Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Best Gold Stocks to Buy Now: AABB, GOLD, GDX 
New Zealand bonds rallied at the time of closing Friday, tracking cues from Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) which decided to remain unchanged on its benchmark interest rate at its monetary policy meeting, held early yesterday, while maintaining a tone of dovishness in its policy statement that followed.
Also, the central bank downgraded its forecasts for the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation for the upcoming period, which crowded investors into buying safe-haven bonds, thus weigh on yields.
At the time of closing, the yield on the benchmark 10-year note, which moves inversely to its price, slipped 1 basis point to 2.74 percent, the yield on the long-term 20-year note also fell 1 basis point to 3.24 percent and the yield on short-term 2-year too closed 1 basis point lower at 1.87 percent.
The RBNZ left interest rates unchanged at 1.75 percent for a 19th consecutive month in May and the statement, that followed, remained dovish, indicating that the central bank is in no hurry to raise the benchmark interest rate.
"Economic growth and employment in New Zealand remain robust, near their sustainable levels. However, consumer price inflation remains below the 2 percent mid-point of our target due, in part, to recent low food and import price inflation, and subdued wage pressures," RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr said in his first policy statement.
For a second consecutive meeting, the RBNZ also offered no commentary on the New Zealand dollar, indicating a degree of comfort at its current level. Lastly, adding to the dovish undertones of the May monetary policy statement, the CB also downgraded its forecasts for GDP growth and inflation in the period ahead, reports said.
Meanwhile, the NZX 50 index closed 0.45 percent higher at 8,676.69, while at 06:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly NZD Strength Index remained neutral at -40.11 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex
FxWirePro launches Absolute Return Managed Program. For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/invest
