NZD/USD last seen at $0.6644, 18 pips better...>

KIWI: NZD/USD last seen at $0.6644, 18 pips better off, with NZD sitting atop

the G10 pile. Bulls need to retake the $0.6700 figure before challenging the

21-DMA at $0.6715. Meanwhile, a pullback through the lower 1.0% 10-DMA envelope

at $0.6615 would expose yesterday's low/Jan 3 YTD low of $0.6580/75.

- NZD crosses ticked higher early doors in the Asia-Pac session, after RBNZ Gov

Orr said that he is not "particularly worried" about slowing NZ growth, pointing

to strong NZ labour mkt, fiscal situation and terms of trade. NZD gains were

limited, however, as Orr added that the Bank has some room for rate cuts.

- Strong NZ trade balance also aided the kiwi, as trade surplus reached the

highest level in eight years, printing at NZ$922mn.

- NZD drew further support from yuan strength, inspired by a firmer PBOC fixing,

as well as comments from Chinese President Xi, who said that China "will not

pursue CNY depreciation that harms others," while stressing that the country

will "keep the yuan stable at its equilibrium level."

- NZ focus next week turns to domestic ANZ biz. confidence due Tuesday,

unemployment due Wednesday, and building permits due Thursday.