Monthly Archives: February 2026
Sterling-dollar challenges key averages as UK figures weaken, the Fed turns hawkish and Bank Rate holds after a close vote
Written on February 20, 2026 at 6:10 am, by davin
BoE’s split hold and softer UK jobs/inflation keep March cuts in play, while a hawkish Fed boosts the dollar. GBP/USD broke key averages; traders may sell rallies or buy puts. – vtmarketsmy.com
After the RBNZ holds the OCR at 2.25% and delays its hike forecast, the kiwi keeps NZD/USD below 0.6000
Written on February 20, 2026 at 5:11 am, by davin
RBNZ stays dovish at 2.25% while the Fed remains hawkish, pushing NZD/USD below 0.6000. Hot US inflation, weak NZ trade, and soft China data suggest more downside—watch 0.5900–0.5875. – vtmarketsmy.com
AUD/USD holds above 0.7000 as RBA hawkishness supports the Aussie despite ongoing US dollar strength
Written on February 20, 2026 at 5:11 am, by davin
RBA’s surprise hike and strong jobs bolster the Aussie, while the Fed hints at possible cuts. AUD/USD is consolidating near 0.7050; watch Friday’s US data for breakout moves. – vtmarketsmy.com
Mary Daly says the Federal Reserve’s policy is well positioned, expressing confidence in current monetary settings and direction
Written on February 20, 2026 at 5:11 am, by davin
Fed’s Daly once said policy was “in a good place” after 75bp cuts. Now inflation and jobs are hotter, markets expect steady rates, volatility looks cheap, and the dollar remains strong. – vtmarketsmy.com
AUD/JPY hovers near 109.00 as Australia raises rates to 3.85%, widening the gap with Japan’s policy stance
Written on February 20, 2026 at 5:10 am, by davin
AUD/JPY hovers near 109 as RBA stays hawkish and BoJ lags, boosting yield appeal. Jobs steady, iron ore and China help. Key levels: 108 support, 110.79 breakout targets 112. – vtmarketsmy.com
S&P Global reports Australia’s preliminary February manufacturing PMI fell to 51.5 from 52.3
Written on February 20, 2026 at 4:11 am, by davin
Australia’s PMIs slipped but still show growth, while stubborn inflation revives RBA hike bets. AUD/USD has fallen near 0.6700, boosting options appeal: calls for upside, straddles for volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
New Zealand’s monthly trade deficit narrowed to NZ$519m in January, beating expectations of NZ$745m
Written on February 20, 2026 at 4:11 am, by davin
New Zealand’s January trade deficit beat forecasts, signaling stronger exports and boosting NZD optimism. China PMI, dairy prices, and high rates support bullish trades—yet watch risk sentiment and inflation. – vtmarketsmy.com
New Zealand’s annual trade balance slipped to a $2.3B deficit in January, from a $2.2B deficit
Written on February 20, 2026 at 4:10 am, by davin
New Zealand’s trade deficit widened to NZD -2.3bn, signaling NZD headwinds. Weaker exports, China slowdown, and possible RBNZ cuts boost bearish NZD/USD setups like puts or NZD/AUD shorts. – vtmarketsmy.com
Australia’s S&P Global manufacturing PMI eased from 52.3 to 51.5, signalling slower factory growth momentum in February
Written on February 20, 2026 at 4:10 am, by davin
Australia’s Manufacturing PMI slipped to 51.5, signaling slower growth. That’s a warning for ASX gains and the Aussie dollar—boosting the case for hedges, commodity downside bets, and volatility trades. – vtmarketsmy.com
Australia’s S&P Global composite PMI fell in February, easing to 52 from 55.7 in the prior month
Written on February 20, 2026 at 3:11 am, by davin
Australia’s PMI slid to 52 from 55.7—still growing, but slowing fast. That could force a less hawkish RBA, pressuring stocks and AUD, boosting bonds, volatility, and hedging demand. – vtmarketsmy.com
