Sun, Sep 08, 2024

AUD/USD Breaks 0.6700 Barrier on US Dollar Weakness
4 mins well spent

AUDUSD is moving in Ascending channel and market has reached higher high area of the channel

AUD/USD Strengthens: What’s Fueling the Uptrend?

The AUD/USD pair has been riding a positive wave, trading near 0.6715 for three straight days. This surge has sparked curiosity among traders and market enthusiasts alike. What’s behind this steady climb, and what can we expect moving forward? Let’s dive into the details.

Boosted by Strong Australian Economic Data

The Australian economy has been showing some impressive numbers recently, which have bolstered the Australian Dollar (AUD). The latest data on Retail Sales and Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) are particularly noteworthy.

Economic Data

Retail Sales: A Key Driver

In May, Australia saw a significant uptick in Retail Sales, growing by 0.6% month-on-month. This was a marked improvement from the previous 0.1% increase, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This unexpected growth has led to increased speculation that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) might raise interest rates sooner rather than later. A rate hike would typically strengthen the AUD, making it more attractive to investors.

The Impact of PMI Data

Adding to the positive sentiment, the Judo Bank’s Australia Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) reports showed slight improvement in June. This indicates a healthier business environment and economic activity, further supporting the case for a stronger AUD.

US Dollar Under Pressure

On the flip side, the US Dollar (USD) has been facing some headwinds. Recent US economic data has been less than stellar, contributing to the downward pressure on the Greenback.

AUDUSD has broken box pattern in upside

AUDUSD has broken box pattern in upside

Disappointing US Services PMI

The US Services PMI for June fell to 48.8 from the previous reading of 53.8. This was below market expectations of 52.5, as reported by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Such a decline indicates a contraction in the services sector, which is a significant component of the US economy.

Federal Reserve’s Cautious Stance

Despite these numbers, the Federal Reserve (Fed) remains cautious. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee recently highlighted the challenges in bringing inflation back to the 2% target, suggesting that there is still a lot of data to consider before making any policy changes. This cautious approach could help limit the downside for the USD, as investors wait for more clarity on the Fed’s next moves.

Market Expectations for Fed Rate Cuts

Interestingly, the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) June meeting revealed that Fed officials are still not confident enough to cut interest rates. The market, however, is pricing in a nearly 66% chance of a 25 basis points rate cut in September, up from 63% earlier in the week, according to the CME FedWatch tool. This divergence between market expectations and Fed caution creates an interesting dynamic for the AUD/USD pair.

What’s Next for AUD/USD?

So, where does this leave the AUD/USD pair? Several factors could influence its future direction.

Potential for RBA Rate Hike

If the Australian economic data continues to impress, the RBA might indeed proceed with a rate hike. This would likely provide further support for the AUD, pushing the pair higher.

AUDUSD is moving in Descending channel and market has reached lower high area of the channel

AUDUSD is moving in Descending channel and market has reached lower high area of the channel

US Economic Data and Fed Decisions

On the US side, upcoming economic data releases and any changes in the Fed’s tone will be critical. If the US economy shows signs of recovery, the USD could regain some strength. Conversely, if the data disappoints, the market’s anticipation of a Fed rate cut might grow, potentially weakening the USD further.

Global Economic Conditions

Broader global economic conditions, including trade dynamics and geopolitical events, will also play a role. Any major developments could shift investor sentiment and impact the AUD/USD pair.

Federal Reserve’s Cautious Stance

Final Thoughts

The AUD/USD pair’s recent performance has been buoyed by strong Australian economic data and a weaker USD. However, the future trajectory will depend on a mix of domestic and international factors. Traders should keep an eye on upcoming economic reports and central bank announcements to gauge the next moves in this dynamic currency pair.

By staying informed and adapting to new information, you can navigate the forex market more effectively and capitalize on potential opportunities that arise.


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