Australian Dollar holds up after RBA rate cut | FX ResearchEarlier today, the Reserve Bank of Australia cut rates by 25 basis points as widely expected. The accompanying communication leaned to the hawkish side with respect to the outlook on future rate cuts, which kept the Australian dollar propped up. As for Fed rate expectations, the market is currently pricing in 40 basis points of cuts in 2025. Meanwhile, risk sentiment has been improving in recent days due to an alleviation of stress around tariffs and a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Key standouts on Tuesday's calendar include UK employment data, a speech from BOE Governor Bailey, German and Eurozone ZEW sentiment, Canada inflation data, New York Empire manufacturing, NAHB housing, and Fed speak. That's all for now.
Exclusive FX research from LMAX Group Market Strategist, Joel Kruger
RBA
The RBA just cut by 25bp: Instant ViewThe RBA have just cut their cash rate for the first time since late 2020. Using their monetary policy statement and updated forecast, I provide my instant high-level view of what this could mean fir future policy - with an update to my AUD/USD outlook thrown in for good measure.
Matt Simpson, Market Analyst at City Index and Forex.com
Massive week for Aussie and Kiwi markets The Reserve Bank of Australia’s first meeting of the year is days away with money markets pricing in an 86% chance of a 25bps cut and a 14% chance that rates unchanged.
However, Australia Finacial Review’s John Kehoe suggests market expectations of a 90% probability for a cut may be overstated, arguing the decision is closer to a 50/50 call.
If the RBA cuts rates on Tuesday, it could support the government's message that cost-of-living pressures are easing and could lead to an early election announcement. If rates remain unchanged, the prime minister may delay the election until mid-April or May, hoping for a cut at the RBA’s next meeting on April 1.
Meanwhile, the RBNZ is expected to cut rates this week, with markets pricing a 68% chance of a 50bps cut and a 32% chance of a 25bps reduction. A Reuters poll of 33 economists found 32 expecting a 50bps cut. However, ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley anticipates smaller 25bps cuts in April and May instead.
Watch NZDUSD and AUDUSD because of RBNZ & RBA next weekThe RBA and the RBNZ are expected to deliver rate decisions next week, so there might be an slight opportunity for the bulls to capture a move higher, before those Banks deliver. Also, the current weakness in DXY could give a small helping hand for the bulls. That said, the positivity might be short-lived, as both Banks are expected to announce cuts, with the RBNZ potentially going for the bigger 50 bps cut.
Let's see what happens.
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Will AUDUSD limitedly recover amid mixed views?Macro:
- The aussie-dollar is rebounding after the bearish sentiment over Trump’s tariffs has pressured the currency.
- Expectations are rising that the RBA will cut interest rates this month due to easing inflation and weaker growth prospects.
- This theme may impair currency recovery if there are any further corrections.
Technical:
- AUDUSD is recovering from its swing low around the support at 0.6150. The price forms a potential double-bottom pattern, which may set an upward bias to the currency in the short term.
- If AUDUSD stays above its support at 0.6250, the price may continue to advance to retest at 0.6400, which confluences with the 38.2% level of the Fibonacci Retracement.
- On the contrary, closing below the support at 0.6250, confluence with EMA21 may prompt a retest of the previous swing low of around 0.6140.
Analysis by: Dat Tong, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
Australian dollar drifting after mixed confidence dataThe Australian dollar is showing little movement on Tuesday. In the European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6279, up 0.05% on the day.
Australian confidence indicators were mixed on Tuesday. The Westpac consumer sentiment index climbed 0.1% in February to 92.2 points, which means a majority of the surveyed consumers were pessimistic about econmic conditions. The reading bounced back from a 0.7% decline in January but was shy of the forecast of 0.4%. Consumer confidence remains weak as consumers have been squeezed by high inflation and elevated interest rates. The survey noted that consumers have become more confident that the central bank will lower rates.
