Monthly Archives: February 2026
New Zealand’s RBNZ keeps interest rates at 2.25% as expected, with markets largely unsurprised by today’s decision
Written on February 18, 2026 at 7:08 am, by davin
RBNZ held rates at 2.25% as expected, soothing Kiwi market jitters. Inflation still runs hot despite weak growth, delaying cuts to late 2026. Volatility may drop—NZD options selling appeals. – vtmarketsmy.com
Australia’s fourth-quarter Wage Price Index rose 0.8% quarter on quarter, matching economists’ forecasts and market expectations
Written on February 18, 2026 at 6:09 am, by davin
Australia’s wages rose 0.8% in Q4, matching forecasts—so no shock for the RBA. Volatility drops, “higher for longer” holds, and markets watch CPI/jobs next for the next big move. – vtmarketsmy.com
Australia’s year-on-year Wage Price Index held steady at 3.4% in the fourth quarter, unchanged from the previous quarter
Written on February 18, 2026 at 6:09 am, by davin
Australia’s wage growth stayed stuck at 3.4% in Q4, while inflation fell into the RBA’s target. Markets now expect rate cuts—bullish for stocks/bonds, bearish for AUD. – vtmarketsmy.com
Gold slips near $4,860 in early Asian trade as Lunar New Year closures thin liquidity and ease demand
Written on February 18, 2026 at 6:09 am, by davin
Gold slips to $4,860 on thin Lunar New Year trading—now all eyes on today’s Fed minutes. Softer rates could boost gold; easing US-Iran tensions cap gains, while central bank buying supports. – vtmarketsmy.com
Japan’s total merchandise trade balance was ¥-1B in January, beating forecasts of ¥-2,142.1B.
Written on February 18, 2026 at 6:08 am, by davin
Japan’s January trade deficit nearly disappeared (¥-1B vs ¥-2.1T expected), surprising markets. Expect yen strength, USD/JPY downside, mixed Nikkei impact, and rising JGB yields as BoJ tightening odds jump. – vtmarketsmy.com
Takaichi’s economic outlook lifts the yen in early Asian trading, pushing USD/JPY down near 153.25
Written on February 18, 2026 at 5:10 am, by davin
USD/JPY slid toward 153.25 as BoJ hike hopes and Takaichi’s “smart stimulus” boosted yen demand. But strong US data may steady the dollar, raising chances of big, volatile swings. – vtmarketsmy.com
Silver tumbles nearly 5% as steady Treasury yields and a firm dollar push it to around $73.49
Written on February 18, 2026 at 5:09 am, by davin
Silver just slid 5% as the dollar held firm—watch $72. A break could target $70/$65, while rebound above $75 may aim for $80. Solar demand and longs support. – vtmarketsmy.com
BNP Paribas expects China’s GDP growth to be 5.0% in 2025, slowing in 2026 due to weak demand and property stress
Written on February 18, 2026 at 5:09 am, by davin
BNP Paribas sees China holding 5% GDP growth in 2025, then slowing in 2026 amid weak demand, property stress, deflation and protectionism—prompting defensive hedges, yuan downside plays and volatility strategies. – vtmarketsmy.com
Markets focus on the RBNZ’s 2026 policy decision, expecting the OCR to be held at 2.25%, alongside Governor Breman’s debut
Written on February 18, 2026 at 5:09 am, by davin
Markets brace for RBNZ’s first 2026 decision: likely hold at 2.25%, but new Governor Breman’s guidance could spark NZD/USD breakout from 0.6000–0.6094 amid hot CPI and key US data. – vtmarketsmy.com
After the RBA minutes, AUD/USD awaits major late-week data as policymakers stress decisions depend on risks
Written on February 18, 2026 at 4:09 am, by davin
RBA flags data-driven moves as markets eye another hike; key Aussie wages/jobs and US Fed minutes loom. AUD/USD struggles amid strong USD, weaker China demand, softer iron ore, tight support/resistance range. – vtmarketsmy.com
