NZGB yields have pared losses as Monday's session has unfolded, consistent with improved risk appetite amid higher US equity futures and lower US Tsy futures. We were last 2-4.5bps weaker, led by the backend. Near term focus will remain on US-China tensions, as markets look for an off ramp to higher US tariff level and export controls. Comments from US officials up to President Trump hint at an openness to negotiate. Still, for NZGBs the risks remain for lower levels in yield terms, so long as domestic growth remains soft, something reinforced by today's data.
- The 2yr was last at 2.60% (today's low near 2.55%), the 10yr at 4.08% (today's low was under 4.04%). The 2/10s curve is around +148, flatter versus recent highs of +154bps.
- The 2yr swap rate got to lows of 2.355%, but we sit back at 2.38% in latest dealings, off close to 2bps for the session. In yield terms the 2yr swap rate is oversold, but upticks, particularly back towards 2.50% may be used as fresh entry points to express lower yield risks. Longer term trends still look for move into the 2.00-2.25% region, without a broader shift in the macro backdrop.
- On the data front, the BNZ services and manufacturing PMIs for September were consistent with the RBNZ’s assessment in its October statement that “economic activity recovered modestly in the September quarter”. The manufacturing sector stagnated in August/September, while services continued to contract but at a slower rate with September. Continued weak activity, including employment, at the end of the quarter is consistent with further RBNZ easing with policy likely to become stimulatory.