The New Zealand dollar edged lower to $0.6 on Wednesday, retreating from a near seven-month high, as mixed labor market data reinforced views that the Reserve Bank may keep interest rates unchanged for now. The unemployment rate ticked up to 5.4% in the fourth quarter, its highest level since 2015, slightly above both the previous reading and market forecasts of 5.3%. However, employment rose by 0.5% over the quarter, stronger than the estimated 0.3% growth. Overall, the figures were broadly in line with the RBNZ’s projections and are unlikely to significantly shift policy expectations ahead of its meeting later this month. Market pricing suggests the central bank is likely to maintain the cash rate at 2.25% until at least September, when a 25-basis-point increase is currently priced in at around 78%, while some economists anticipate the first rate hike by December. Meanwhile, a strong dairy auction offered some support, helping to limit further losses for the kiwi.