The National Australia Bank's (NAB) business confidence index, which rose 6 points in January to +4. However, business conditions index dropped to +3 from +6 a month earlier, as profitability and employment weakened. The NAB survey noted that retail spending has improved and this trend would need to continue if business conditions were to improve.
The mixed confidence numbers come just one week before a crucial Reserve Bank of Australia meeting. A rate cut is virtually certain at the meeting, which would mark the RBA's first rate cut since Nov. 2020. The RBA is yet to join the easing cycle which other major central banks have implemented as inflation has fallen.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to continue to maintain interest rates at the March meeting. The US economy remains robust and the labor market has slowed gradually, which means there isn't much pressure on Fed policy makers to lower rates in the coming months. Barring unexpected economic news, the Fed is expected to cut rates no more than one or two times in 2025.
AUD/USD tested support at 0.6267 earlier. Below, there is support at 0.6245
There is resistance at 0.6299 and 0.6321
Australian dollar extends losses on soft Aussie CPIThe Australian dollar is down for a third straight trading day and has declined 1.3% this week. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6228, down 0.37% on the day.
Australia's annual inflation rate dropped to 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 2.8% in Q3. This was below the market estimate of 2.5% and was the lowest reading since Q1 2023. Electricity prices were sharply lower due to an energy bill rebate and services inflation dropped to 4.3% from 4.6%, its lowest level in three quarters. On a quarterly basis, CPI remained unchanged at 0.2% in Q4, below the market estimate of 0.3%.
The Reserved Bank of Australia's trimmed mean CPI, a key indicator of underlying inflation, slowed to 0.5% q/q in Q4, lower than 0.8% in Q3 and below the market estimate of 0.6%. Annually, trimmed mean CPI fell to 3.2%, compared to a revised 3.6% in Q3 and below the market estimate of 3.3%.
The soft inflation report has raised expectations that the RBA will lower rates at the Feb. 18 meeting, with the market pricing in a quarter-point cut at 80%. That would bring the cash rate to 4.10%, its lowest since Oct. 2023. Today's inflation report has added significance as it is the final tier-1 event prior to next month's rate meeting.
Investors are awaiting the Federal Reserve's rate announcement later today, although it would be a massive surprise if the Fed did not maintain the current benchmark interest rate of 4.25%-4.5%. The Fed has cut rate three consecutive times, including a jumb0 half-point chop in September 2024, but the resilient US economy has stalled plans to aggressively lower rates further and currently the Fed is projected to cut rates only once or twice in 2025.
AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6228. Below, there is support at 0.6204
0.6262 and 0.6286 are the next resistance lines
Soft AU inflation figures likely cements RBA cut AUD/USD escaped a short-covering rally on Wednesday, as softer-than-expected Q4 inflation figures could justify the 25bp RBA cut that money markets were already pricing in. I take a quick look at the key inflation measures and AUD/USD.
Matt Simpson, market Analyst at City Index and Forex.com
AUD/USD slides on soft Chinese dataThe Australian dollar is in negative territory on Monday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6276, down 0.59%. The Australian dollar is coming off its best weekly performance since Nov. 2023, gaining 2% against the US dollar.
China's services and manufacturing sectors both decelerated in January and missed expectations. The non-manufacturing PMI fell to 50.2, down from 52.2 in December and shy of the forecast of 51.8. With the exception of November, service activity has been stagnant, with readings barely above the 50 level, which separates expansion from contraction. Domestic demand weakened and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies have dampened foreign sales.
The manufacturing sector is struggling and contracted in January, easing to 49.1. compared to 50.1 in December and missing the market estimate of 50.1. This was the first contraction since September 2024 and the sharpest decline in five months. Manufacturing output and foreign orders weakened in January and the weak global economy could mean further headwinds in 2025 for the manufacturing sector.
