Aussie, N.Z. Dollars Rise Versus Peers as Risk Appetite Swells

The Australian and New Zealand dollars gained against all of their most-traded counterparts as risk appetite increased amid speculation the Federal Reserve will buy bonds to boost the U.S. economy.

The two South Pacific nations’ currencies strengthened against the greenback after Moody’s Investors Service said the U.S.’s Aaa rating may be cut if it doesn’t reduce its ratio of debt to gross domestic product. New Zealand’s dollar advanced as Fitch Ratings affirmed the country’s AA status, citing its strong governance and business environment.