NZD/USD Firms to 0.6200 Near Highs as Mixed US Data Caps Dollar Rally

NZD/USD has firmed near recent highs around 0.6200, buoyed by mixed US data including stronger retail sales (+0.7% m/m vs +0.4% expected) offset by weaker industrial production (-0.1% vs +0.2%). The pair earlier weakened below 0.5900 to 0.5890 amid Iran-US tensions and a Strait of Hormuz blockade, driving DXY above 104.50 (+2% in five sessions). A sharp rebound to 0.5915 followed Iran's new US proposal, softer Q1 GDP at 2.0% (vs 2.3%), ISM PMI at 52.7, and DXY slipping to 97.90 (-0.23%), shifting sentiment bullish for the Kiwi.