China's government has implemented stimulus measures in order to boost the economy and GDP hit 5% in 2024. Still, deflation has persisted and consumer spending remains weak. The government will have to inject further stimulus in order to boost domestic consumption, a key engine of economic growth.
Australia releases the National Australia Bank business confidence index early on Tuesday. The index fell sharply to -3 in November, down sharply from 5 in October. The markets are expecting a rebound for December, with a forecast of 3 points. Investors are also keeping an eye on the third-quarter inflation report, which will be released on Wednesday. CPI is expected to ease to 2.5% from 2.8%. This is the final tier-1 event prior to the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate meeting on Feb. 18.
AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6284. Below, there is support at 0.6256
0.6308 and 0.6336 are the next resistance line
Aussie rises after US core CPI declines to 3.2%The Australian dollar is higher for a third consecutive trading day. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6233, up 0.63% at the time of writing.
The US inflation report for December was a mixed bag, as headline CPI rose while the core rate declined. Headline CPI rose to 2.9% y/y from 2.7% in November, matching the market estimate. Monthly, headline CPI rose to 0.4%, up from 0.3% and above the market estimate of 0.3%.
The more important story was the decline in core CPI, which excludes food and energy and is more closely watched by the Federal Reserve than the headline data. Core CPI eased to 3.2% y/y in December, down from 3.3% over the past three months and below the market estimate of 3.3%. Monthly, core CPI ticked lower to 0.2% in December, down from 0.3% a month earlier and in line with the market estimate.
The decline in core CPI was small but still significant, as the core rate showed downward movement after remaining unchanged for three months. Investors responded by raising the probability of a quarter-point cut in March at 29%, up from 19% prior to the inflation release, according to CME's FedWatch. The Fed meets at the end of the month and is virtually certain to hold rates.
Australia releases the December employment report early on Thursday. Australia's labor market remains solid, although the economy as a whole is struggling. Job growth increased by a strong 35.6 thousand in November, beating expectations. Will the positive trend continue? The market estimate for December stands at 15 thousand, which would mark a nine-month low. The unemployment rate has been low and fell to an eight-month low in November at 3.9%. It is expected to creep up to 4.0% in December.
The Reserve Bank of Australia meets on Feb. 18 and the strength of the labor market is a key consideration in the central bank's decision-making. As long as the labor market remains solid and does not deteriorate quickly, the RBA can afford to hold off on a rate cut. If, however, the employment report is softer than expected, it would put pressure on the RBA to lower rates at next month's meeting.
AUD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6231. Above, there is resistance at 0.6255
0.6189 and 0.6171 are providing support
AUDUSD - stronger dollar, what consequences will it have for us?The AUDUSD currency pair is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its downward channel. In case of a valid failure of the support range, we can see the bottom of the downward channel and buy in that range with a suitable risk reward. If the downward momentum decreases, we will look for buy positions on the support range.
According to the official data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday, Australia’s retail sales index increased by 0.8% in November compared to the previous month. In October, the index had grown by 0.5% after being revised down from an initial 0.6%. However, this growth fell short of market expectations, which had predicted a 1.0% rise.
Additionally, newly released foreign trade data from the ABS on Thursday showed that Australia’s trade surplus reached AUD 7,079 million in November, surpassing the market forecast of AUD 5,750 million and the previous month’s revised figure of AUD 5,670 million (adjusted from AUD 5,953 million).
Details of the report indicate that Australian exports rose by 4.8% month-over-month in November, compared to a revised 3.5% in October. Meanwhile, imports grew by 1.7% in November, compared to a flat 0% growth in October (adjusted from 0.1%)Meanwhile, JPMorgan reported that the US dollar has maintained its value contrary to expectations and may continue to do so. However, the bank’s analysts believe further appreciation of the dollar is limited.
Key Factors Influencing the US Dollar
• Global Growth Divergence and Central Bank Policies:
Disparities in global economic growth have led to significant differences in monetary policies. Additionally, the yield gap between US 10-year bonds and those of key trading partners has reached its highest level since 1994.
