The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) holds its first monetary policy meeting of 2026 on Wednesday and is overwhelmingly expected to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 2.25%, following 325 basis points of cumulative easing since August 2024.
💡 DMK Insight
The RBNZ’s decision to maintain the OCR at 2.25% is a critical moment for traders, especially given the significant easing cycle we’ve seen since August 2024. Keeping rates steady signals a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties. Traders should be aware that this decision could influence the NZD’s performance against major currencies, particularly if market participants were expecting a rate cut. A stable OCR might strengthen the NZD in the short term, but any hints of future tightening or economic recovery could lead to volatility. Watch for reactions in the forex market, especially against the AUD and USD, as traders adjust their positions based on the RBNZ’s forward guidance. If the RBNZ hints at a potential shift in policy, it could create trading opportunities around key support and resistance levels in NZD pairs. Keep an eye on the market’s response post-meeting; any significant movement could indicate broader sentiment shifts in the forex market.
📮 Takeaway
Watch for the RBNZ’s forward guidance on future rate changes, as any hints could impact NZD pairs significantly in the coming days.




