NZD/USD extends losses below 0.5800 as hopes of a US-Iran peace deal ebb

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The NZD/USD dips below 0.5800 with hopes of a Middle East peace deal fading.
Iran has hardened its stance on a peace deal with the US and denied any negotiations while attacks continue.
The risk-averse market is boosting the US Dollar across the board on Thursday.

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) heads south against the US Dollar (USD) for the third consecutive day, extending its reversal from last week's highs, a few pips short of 0.5900, to session lows at 0.5781 on Thursday’s European trading session.

The risk-sensitive Kiwi has been hit by a sour market sentiment following Iran’s rejection of the US 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East. Furthermore, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, denied any negotiations with the US until the bombing continues

Trump has urged Iranian negotiations to “get serious” in a Truth Social post following threats of “hitting harder” if the Islamic Republic fails to accept his conditions. Meanwhile, Israeli aviation has bombed eastern Iran while Iran has launched fresh missile and drone attacks on Iran.

Iran, on the other hand, has presented its own peace plan, demanding guarantees against future military action, compensation for war damages, and formal control of the Strait of Hormuz. Apart from that, the Islamic Republic is willing to include a ceasefire in Lebanon as a request to end the conflict.

The economic calendar has been practically void in New Zealand, and the focus will be on the Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Survey, due later on Thursday. In the US, the weekly Jobless Claims report and an array of Federal Reserve (Fed) speakers might provide some distraction from the geopolitical crisis.

Economic Indicator

Initial Jobless Claims

The Initial Jobless Claims released by the US Department of Labor is a measure of the number of people filing first-time claims for state unemployment insurance. A larger-than-expected number indicates weakness in the US labor market, reflects negatively on the US economy, and is negative for the US Dollar (USD). On the other hand, a decreasing number should be taken as bullish for the USD.

Why it matters to traders?

Every Thursday, the US Department of Labor publishes the number of previous week’s initial claims for unemployment benefits in the US. Since this reading could be highly volatile, investors may pay closer attention to the four-week average. A downtrend is seen as a sign of an improving labour market and could have a positive impact on the USD’s performance against its rivals and vice versa.

Economic Indicator

Fed's Cook speech

Lisa D. Cook is a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve system. She took office on May 23, 2022, to fill an unexpired term ending January 31, 2024. Dr. Cook was a professor of economics and international relations at Michigan State University. She was also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Economic Indicator

Fed's Miran speech

Stephen Miran is a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve system, taking office from September 2025 to fill the vacancy left by Adriana Kugler. Miran, who was nominated by President Donald Trump, has served as the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers.