Inflation data from New Zealand, for Q4 of 2023, kicked off the session here. The headline results showed inflation falling as per consensus expectations and faster than the Reserve Bank of New Zealand had forecast in its most recent Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) (in November 2023). However, the data also showed that non-tradable inflation is still running hot, above forecasts from both the market and the RBNZ. (In summary, tradable inflation is primarily driven by international factors and market conditions, whereas non-tradable inflation is driven by domestic economic conditions and policies.) NZD/USD jumped higher and as I post is still above pre-data levels.

USD/JPY is down on the session. The yield on Japan's 10-year Japanese Government Bond is up 10bps (20yr +12) as rate-hike expectations are revised up. Again. Data from Japan showed much-improved exports in December.

Other major FX is mixed. EUR/ and GBP/USD are higher while AUD and CAD have seen a little pressure.

The focus for regional equities is still China. Reuters carried a report citing two unnamed sources conveying information that Chinese authorities 'asked' funds to restrict short selling stock index futures.

NZ CPI data release wrap 24 January 2024 2