US Dollar Holds Firm as Fed Outlook and Iran Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Canada-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of Aug. 19 Tariff Deadline 
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Near Standstill After New Vessel Attacks 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm After U.S. Inflation Data 
Wall Street Hits Record High as Softer Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
European Stocks Steady as U.S.-Iran War, Euro Zone Data Keep Investors Cautious 
UK Economy Posts Surprise June Growth as World Cup and Hot Weather Lift Activity 
Japan Government Backs Earlier BOJ Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
Add as a preferred source on Google
New Zealand’s ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index lifted from 126.9 to 127.7 in February. This is still 2 points off the September high, but it is a solid level. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index remains 8 points off its September high at 124.7.
After surging 8 points last month the Current Conditions Index fell 4 points in February to 127.3. The Future Conditions Index lifted another 4 points to 128.0 and has largely unwound its post-election dip.
Consumers continue to feel content about their current financial situation. A net 15 percent feel financially better off than a year ago. The proportion of those who reported being worse off was the lowest in the history of the survey.
A net 34 percent of consumers expect to be better off financially this time next year (up 5 points). A net 40 percent say it’s a good time to buy a major household item, down 7 points. This is still a strong level and should support durables spending.
Perceptions regarding the economic outlook were steady at +21 percent. The five-year outlook lifted from a net +22 percent to +29 percent.
Lastly, FxWirePro has launched Absolute Return Managed Program. For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/invest