• Sustained Strength of the US Dollar:
Despite two rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2024, the US dollar appreciated by 7%. The real effective exchange rate (REER) also remains near its historical peak.
• Reasons Behind Dollar Strength:
1. Economic Growth Disparity: The US economy grew by 2.7% in 2024, compared to 1.7% growth in other developed markets.
2. Monetary Policy Differences: The limited rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (44 basis points projected for 2025) compared to larger cuts by the European Central Bank (110 basis points) and rate hikes by Japan (47 basis points) have sustained the yield gap.
3. Policy Shifts: New government policies, such as domestic production support, tariffs, and deregulation, could bolster economic growth and strengthen the dollar.
• Long-term Constraints on Dollar Strength:
1. The US dollar is historically overvalued (two standard deviations above the 50-year average), indicating limited room for further appreciation.
2. Structural issues, such as the US trade deficit (4.2% of GDP as of September 2024), could eventually pressure the dollar downward.
• Impacts of Dollar Strength:
1. Challenges for US-Based Investors: A strong dollar could reduce the performance of international companies and increase export costs.
2. Negative Effects on US Companies with Extensive International Operations: These businesses might suffer due to the dollar’s strength.
Assessing risks related to the dollar’s strength is essential for investors. While the dollar may continue to rise in the short term, structural factors and historical trends suggest significant downward pressure in the long term.
Australian dollar falls as core CPI dips lowerThe Australian dollar is lower for a second straight trading day. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6214, down 0.27% at the time of writing. The Australian dollar dropped as low as 0.60% but has pared much of those losses.
Australia's inflation report was a mixed bag in November. Headline inflation rose 2.3% y/y, up from 2.1% in the previous two months and above the market estimate of 2.2%. This marked the highest level since August and was partially driven by a lower electricity rebate for most households.
At the same time, the trimmed mean inflation, the Reserve Bank of Australia's preferred core inflation gauge, fell from 3.5% to 3.2% in November. This reading is close to the upper limit of the RBA's target band of 2%-3% and supports the case for the RBA to join the other major central banks in lowering rates.
The RBA has maintained the cash rate at 4.35% at nine consecutive meetings but is this prolonged pause about to end? In the aftermath of today's inflation report, the money markets have priced in a quarter-point hike in February at over 70%. Australia releases the quarterly inflation report for the fourth quarter on Jan. 29 and if inflation is lower than expected, expectations of a rate cut will likely increase.
The US economy has been solid and this week's services and employment indicators headed higher. The ISM Services PMI rose to 54.1 in December, up from 52.1 and above the market estimate of 53.3. JOLT Job Openings jumped to 8.09 million in November and 7.8 million in October. The market is looking ahead to Friday's nonfarm payrolls, which is expected to drop to 154 thousand, compared to 227 thousand in November.
AUD/USD tested support at 0.6214 earlier. Below, there is support at 0.6182
0.6250 and 0.6282 are the next resistance lines
Will the better-than-expected employment data revert AUD's trend+ Macro theme:
The RBA kept rates at 4.35%, sounding more optimistic about inflation and hinting at future cuts. But Thu's job numbers might spoil those plans—Unemployment Rate dropped to 3.9%, showing a surprisingly strong labor market. This hot jobs data could push back those early 2025 rate-cut forecasts many have been making.
+ Technical theme:
- AUDUSD found support and bounced above 0.6365. The price is within the descending channel and below both EMAs, indicating a bearish momentum persists.
- If AUDUSD extends its decline below 0.6365, the price may retest the subsequent support at 0.6300, confluence with the 100% level of Fibonacci Extension.
- On the contrary, if AUDUSD surges above 0.6474, breaking its descending channel and EMA21, the price may retest the following resistance around 0.6560.
