Australian Dollar hits weekly high – Focus on U.S Economic Docket
Australian Dollar
AUD / USD
The Australian dollar edged upward through trade on Wednesday pushing back through 0.7830 and testing intraday highs at 0.7875. With little domestic data on hand to drive direction the AUD found support in wider USD weakness as investors reacted to a proposed short list of candidates to replace Janet Yellen as Fed and FOMC Chair. Suggestions Jerome Powell is a frontrunner in the race to the central banks top job encouraged a USD sell off. A known dove, it is feared Powell may interrupt the Fed' existing monetary policy plan and waylay expected rate hikes. With attentions turning to Friday' highly anticipated non-farm payroll print and wage growth reports investors seem content managing positions through Thursday with local direction driven by retail sales and trade balance prints. We anticipate support on moves through 0.78 and approaching 0.7730 with resistance capping gains upward of 0.7890 as investors look to sell into AUD rallies.
Great British Pound
GBP / AUD
Majors
USD, EUR, JPY
New Zealand Dollar
NZD / USD
Aussie tests new lows as USD threatens to break outside recent bear trend
Australian Dollar
AUD / USD
The Australian dollar tested new 3 month lows through trade on Tuesday breaking through support at 0.78 and touching intraday lows at 0.7784. The AUD came under increased selling pressure following the RBA' decision to leave rates on hold at 1.5%. While the decision was largely priced in the accompanying commentary offered little to excite investors noting the rising AUD would likely cause a slowdown in wider economic growth and restrain inflationary pressures. The comments dampened expectations that recent upticks in Business conditions and an improving labour market may prompt the RBA to consider a rate hike sooner. The break low found support and failed to push through the 100 day moving average offering investors buying opportunities and saw the AUD stage a brief relief rally pushing back through 0.78 and 0.7833. As attentions turn to a raft of U.S macroeconomic data sets for direction through the back of the week we are watching move approaching 0.7730 as a key marker of wider sentiment.
Great British Pound
GBP / AUD
Majors
USD, EUR, JPY
New Zealand Dollar
NZD / USD
US Dollar advances – Manufacturing growth hits 13-Year high
Australian Dollar
AUD / USD
The Australian dollar offered little through trade on Monday with markets largely subdued as NSW, QLD and ACT enjoyed an extended Labour Day long weekend. Maintaining a tight 40-point range for much the day the AUD did test key technical supports at 0.7830 and 0.78 following stronger than anticipated U.S macroeconomic data. Breaking below 0.78 for the first time since July the AUD touched intraday lows at 0.7796 and perhaps signalled a wider shift in sentiment. A consolidated move below 0.7830 could signal a break in the recent bull uptrend and as long as a Federal Reserve December rate hike remains in play short term downside supports may be tested opening moves toward 0.7725 and 0.7630. Attentions now turn to the RBA and its monthly rate/policy announcement. With no changes to interest rates expected the focus will be squarely on the accompanying rate statement for impetus and direction.
Great British Pound
GBP / AUD
Majors
USD, EUR, JPY
New Zealand Dollar
NZD / USD
Australian Dollar breaches 78 U.S. cents
Australian Dollar
AUD / USD
Expected Range
The Australian dollar moved lower through trade on Thursday, forced below 0.78 U.S cents following softer than anticipated retail sales growth. Consumers tightened their purse strings through August marking a second consecutive monthly depreciation in consumer led spending. The soft read dampens hawkish investors calls for the RBA to increase interest rates and supports the Central Bank' decision Tuesday to maintain a neutral policy stance throughout the remainder of 2017. Having touched intraday highs at 0.7866 the AUD fell sharply as markets looked to compare the paths of monetary policy. With the U.S Federal Reserve expected to raise rates in December the USD has begun to claw back some of July' losses, limiting AUD upside in the short term and opening the door for further downside with support forming at 0.7730. Attentions now turn to key wage growth and non-farm payroll prints this evening as the primary drivers into the weekly close.
Great British Pound
GBP / AUD
Expected Range
1.6700 – 1.6950
Majors
USD, EUR, JPY
Expected Range
N/A
New Zealand Dollar
NZD / USD
Expected Range
0.7080 – 0.7160