Mon, Feb 03, 2025

AUD Strengthens Amid Fed Rate Cut Expectations
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AUDUSD is moving in box pattern and market has rebounded from the support area of the pattern

The Australian Dollar Gains Ground Amid RBA’s Steady Stance

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is making waves in the forex market, especially against the US Dollar (USD). This recent uptrend is largely due to expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will maintain its current interest rate, providing a stable economic outlook for the country. Let’s dive into why the AUD is strengthening and what factors are playing a role in this movement.

Hawkish Sentiment Surrounding the RBA

The AUD’s recent performance can be attributed to the RBA’s hawkish policy stance. Unlike many other major central banks that are leaning towards easing their monetary policies, the RBA is expected to hold firm. Persistent inflation and a tight labor market are the key reasons behind this decision. National Australia Bank (NAB) projects that the RBA’s cash rate will remain at 4.35% until May 2025.

Australian retail sales

Economic Indicators to Watch

1. Australian Retail Sales: Retail sales data for June is set to be released, and it will be a critical indicator of consumer spending and economic health. Strong retail sales could further solidify the RBA’s decision to maintain its current rate.

2. Consumer Price Index (CPI): The second-quarter CPI data will also be released soon. This data will provide insights into inflation trends and could influence future monetary policy decisions. Economists are watching closely, as there are concerns about recessionary risks if the RBA continues tightening its policy.

The US Dollar’s Decline

While the AUD is gaining, the USD is losing ground. This decline is due to expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will implement rate cuts. Signs of cooling inflation and easing labor market conditions in the US have led to predictions of three rate cuts this year, starting in September.

Key US Economic Data

1. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index: The US PCE Price Index rose by 2.5% year-over-year in June, slightly down from May’s 2.6%. On a monthly basis, it increased by 0.1% after being unchanged in May. The core PCE inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, climbed to 2.6% in June.

2. Economic Growth: Bank of America notes that robust economic growth allows the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to wait before making any policy adjustments. The strong economy supports the expectation of rate cuts beginning in December.

AUDUSD is moving in Symmetrical Triangle and market has fallen from the lower high area of the pattern

AUDUSD is moving in Symmetrical Triangle and market has fallen from the lower high area of the pattern

Impact of Global Economic Conditions

1. Chinese Economic Slowdown: Concerns about China’s economic health have been heightened by an unexpected rate cut from the People’s Bank of China (PBoC). The PBoC cut the one-year Medium-term Lending Facility (MLF) rate from 2.50% to 2.30%. Additionally, the Bank of China announced a 10-20 basis points cut in time deposit rates. As China is a major trade partner for Australia, any economic changes in China can significantly impact the Australian markets.

2. Domestic Economic Conditions: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has noted an increase in arrears rates. Despite this, APRA has decided to keep macroprudential policy settings on hold, reflecting their assessment of both domestic and international economic environments.

easing labor market conditions

Final Summary

The Australian Dollar’s recent gains against the US Dollar are driven by the RBA’s steady interest rate policy amid persistent inflation and a strong labor market. Meanwhile, the US Dollar is weakening due to expectations of Fed rate cuts in response to cooling inflation and economic growth. Additionally, global economic conditions, particularly in China, play a crucial role in influencing the AUD’s performance. Keeping an eye on upcoming economic data releases, such as Australian retail sales and CPI, will be essential for understanding future market movements.


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