New Zealand GDP grew 0.6% qoq in Q1, unchanged from prior quarter, and matched expectations. Looking at the sectors, growth were driven by 2.0% expansion in goods producing industries. Services growth slowed to 0.2% while primary industries contracted -0.7%. On the components, household spending was up 0.5%, investment spending was up 2.4%, exports of goods and services was up 2.8%
While the headline number was a little stronger than expected, slowdown in services, which accounted for two thirds of GDP, remained a concern. Also, investment growth was mainly driven by residential and nonresidential buildings. Contractions were seen in all other components. RBNZ might be granted some more room to wait-and-see with today’s data. But bias will remain towards easing beyond next week’s meeting.
NZD/JPY is steady in Asian session today as consolidation from 70.26 temporary low extends. Near term outlook remain bearish as long as 72.25 resistance holds. Fall from 76.78 is expected to retest 69.18 support next.
