USD 2 - Currency Hedger

NZD/USD remains subdued below 0.5900 as market caution lifts US Dollar

April 17, 2026

NZD/USD weakens as the US Dollar rises amid cautious sentiment ahead of weekend US–Iran talks.
Washington and Tehran are set to resume talks this weekend, with Trump expressing optimism about progress.
New Zealand’s annual food inflation eased to 3.4% in March, lowest since February 2025, after 4.5% previously.

NZD/USD remains subdued for the second successive day, trading around 0.5890 during the Asian hours on Friday. The pair weakens as the US Dollar (USD) edges higher, supported by cautious market sentiment ahead of the upcoming meeting between the United States (US) and Iran scheduled for the weekend.

However, discussions between Washington and Tehran are anticipated to resume over the weekend, with US President Donald Trump adopting an optimistic stance on the likelihood that both nations could secure a permanent ceasefire before its expiration next week.

President Trump said on Thursday that he had held conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a 10-day ceasefire, which took effect at 5 PM ET.

In New Zealand, annual Food Inflation moderated to 3.4% in March from 4.5% previously, marking the first decline in three months and the lowest reading since February 2025. On a monthly basis, the Food Price Index declined by 0.6%, following a prior 0.1% decrease.

Meanwhile, UOB economist Ho Woei Chen evaluated China’s stronger Q1 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data and its policy implications. Despite real GDP expanding by 5.0% YoY, the team maintains its 2026 growth projection at 4.7% amid external headwinds and subdued domestic demand. Robust economic activity alongside contained inflation diminishes the likelihood of near-term rate cuts, with only a modest 10-basis-point easing now expected in Q3 2026. Any shifts in China’s economic outlook could influence the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), given the close trade relationship between China and New Zealand.

CAD receives support from higher oil prices

April 17, 2026

USD/CAD slips as the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar strengthens amid a modest rise in oil prices.
Lebanon’s army recorded multiple Israeli ceasefire violations after the truce took effect.
The US Dollar Index gains support from safe-haven demand amid cautious sentiment ahead of weekend US–Iran talks.

USD/CAD remains subdued for the fifth consecutive day, trading around 1.3700 during the Asian hours on Friday. The pair inches lower as the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar (CAD) edges higher amid a slight increase in oil prices, given Canada’s status as the largest crude exporter to the United States (US).

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price holds gains near $90.00 per barrel at the time of writing. Crude oil prices receive support from supply concerns, which could be attributed to the market caution surrounding the United States (US)-Iran ceasefire talks.

CNN reported on Friday that the Lebanese army said that it recorded multiple ceasefire violations by Israel after the truce went into effect. Lebanon accused Israel of committing “several acts of aggression,” saying intermittent shelling has impacted several villages in southern Lebanon. The army urged citizens to delay returning to southern towns and villages in light of the alleged ceasefire violations.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had spoken with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that began at 5 PM ET.

However, the downside of the USD/CAD pair is restrained as the US Dollar Index (DXY) receives support from increased safe-haven demand amid market caution ahead of the upcoming meeting between the United States (US) and Iran scheduled for the weekend.

Washington and Tehran are expected to resume their discussions over the weekend, with President Trump expressing optimism that both nations could secure a permanent ceasefire before it expires next week.

AUD bulls retain control amid US-Iran diplomacy efforts, hawkish RBA

April 17, 2026

AUD/USD stalls the previous day’s modest pullback from the 0.7200 neighborhood.
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and Iran diplomacy hopes underpin the risk sentiment.
The hawkish RBA also supports the Aussie, albeit a modest USD uptick caps gains.

The AUD/USD pair holds steady above mid-0.7100s during the Asian session on Friday and for now, seems to have stalled the previous day’s modest pullback from its highest level since June 2022. Spot prices remain on track to register strong weekly gains amid a supportive fundamental backdrop.

The announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon fuels hopes for a US-Iran peace deal and remains supportive of the upbeat market mood. This, along with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) hawkish outlook, continues to act as a tailwind for the Aussie. In fact, RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser said earlier this week that the central bank is focused on preventing any lift in medium-term inflation expectations, reaffirming bets for further policy tightening in 2026. The current market pricing suggests a 65% chance of a rate hike in May, which, in turn, is seen as a key factor supporting the AUD/USD pair.

Meanwhile, Finance Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) emphasized the urgent need to limit the economic repercussions of an ongoing Middle East conflict. Furthermore, the instability in the Strait of Hormuz keeps a lid on the optimism led by potential US-Iran peace talks. This assists the safe-haven US Dollar (USD) in preserving the previous day’s modest recovery gains from its lowest level since late February and might cap the AUD/USD pair. Hence, it will be prudent to wait for some follow-through buying before positioning for the resumption of the pair’s uptrend witnessed over the past three weeks or so.

