Here's our summary of key economic events overnight that affect New Zealand, with news US tariff threats are shifting from being aimed at trading 'partners' to a focus on commodities, today especially copper. Protection of favoured US business interests is the goal, cloaked in the labels of 'national security'.
But first up today, the overnight dairy Pulse auction delivered less change than expected, essentially holding on to the SMP and WMP prices at the prior week's full auction. But in the meantime the NZD has retreated so both delivered good gains in NZD, up +1.1% for SMP and up +3.1% for WMP.
The US retail impulse as measured by the Redbook survey delivered a very good +5.9% gain over the same week a year ago, but it should be noted that earlier base week was an unusual down one.
And the New York Fed's national survey of consumer inflation expectations returned to a 'normal' 3% in June, and a five month low. But some components remain a worry. Those surveyed thing food prices will rise 5.5%, rents will rise +9.1% and medical care by +9.3%.
Meanwhile the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index for June was little changed at it long run level.
The popular US Treasury three year bond auction delivered unchanged demand and little-change on the median yields achieved. Today that came in at 3.84%, whereas the equivalent event a month ago was at 3.92%.
US consumer debt grew a very modest +US$5 bln in May, half the expansion in April and well below the average for the past year. The slowdown was very acute for revolving debt, like credit cards.
In Canada, the widely-watched local PMI turned positive in June following two toughish months.
In Germany, both exports and imports were expected to decline in May from April, and they did, but by slightly more than was expected. But both remain higher than year ago levels.
In Australia, the widely watched NAB business sentiment survey picked up and that was a much better outcome than the contraction expected. In fact this June result for business conditions broke the mold of the long-running decline that started in June 2022.
That survey didn't point to anything special in terms of cost pressures. But those cost pressures clearly worried the RBA when it surprised financial markets with its no-change decision yesterday. The widely-expected rate cut didn't happen and so household budgets will have to wait for more relief. The RBA did pick up the resilience in the overall economy, but judged it too early to respond to perceptions of economic weaknesses. In fact they saw the balance of risks from trade and labour market cost activity not requiring a boost from a cut in interest rates.
We should note that US tariff uncertainty is screwing around with some key commodity prices, especially copper, which has soared over the past day or so to over US$12,000/tonne and easily a new record high. Some US futures contracts are now up over US$13,000/tonne. US products that use copper are going to get a cost jolt. Because it is a jolt directly related to a new US tariff-tax, it won't affect products made outside the US.
The UST 10yr yield is now at 4.42%, and up another +3 bps from yesterday. The key 2-10 yield curve is holding at +51 bps. Their 1-5 curve is inverted by -13 bps and little-changed again. And their 3 mth-10yr curve is steeper, now +12 bps positive. The Australian 10 year bond yield starts today at 4.32% and up +9 bps from yesterday. The China 10 year bond rate is still at 1.65%. The NZ Government 10 year bond rate starts today at just over 4.55%, up +3 bps.
Wall Street is slightly lower on the S&P500 on the risk-off mood from the new commodity tariff news. Overnight European markets were all up about +0.6. Tokyo ended its Monday session down -0.6%, Hong Kong was up +1.1%, and Shanghai was up +0.6. Singapore rose +0.4%. The ASX200 ended its Tuesday session unchanged after the RBA surprise, whereas the NZX50 was up +0.7%.
The price of gold will start today at US$3,306/oz, and down -US$25 from yesterday.
American oil prices are up another +US$1 at just under US$68.50/bbl while the international Brent price is now just under US$70.50/bbl.
The Kiwi dollar is now just on 60 USc, little-changed from yesterday. Against the Aussie we are down -50 bps at 91.9 AUc. Against the euro we are down -10 bps at 51.2 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just on 67.6 and -10 bps lower from yesterday at this time.
The bitcoin price starts today at US$109,015 and up +1.0% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been moderate at just on +/-2.3%.
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8 Comments
My Kiwisaver (Milford Growth) is back to rocketing upwards.
Yes, lots of doom and gloom but my NZX/ASX shares have quietly gone up 12% in the year so far. I tried to say there was good buying around, and I think there still is in places.
High times. Meth and coke use on a tear.
https://x.com/Charteddaily/status/1942705637814874112/photo/1
OMG. A far greater threat to our future than anything else. Who needs a new motorway when your youth are being poisoned en masse.
Don't disagree with your sentiment Kate but this is more about customs and police resourcing. You could add perhaps consequences when getting caught, especially at the low end.
I'm regularly told that police aren't really interested in the low end street dealers. But in reality they're the front men (or women and children) of the producers and importers. Make dealing of any quantity a significant offence and big penalties with few to no concessions for race, upbringing or what ever, and it becomes less worthwhile to deal for a gang or other group. Loss the young, gullible and stupid and the gangs have to do it themselves, then they will get picked up too.
OMG. A far greater threat to our future than anything else. Who needs a new motorway when your youth are being poisoned en masse.
The coke is suitable for HNWIs while the meth is for the lower socio-economic classes.
On that note, coke and meth prices in Aotearoa / Aussie are among the highest in the world.
We's rich. And the criminals are 'making out like bandits.'
Sadly, we decided by referendum a few years ago that the drug trade is best left in the hands of the gangs. Why earn tax to help cover the costs of addiction when we can instead distribute the profits to the criminals with the most effective heavies?
Yes, I voted yes in the referendum - mainly because a minimum age for cannabis use would be established, just as it is for alcohol. And requisite regulations could be made about parents consenting to its use by minors.
I was visiting grandkids over the school holidays last week, and as I walked into the house - the children's mother (now divorced from my son) told me my 15 yo grand-daughter was just in her bedroom doing a bong, and would be out shortly. And then she (the mum) proceeded to explain (i.e., "lecture") me as to why she permits such drug use in the home. That "lecture" being given in front of my two other grandchildren, of 13 and 10 years old.
I'm no prude where adult use is concerned, but consenting to use by a minor was beyond the pale. Report of concern to Police and OT filed. Might write up an article on it when they follow me up with their action/resolution.
Parent-enablers are just the worst. They should be held responsible.
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