New Zealand bonds close higher as business confidence drops; GDT price auction eyed

The New Zealand bonds closed a tad higher at the time of closing, following a drop in the country’s business confidence. Also, investors are curiously eyeing the GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) price auction, scheduled to be held on April 5 for detailed direction in the debt market.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond, which moves inversely to its price, fell 1 basis point to 3.21 percent at the time of closing, the yield on 7-year note also slipped nearly 1 basis point to 2.80 percent and the yield on short-term 2-year note also traded 1 basis point lower at 2.16 percent.

New Zealand’s business confidence eased in March. However, other survey indicators remain fighting fit. Firms are optimistic about their own businesses, and still, want to hire and invest. The survey continues to point to solid growth.

The construction sector remains optimistic but showed a large backward step across some survey metrics. Inflation expectations continue to nudge up. Investment intentions eased from +22 to +21; that’s still a good tempo. Employment intentions are still pacing themselves. A net +23 are looking at hiring more staff, down 1 point. Profit expectations eased from +24 to +23, led lower by construction.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 Index closed 0.39 percent higher at 7,196.78, while at 05:00 GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly NZD Strength Index remained neutral at -40.12 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex