New Zealand bonds end session on strong footing following expectations of weak Q4 GDP

The New Zealand government bonds ended the session Tuesday on a firm footing, following expectations of weakness in the country’s fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP), scheduled to be released on March 16.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond, which moves inversely to its price plunged 2 basis points to 3.37 percent at the time of closing, the yield on 7-year note dipped 1-1/2 basis points to 2.93 percent while the yield on short-term 2-year note traded 2 basis points lower at 2.17 percent.

The rate of quarterly GDP growth is expected to soften a touch in Q4, partly related to temporary weather influences. Tight supply (rather than meaningfully softer demand) conditions are dominating. The current account deficit should remain at a historically comfortable level, ANZ research reported.

"We estimate that GDP rose by a modest 0.5 percent in the December quarter, following 1.1 percent growth in September. Construction is again expected to be one of the strongest sectors, with primary production and manufacturing likely to be the most significant drags on growth," Westpac commented in its recent research publication.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 Index closed 0.25 percent lower at 7,177.09, while at 05:00 GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly NZD Strength Index remained neutral at -39.73 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex