Monthly Archives: February 2026
New Zealand’s RBNZ keeps interest rates at 2.25%, matching forecasts, with markets largely unsurprised by today’s decision
Written on February 18, 2026 at 2:11 pm, by
RBNZ held New Zealand’s official cash rate at 2.25%, matching expectations and signaling no immediate policy changes.
Australia’s fourth-quarter Wage Price Index rises 0.8% quarter-on-quarter, matching economists’ forecasts and market expectations
Written on February 18, 2026 at 1:42 pm, by
Australia’s Wage Price Index rose 0.8% in Q4, matching expectations and indicating steady quarterly wage growth.
Australia’s year-on-year Wage Price Index held steady at 3.4% during the fourth quarter, unchanged overall
Written on February 18, 2026 at 1:41 pm, by
Australia’s Wage Price Index rose 3.4% year-on-year in Q4, unchanged from the previous quarter’s reading.
During early Asian trading, gold slips near $4,860 as Lunar New Year closures thin liquidity, easing demand
Written on February 18, 2026 at 1:12 pm, by
Gold dipped to $4,860 amid thin Lunar New Year trading; investors await FOMC minutes, Iran tensions ease.
Japan’s total merchandise trade balance came in at ¥-1B, beating forecasts of ¥-2142.1B in January
Written on February 18, 2026 at 1:11 pm, by
Japan posted a ¥1B merchandise trade deficit in January, beating forecasts of ¥2,142.1B deficit.
During early Asian trading, Takaichi’s economic outlook lifts the Yen, pushing USD/JPY down near 153.25
Written on February 18, 2026 at 12:42 pm, by
USD/JPY slid near 153.25 as yen gained on BoJ hike bets and Takaichi stimulus optimism.
Silver tumbles almost 5%, pressured by steady Treasury yields and a firm dollar, trading near $73.49
Written on February 18, 2026 at 12:41 pm, by
Silver slid nearly 5% as dollar and yields held firm; bears eye $72 breakdown, $70 target.
BNP Paribas expects China’s 2025 GDP at 5.0%, slowing in 2026 amid weak demand, property stress
Written on February 18, 2026 at 12:12 pm, by
BNP Paribas projects China’s GDP growth at 5% in 2025, slowing in 2026 amid weak demand.
Markets focus on RBNZ’s 2026 policy call, expecting OCR held at 2.25%, alongside Governor Breman’s debut
Written on February 18, 2026 at 12:11 pm, by
RBNZ expected to hold 2.25% as forecasts, guidance, and key US/NZ data drive NZD/USD.
After RBA minutes, AUD/USD awaits heavy late-week data as policymakers stress decisions hinge on risks
Written on February 18, 2026 at 11:42 am, by
RBA signals data-dependent tightening; Aussie jobs, wages ahead. Fed minutes due. AUD/USD steady above key averages.