Analysis by: Dat Tong, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
The RBA just made a small (but big) change to their statementThe RBA held rates at 4.35% as expected, but there were several changes to their December statement which warrant a closer look. I highlight the key differences to the November statement and provide my interpretation of what it means for the RBA's policy as we head into next year, then look at AUD/USD.
MS
AUD/USD soars as China's inflation dipsThe Australian dollar continues to takes traders on a roller-coaster. AUD/USD has surged 0.85% on Monday, recovering most of the 1% decline on Friday. In the European session, the Australian dollar is trading at 0.6443 at the time of writing.
The week ended with a rebound from US nonfarm payrolls. In November, nonfarm payrolls climbed by 227 thousand, above the market estimate of 200 thousand. This followed a very weak October report, which was revised upwards to 36 thousand from 12 thousand. The unemployment rate ticked higher to 4.2% as expected, up from 4.1% in October. The employment data has raised expectations of a quarter-point hike at the Dec. 18 meeting, with the odds currently at 87%, up sharply from 62% a week ago.
The Australian dollar took a tumble after the strong nonfarm payroll numbers, but has quickly recovered after China's inflation was lower than expected. In November, CPI eased to 0.2% y/y, down from 0.3% in October and short of the market estimate of 0.5%. Monthly, CPI declined by 0.6%, down from -0.3% in October and lower than the market estimate of -0.6%.
The weak Chinese inflation data has raised expectations that China's central bank will respond by lowering interest rates. That would help boost the economy and increase demand for Australian exports and the Australian dollar has responded with sharp gains today.
The Reserve Bank of Australia meets on Dec. 10 and is widely expected to maintain the cash rate at 4.35%, where it has been for over a year. The markets aren’t expecting a rate cut before May 2025, although a surprise decline in inflation in the coming months could push the central bank to lower rates in Q1 2025.
AUD/USD has pushed above resistance at 0.6407 and is testing resistance at 0.6492. Above, there is resistance at 0.6492
0.6356 and 0.6322 are the next support lines
Aussie tumbles to 4-month low after soft GDPThe Australian dollar has taken a tumble on Wednesday. In the European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6416, down 1.1% on the day at the time of writing. Earlier, the Australian dollar dropped as low as 0.6407, its lowest level since August 5.
Australia’s GDP report was a disappointment, falling short of expectations. GDP rose 0.3% q/q in the third quarter, following three straight quarters of 0.2% growth. This missed the market estimate of 0.5%. Annually, GDP rose 0.8%, below the Q2 gain of 1% and shy of the market estimate of 1.1%.
A key reason why GDP growth has been weak is soft household consumption. Consumers have been battered by high interest rates and stubborn inflation, and private domestic demand was negligible in the second and third quarters.
The soft GDP report was a bust with the markets and sent the Australian dollar tumbling lower. The report is unlikely to cause any changes from the Reserve Bank of Australia, which has been in a prolonged “higher for longer” stance. The RBA has managed to bring headline inflation within the target of 2%-3%, but remains concerned about underlying inflation, which rose to 3.5% in October.
The RBA makes its next rate announcement on Dec. 10 and is widely expected to maintain the cash rate at 4.35%, where it has been for over a year. The markets aren’t expecting a rate cut before May 2025, although a surprise decline in inflation in the coming months could push the central bank to lower rates in Q1 2025.
AUD/USD has pushed below support at 0.6447. Below, there is support at 0.6382
0.6563 and 0.6613 are the next resistance lines
Australian dollar eyes GDPThe Australian dollar is drifting on Tuesday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6461, down 0.20% on the day at the time of writing.
Australia’s economy is expected to improve in the third quarter, with a market estimate of 0.4% q/q. This follows a disappointing gain of 0.2% in Q2, the weakest growth in five quarters, as household spending declined. On a yearly basis, GDP is expected to tick up to 1.1% compared to 1% in the second quarter.
