of this, the RBNZ announced its eleventh rate hike as officials attempt to control inflation fears, increasing the benchmark rate by 0.50 percentage points to 4.75 percent, for a total increase of 1.50 percentage points. In the quarterly Rate Announcement that followed the RBNZ's decision, it was said, "There are early signs of pricing pressures abating." The same should apply to the AUD/NZD currency pair bearish.

Other from this, the most notable market sentiment detractors were the remarks of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Notwithstanding this, US Secretary of State Blinken indicated that the United States fears China may provide military help to Russia. Similarities exist between the market issues of the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement. Russia terminated its nuclear arms agreement with the United States and pledged to maintain its military presence in Ukraine.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed both houses of parliament in his state of the nation address to the Russian Federal Assembly. During the speech, Russian President Putin emphasized the geopolitical turmoil surrounding Ukraine by stating, "Our mission is to drive our economy to new horizons." Similarly, US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo indicated on Tuesday, "The United States and its partners will apply additional sanctions this week to continue isolating Russia over the conflict in Ukraine."

US 10-year and 2-year Treasury note rates fluctuate near the three-month highs achieved the day before, while S&P 500 Futures record moderate gains despite Wall Street's negative closing price.

After monitoring the first reaction to the RBNZ's announcement, AUD/NZD pair traders should focus on risk triggers, particularly those pertaining to China and Russia, to determine the pair's direction. If geopolitical concerns continue to threaten market optimism, the price may continue to decrease.