- AUD/USD comes under some selling pressure on Friday amid some follow-through USD buying.
- Hawkish Fed expectations push the US bond yields higher and continue to underpin the buck.
- Looming recession risks also benefit the safe-haven USD and weigh on the risk-sensitive Aussie.
The AUD/USD pair fades an intraday uptick to the 0.6960 area and retreats to the lower end of its daily range heading into the North American session. The pair is currently placed around the 0.6925-036920 region and remains at the mercy of the US Dollar price dynamics.
A combination of supporting factors assists the US Dollar to stand tall near a one-month high, which, in turn, is seen exerting some downward pressure on the AUD/USD pair. Against the backdrop of hawkish signals from Fed officials, a fresh wave of the global risk-aversion trade provides a goodish lift to the safe-haven buck.
In fact, several FOMC policymakers, including Chair Jerome Powell, earlier this week stressed the need for additional interest rate hikes to fully gain control of inflation. The prospects for additional policy tightening by the Fed push the US Treasury bond yields higher, which, in turn, continues to act as a tailwind for the USD.
Investors, meanwhile, remain worried about economic headwinds stemming from rapidly rising borrowing costs. Adding to this, the deeply inverted US Treasury yield curve point to growing concerns about looming recession risks. This is seen as another factor that contributes to driving flows away from the risk-sensitive Aussie.
The downside for the AUD/USD pair, however, remains cushioned in the wake of a more hawkish outlook by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The minutes of the latest RBA policy meeting signalled further rate increases will be needed to ensure that inflation returns to target. This, in turn, warrants some caution for bearish traders.
Next on tap is the release of the Preliminary US Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. This, along with a scheduled speech by Fed Governor Christopher Waller, might influence the USD demand and provide some impetus to the AUD/USD pair. Traders will further take cues from the broader risk sentiment to grab short-term opportunities.
Technical levels to watch
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD holds steady near 0.6250 ahead of RBA Minutes
The AUD/USD pair trades on a flat note around 0.6250 during the early Asian session on Monday. Traders brace for the Reserve Bank of Australia Minutes released on Monday for some insight into the interest rate outlook.
USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains
USD/JPY holds steady around the mid-156.00s at the start of a new week and for now, seems to have stalled a modest pullback from the 158.00 neighborhood, or over a five-month top touched on Friday. Doubts over when the BoJ could hike rates again and a positive risk tone undermine the safe-haven JPY.
Gold price bulls seem non-committed around $2,620 amid mixed cues
Gold price struggles to capitalize on last week's goodish bounce from a one-month low and oscillates in a range during the Asian session on Monday. Geopolitical risks and trade war fears support the safe-haven XAU/USD. Meanwhile, the Fed's hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the elevated US bond yields and a bullish USD, capping the non-yielding yellow metal.
Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed
US and Japanese data in focus as markets wind down for Christmas. Gold and stocks bruised by Fed, but can the US dollar extend its gains? Risk of volatility amid thin trading and Treasury auctions.
Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building
Bank of England rates were maintained at 4.75% today, in line with expectations. However, the 6-3 vote split sent a moderately dovish signal to markets, prompting some dovish repricing and a weaker pound. We remain more dovish than market pricing for 2025.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.