The Australian economy continues to groan under the weight of high interest rates, which the Reserve Bank of Australia implemented in order to tame high inflation. Now that inflation has come down, there is pressure on the RBA to respond with lower rates. The RBA has become an outlier as most major central banks are in the middle of an easing cycle while the RBA has held rates for over a year.
RBA Governor Bullock has remained hawkish, reiterating that underlying inflation is too high for the RBA’s liking and that a rate hike is not off the table. Headline inflation has fallen to 2.1%, well within the RBA’s target bank of 2%-3%, but the RBA remains concerned about underlying inflation, which accelerated in October to 3.5%, up from 3.2% a month earlier.
The market isn’t buying the warning of higher rates and expects the next rate move to be a cut sometime in mid-2025. That means that consumers will have to grapple with high rates for months, barring an unexpected fall in underlying inflation.
In the US, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Monday that he is leaning toward a cut in December but could change his mind if inflation surprised on the upside. The US releases November CPI one week prior to the rate announcement and the release will be a key factor as to whether the Fed cuts or maintains interest rates.
AUD/USD Technical
AUD/USD tested resistance at 0.6478 earlier. Next, there is resistance at 0.6514
0.6441 and 0.6405 are the next support levels
AUDUSD-The first interest rate cut is postponed until next year?The AUDUSD currency pair is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H timeframe and is moving in its downward channel. In case of a valid failure of the channel ceiling, we can see the supply zones and sell within those zones with the appropriate risk reward. The loss of the drawn support range will pave the way down for this currency pair.
The Australian government’s plan to reform the central bank by splitting its board into two divisions is close to becoming law.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration is pushing through dozens of bills in the Senate during the final parliamentary session of the year to implement these major reforms.
In this process, the government and the minority Green Party reached a last-minute agreement to revive stalled legislation. Previous negotiations had failed because the Greens demanded an immediate interest rate cut by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, which critics argued could undermine the central bank’s independence. Now, with sufficient political support, these long-awaited reforms are set to be enacted soon, potentially reshaping Australia’s monetary and economic policies.
Australia’s four major banks—ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, and Westpac—have adjusted their forecasts for when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will make its first interest rate cut. Westpac and NAB now expect this to occur in May 2025, while CBA and ANZ continue to anticipate a February 2025 cut, albeit with caution. The next RBA meeting is scheduled for December 9–10, 2024.
S&P Global Ratings, in its outlook for the global economy in Q1 2025, stated, “Risks are increasing as the new U.S. administration’s policies are likely to heighten inflationary pressures and tighten financial conditions.” The agency predicts global GDP growth of about 3% in 2025, with U.S. economic growth dropping below 2% and China moving toward 4% growth.
According to Bloomberg, economists anticipate that China’s exports will hit a record high this year as international customers place orders early to avoid potential tariffs threatened by Trump. Meanwhile, Australia, known as a safe haven for heavy-duty pickup trucks, is set to experience its most significant automotive shift in years, with new models arriving, including the first off-road hybrid vehicle from China’s BYD.
Australia, famous for its love of SUVs and petrol-fueled pickups, remains one of the laggards in adopting electric vehicles. According to the Australian Automobile Association, EV sales in Q3 dropped by 25% compared to Q2, accounting for just 6.6% of the market—the lowest share since 2022. However, the arrival of new hybrid models like the BYD Shark 6 could transform Australia’s automotive market and boost demand for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce reiterated the country’s opposition to unilateral U.S. tariffs. He urged the U.S. to adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and emphasized that imposing tariffs would not solve America’s economic challenges. China’s stance against unilateral tariff increases, including those threatened by Trump, remains consistent.
On the other hand, the U.S. economy grew at a robust pace in Q3, primarily driven by a significant surge in consumer spending as inflation continued to ease. GDP rose at an annual rate of 2.8% during this period. Consumer spending, the primary engine of economic growth, increased by 3.5%, marking the highest rate this year.
According to the GDPNow model, the real GDP growth rate (seasonally adjusted annual rate) for Q4 2024 was revised to 2.7% on November 27, up from 2.6% on November 19. Following the release of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Personal Income and Outlays report, real personal consumption expenditures growth for Q4 was revised upward from 2.8% to 3.0%.
GBPAUD - England will continue its economic growth?!The GBPAUD currency pair is located between EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H timeframe and is moving in its downward channel. In case of failure of this channel, we can see the supply zone and sell within that zone with appropriate risk reward. Continued movement in the channel will pave the way for this currency pair to go down to the demand zones. GBPAUD buy positions can be looked for in two demand zones.
Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, has threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports starting January 20, the day his presidency begins. In response, China’s embassy in Washington stated on Monday that neither the United States nor China would win a trade war. Liu Pengyu, the embassy spokesperson, said in a statement: “China believes that economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States is inherently mutually beneficial.”
In Australia, the monthly CPI index remained unchanged at 2.1% year-on-year in October, falling short of expectations for an increase to 2.5%. This marks the lowest annual inflation rate since July 2021. Core inflation indicators provided mixed signals, with CPI excluding volatile items and holiday travel dropping from 2.7% to 2.4% year-on-year. However, the trimmed mean CPI, the preferred measure of core inflation, rose from 3.2% to 3.5%, reflecting persistent inflationary pressures in certain sectors.
Michelle Marquardt, head of price statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, highlighted that declines in electricity and fuel prices had a significant impact on annual CPI. She emphasized the importance of core inflation measures like the trimmed mean in offering deeper insights into inflation trends amid significant price fluctuations.
In the UK, according to the latest Reuters poll, house prices are expected to rise by 3.1% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026. These figures show slight adjustments compared to September’s survey. In London, house prices are projected to grow by 3.0% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026.
October inflation data for the UK exceeded expectations. Headline inflation rose to 2.3%, while core inflation unexpectedly increased to 3.3%, and services inflation reached 5.0%. Rising energy costs and a slowdown in declining goods prices were the primary drivers of this inflation increase.
The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates unchanged in December and cut rates by 25 basis points at its February meeting next year. Overall, the UK’s economic performance appears slightly better than the Eurozone, though it still struggles to achieve sustainable growth and economic recovery.
The UK’s manufacturing PMI dropped to 48.6 in November, with the new orders component falling to 47.0. The services PMI also declined to 50.0. These figures suggest that the Bank of England faces challenges not only in controlling inflation but also in improving economic activity, production, and employment. As a result, the central bank is likely to adopt a cautious and measured approach in its policy decisions, at least for the next month.
GBPAUD: Australia will continue its economic growth?!The GBPAUD is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H timeframe and is moving in its medium-term bullish channel. In case of upward correction, we can see the supply zone and sell within that zone with appropriate risk reward.
The breaking of the upward trend line will pave the way for this currency pair to fall to the demand zone. In this demand zone we can open GBPAUD buy positions.
The Fitch rating agency has reaffirmed Australia’s AAA credit rating with a stable outlook, even as it highlighted the country’s higher debt levels compared to similarly rated peers. Fitch stated that Australia remains committed to fiscal sustainability rules, which have contributed to nearly 30 years of economic expansion before the pandemic.
Jim Chalmers, Australia’s Treasurer, warned that a potential victory for Donald Trump in the U.S. elections could create short-term economic pressures for Australia, manifesting as lower production and increased inflationary pressures. Chalmers also mentioned that Australia is prepared to face potential challenges from a Trump administration.
Chalmers, revealing Treasury’s modeling results that took a Trump victory into account, indicated that there could be a slight decrease in output and additional price pressures. However, the characteristics of Australia’s economy provide it a relative advantage compared to other countries.
Meanwhile, Barclays has revised its forecast and now expects the Bank of England (BOE) to keep the bank rate unchanged in December. This change is due to BOE’s more cautious tone and its emphasis on uncertainty and gradual policy moves. Barclays also anticipates that the BOE will reduce interest rates in several 25-basis-point increments over the next year, ultimately bringing the terminal rate to 3.50%.
