-
RBA minutes state further rate hikes possible.
-
Australian consumer confidence sinks.
-
Australian wage growth to be released on Wednesday.
The Australian dollar has taken investors on a wild ride over the past few days but has settled down on Tuesday. AUD/USD is trading at 0.6687 in Europe, down 0.13% on the day.
RBA minutes indicate more rate hikes possible
The RBA released the minutes of its meeting earlier this month. That meeting was a barn-burner, with the RBA stunning the markets with a 25 basis-point hike. The central bank had finally taken a pause in its rate-tightening cycle in April and given the lukewarm economy, a second-straight pause seemed a safe bet, but in the end, the RBA opted for a rate increase.
The minutes noted that the decision to pause or hike was “finally balanced”, with strong arguments for both. In the end, policy makers opted to lift rates in order to lower the risks of inflation becoming entrenched in the economy. Strong population growth, low rental vacancy rates and a tight labour market supported a rate hike.
What can we expect next from the RBA? The minutes didn’t provide any insights, stating that more rate hikes “may be required” to drive down inflation, but that would “depend on how the economy and inflation evolve”. In other words, don’t look to the RBA for guidance, as rate policy will depend on economic data, particularly inflation.
Australian consumer confidence fell sharply, but the Australian dollar didn’t react. Westpac Consumer Confidence plunged 7.9% in May, a sharp reversal from the 9.4% gain in April and much worse than the estimate of -1.7%. The Westpac survey found that consumers were very pessimistic about the surprise rate hike and expect mortgage rates and house prices to move upwards.
We’ll get a look at wage growth on Wednesday, which is expected to rise in the first quarter. The RBA will be watching carefully and an unexpected reading could see the Aussie show some volatility.
AUD/USD technical
-
AUD/USD is putting pressure on resistance at 0.6699. This is followed by 0.6761.
-
0.6579 and 0.6517 are providing support.
This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities.
Opinions are the authors — not necessarily OANDA’s, its officers or directors. OANDA’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy apply. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
![EUR/USD stays below 1.1100, looks to post weekly losses](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Currencies/Majors/EURUSD/european-euro-coin-on-top-of-american-dollar-bill-11292130_XtraSmall.jpg)
EUR/USD stays below 1.1100, looks to post weekly losses
EUR/USD continues to trade in a narrow range below 1.1100 and remains on track to end the week in negative territory. Earlier in the day, monthly PCE inflation data from the US came in line with the market expectation, failing to trigger a reaction.
![GBP/USD struggles to find a foothold, trades near 1.3150](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Currencies/Majors/GBPUSD/iStock-157771037_XtraSmall.jpg)
GBP/USD struggles to find a foothold, trades near 1.3150
GBP/USD stays on the back foot and trades in negative territory at around 1.3150 on Friday. The US Dollar holds its ground following the July PCE inflation data and doesn't allow the pair to stage a rebound heading into the weekend.
![Gold retreats toward $2,500 ahead of the weekend](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Commodities/Metals/Gold/gold-bars-50657756_XtraSmall.jpg)
Gold retreats toward $2,500 ahead of the weekend
Gold stays under modest bearish pressure and declines toward $2,500 in the American session on Friday. The 10-year US Treasury bond yield edges higher toward 3.9% after US PCE inflation data, causing XAU/USD to stretch lower.
![Week ahead – Investors brace for NFP amid Fed rate cut speculation](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Macroeconomics/EconomicIndicator/Employment/NFP/america-back-to-work-gm178972493-25143312_XtraSmall.jpg)
Week ahead – Investors brace for NFP amid Fed rate cut speculation
Here comes another NFP week, with investors eagerly awaiting the results as they try to discern the size and pace of the Fed’s forthcoming rate cuts. The weaker than expected July numbers triggered market turbulence, instilling fears about a potential recession in the US.
![Easing Eurozone inflation to back an ECB rate cut in September](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Macroeconomics/Countries/Europe/Eurozone_countries/Eurozone/eu-flags-flying-at-the-european-commission-building-brussels-belgium-24759579_XtraSmall.jpg)
Easing Eurozone inflation to back an ECB rate cut in September Premium
Eurostat will publish the preliminary estimate of the August Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices on Friday, and the anticipated outcome will back up the case for another European Central Bank interest rate cut when policymakers meet in September.
![Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/IT/Testing/Review/FXSBadgeCertifiedBackg_XtraSmall.png)
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know
VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.