NZD/USD approaches 0.6000 amid speculation about a US-Iran peace deal

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) appreciates more than 1.5% against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, as rumours that Washington and Iran are close to a peace deal have boosted risk appetite. The pair has broken above the top of the last three weeks’ trading range, to hit session highs a few pips shy of pre-war levels at the 0.6000 area

The US news website Axios, citing two US officials and other sources related to the process, reports that US and Iranian representatives are getting closer to a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the conflict and set the framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations at a later time.

Previously, US President Donald Trump had boosted market sentiment, announcing a pause in the plan to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. These comments follow a press conference by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who affirmed on Tuesday that the objectives of the "Operation Epic Fury" in the Iran war had been achieved, suggesting that the US is not willing to resume hostilities.

In New Zealand, data released earlier on Wednesday revealed that the Unemployment Rate eased against expectations to 5.3% in Q1, from 5.4% in the previous quarter, despite lower-than-expected employment growth. Labour costs have also risen, adding pressure on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) to hike interest rates. The NZD appreciated after the data release.

The focus now is on the US ADP Employment Change Report, due later on the day. ADP data is expected to show that private payrolls increased to 99K in April, from 62K in March, setting a positive precedent for Friday’s all-important Nonfarm Payrolls report.