Any meaningful USD appreciation, however, seems elusive in the wake of diminishing odds for a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). Traders might also refrain from placing aggressive directional bets and opt to wait for another round of talks between the US and Iran, possibly this weekend. Nevertheless, the aforementioned supportive fundamental backdrop suggests that the path of least resistance for the AUD/USD pair is to the upside, and any corrective pullback is more likely to be bought into. Traders now look forward to speeches from influential FOMC members, which will drive the USD and provide some impetus.

JPY softens on Middle East uncertainty; official warns of FX intervention

April 17, 2026

USD/JPY gains ground to near 159.35 in Friday’s Asian session.
Trump said the next meeting between the US and Iran might take place over the weekend.
Japan’s Katayama hinted at the JPY intervention after talks with the US counterpart.

The USD/JPY pair gathers strength around 159.35 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The pair extends the rally for the third consecutive day amid uncertainty in the Middle East. However, heightening intervention warnings from Japanese officials might cap the upside for USD/JPY.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. The uncertainty in the Middle East remains high as the Lebanese army stated on Friday that it recorded multiple ceasefire violations by Israel after the truce went into effect at midnight local time on Friday. Rising tensions in the Middle East could boost the US Dollar (USD) against the Japanese Yen (JPY).

Traders will closely monitor a second round of negotiations between the US and Iran that could take place this weekend. Earlier on Thursday, Trump expressed optimism about the possibility that the US and Iran could clinch a permanent ceasefire ahead of its expiration next week.

Intervention fears from Japanese authorities could underpin the JPY and create a tailwind for the pair. Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Thursday that she’s held close discussions on foreign exchange issues with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and that authorities are prepared for “bold” action if needed.

Earlier Friday, Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda said that a decision on how soon to raise interest rates must take into account the fact that the nation’s real interest rate is low. He added that Japan is facing rising inflation from a “negative supply shock,” which is more difficult to rein in with monetary policy than inflation driven by strong demand.

Pound Sterling declines as BoE hike bets ease

April 17, 2026

GBP/USD stays pressured as traders trim BoE hike bets amid optimism of easing Middle East tensions.
BoE’s Bailey said that the central bank won’t rush rate decisions amid the energy shock from the Iran conflict.
Lebanon’s army recorded multiple Israeli ceasefire violations after the truce took effect.

GBP/USD loses ground for the third successive day, trading around 1.3520 during the Asian hours on Friday. The Pound Sterling (GBP) remains under pressure as traders pare back expectations for a Bank of England (BoE) rate hike, amid increasing optimism that tensions in the Middle East may be easing.

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey told BBC News on Thursday that the central bank is “not going to rush to judgments” on interest rate increases as global policymakers navigate an energy price shock driven by the Iran conflict. Bailey noted that while higher oil and gas prices will feed into inflation, other factors make rate decisions “very, very difficult.”

BoE policymaker Megan Greene said in a Bloomberg TV interview on Wednesday that markets were justified in scaling back bets on rate hikes following last month’s surge. Greene indicated that the current market pricing, suggesting two or fewer rate increases this year, is “about right.”

The GBP/USD pair also declines as the US Dollar (USD) edges higher, supported by increased safe-haven demand following a CNN report that the Lebanese army recorded multiple ceasefire violations by Israel after the truce came into effect. US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that started at 5 PM ET.

Lebanon accused Israel of carrying out “a number of acts of aggression,” noting that intermittent shelling has affected several villages in southern Lebanon. The army also urged residents to delay returning to southern towns and villages amid the reported ceasefire breaches.

However, market sentiment could improve as Washington and Tehran are expected to resume discussions over the weekend, with President Trump maintaining an optimistic tone on the chances that both sides could secure a lasting ceasefire before its expiration next week.

Currency Talk – USDJPY, EURNZD, NZDUSD (16.04.2026)

April 16, 2026

Key takeaways

What is the technical outlook for USDJPY, EURNZD, and NZDUSD?

The Overbalance analysis aims to identify three financial instruments, analyzed primarily on the daily/four-hour (D1/H4) timeframe. The analysis uses only the Overbalance methodology, which helps determine where a trend may continue or where it may reverse. Today’s analysis covers three instruments, evaluated solely in terms of 1:1 correction structures. USDJPY USDJPY has been trending upward for quite some time. Looking back to the lows in February, the largest correction was around 230 pips. The current correction is of a similar magnitude, which allows us to identify key support at the 158.10 level, derived from the 1:1 ratio. According to the Overbalance methodology, as long as this level is not broken, the uptrend remains in effect. If it is broken, the correction could deepen, and the next significant support would be at 155.11, where the lower boundary of a larger 1:1 pattern with a range of approximately 530 pips is located.