Bloomberg reported that Rachel Reeves, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, is facing serious challenges just 10 days after presenting her first budget. Rising borrowing costs and weaker economic growth have strained her £9.9 billion fiscal space set aside for her “stability” rule, which mandates that day-to-day expenses should be covered by taxes by 2029-30. Reeves now risks falling short of the Labour Party’s election promise to hold only one fiscal event per year and may need to secure additional funding before the 2025 budget.
Japan’s consumer spending slips, yen extends gainsThe Japanese yen has posted gains on Friday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 152.38, down 0.36% on the day. The yen has taken traders on a roller-coaster ride this week, plunging 2% on Wednesday and rebounding on Thursday with a 1.1% gain.
Japan’s household spending fell by 1.1% y/y in September, following a 1.9% drop in August. This was better than the market estimate of -2.1%. Household spending has declined in 10 of the past 12 months, as consumer confidence fell in October and inflation is relatively high. On a monthly basis, household spending decreased 1.3%, after a strong 2% gain in August. This beat the market estimate of 0.7%.
The weak yen is also weighing on consumers, who are being squeezed as their purchasing power has fallen. The yen fell to three-month lows this week against the dollar and if the downswing continues, the Bank of Japan will be under pressure to respond with a rate hike.
Although consumers are holding tight on the purse strings, wages have been rising and the BoJ is hopeful that will translate into increased consumer spending and demand-driven inflation. Consumer spending makes up more than half of the economy and BoJ is unlikely to make further rate hikes until it sees stronger consumer spending. The markets don’t expect a rate hike until early 2025.
The Federal Reserve didn’t surprise anyone with a 25-basis point rate cut on Wednesday. This is the second cut in the easing cycle after an oversized 50-bp chop in September. The vote was unanimous and unlike the Bank of Japan, the Fed has been transparent and telegraphed its plan to cut rates ahead of the meeting. The Fed is expected to continue cutting rates in the coming meeting and will be keeping a close eye on inflation and employment reports.
USD/JPY faces resistance at 153.44 and 154.17
152.16 and 151.43 are the next support levels
RBA Holds, BoE Expected to Cut in Volatile Week Two major central bank decisions this week join the U.S. election as key events for markets, with interest rate reductions from the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Bank of England being considered.
The RBA will announce its decision Tuesday (local time), with economists polled by Reuters forecasting no change to the current 4.35% cash rate. Persistently robust economic activity and sticky core inflation are thought to be keeping the central bank cautious. All major Australian banks—ANZ, CBA, NAB, and Westpac—expect the RBA to hold steady through year-end, projecting the first rate cut to come in February 2025.
Meanwhile, the BoE is anticipated to lower its Bank Rate by 25-basis points on Thursday (local time), bringing it to 4.75%, according to a Reuters poll. Last week Britain's finance minister Rachel Reeves unveiled an unexpectedly large increase in borrowing and public spending, which prompted the Office for Budget Responsibility to raise inflation forecasts. However, analysts suggest that these fiscal moves won’t likely disrupt the BoE’s path toward a rate cut this week.
Aussie:Elliott Wave Structure Suggests More Downside After RallyThe RBA stands out with a potentially different approach compared to other central banks, as inflation in Autralia remains relatively high, making rate cuts this week less likely. This could support a rally in the Aussie, which aligns with the Elliott Wave pattern showing wave A in its final stages, with a strong five wave sell-off from September highs.
A bounce could develop then, especially if the HSI remains stable or even moves higher this week.
However, once the Aussie shows a solid recovery, be awre for a potential resumption of the downtrend, ideally from around 0.67 resistance; from the area of a former wave four. For those trading this pair, it’s worth waiting for a bounce before entering on the short-side.
Grega