USDJPY – H4 chart. Source: xStation EURNZD Since February, the EURNZD pair has been attempting to return to an uptrend. Currently, the price is hovering near a key support level at 1.9965, which corresponds to the lower boundary of a local 1:1 uptrend pattern formed from the low on February 3. According to the Overbalance methodology, holding this level could lead to the generation of another upward impulse. On the other hand, a break below it would open the way for declines. The bearish scenario would be confirmed if the price falls below 1.9855, where the upper boundary of the previous 1:1 downward pattern is located. In that case, a move toward the lows at 1.9540 would be possible.

EURNZD – H4 timeframe. Source: xStation NZDUSD NZDUSD prices have recently negated the largest 1:1 corrective downtrend, which may suggest the possibility of a larger corrective uptrend or even a trend reversal. Currently, the key support zone is between 0.5835 and 0.5828. This zone stems both from the lower boundary of the local 1:1 upward pattern and from the polarity of the previously negated downward geometry. As long as the price remains above this zone, the base scenario remains bullish. Conversely, a drop below 0.5828 could signal a return to the downtrend.

NZDUSD – H4 chart. Source: xStation

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EUR/USD stands above 1.1800 amid hopes of new peace talks in Iran

April 16, 2026

EUR/USD hovers right above 1.1800, on track for a nine-day rally.
Rising hopes of the resolution of the Middle East conflict are hammering the safe-haven USD.
Trump threatened to fire Fed Chairman Jerome Trump if he does not step aside in May 15.

The (EUR) edges up against the US Dollar (USD) on Thursday, trading right above 1.1800 at the time of writing, on track for a nine-day rally. Hopes of a new round of negotiations between the US and Iran have prompted investors to move away from the safe-haven Dollar, propelling the pair to pre-war levels.

US President Donald Trump confirmed ongoing indirect negotiations with Tehran and affirmed in an interview that peace talks might resume in the coming days. He also affirmed that Israel and Lebanon will start “direct talks” soon, which would contribute to laying the ground for a steady peace agreement with Iran.

Apart from that, the US president has reignited his feud with Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell, raising concerns about the central bank’s independence and adding pressure on the USD. The Republican threatened to oust him from his separate seat on the Board of Governors if he refused to vacate it at the end of his term as Fed Chair. Powell’s term as the central bank’s chief ends on May 15, but his term on the Board of Governors does not expire until 2028.

Technical Analysis: Resistance at 1.1825 is holding bulls

EUR/USD holds a constructive near-term bias, with technical indicators on the four-hour chart showing mixed signals. The Relative Strength Index hovers in bullish territory near 66 while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has slipped marginally into negative ground.

Bulls are struggling to break the late February lows in the 1.1825 area, which is closing the path towards the February 10 and 11 highs, near 1.1930.

On the downside, initial support is seen at Wednesday’s low, right above 1.1770, followed by the previous tops, between 1.1720 and 1.1740. Further down, a breach of the support area around 1.1650 (April 8, 12 lows) would put the current bullish trend into question.

GBP gains against its peers as UK GDP data beats estimates

April 16, 2026

The Pound Sterling gains buyers’ interest after the release of the stronger-than-expected UK monthly GDP data for February.
UK monthly GDP grew at a robust pace of 0.5% vs. 0.1% estimates.
US-Iran truce hopes have battered the US Dollar badly.

The Pound Sterling (GBP) attracts bids against its major currency peers, trading 0.14% higher to near 1.3580 against the US Dollar (USD) during the European trading session on Thursday after the release of the stronger-than-projected United Kingdom (UK) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for February.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that economy grew 0.5% Month-on-Month (MoM), while it was expected to grow steadily by 0.1%. January’s figure revised higher from 0% to 0.1%.

UK’s Industrial Production data for February has also come in better-than-expected. The data arrives higher at 0.5% against estimates of 0.2%. In January, Industrial Production declined by 0.1%. However, MoM Manufacturing Production has surprisingly contracted by 0.1%, while it was expected to have grown at a faster pace of 0.3% after rising 0.1% in January.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar has been battered badly by optimism that the United States (US) and Iran could announce a permanent ceasefire soon. During the press time, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, trades almost flat around 98.00. In the Asian trade, the USD Index posted a fresh six-week low at 97.83.

US-Iran truce hopes are boosted by comments from Washington that both nations are close to end the war soon. On early Wednesday, US President Donald Trump told in an interview with Fox Business, “I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over,” when asked about how long the war with Iran will remain.