Mon, Dec 16, 2024

Aussie Dollar Gains Momentum on RBA’s Hawkish Hints
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AUDUSD is moving in Symmetrical Triangle and market has rebounded from the higher low area of the pattern

Australian Dollar Strengthens After RBA Governor’s Hawkish Comments

The Australian Dollar (AUD) has been gaining momentum against the US Dollar (USD) following a series of hawkish remarks from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock. Let’s dive into the key factors driving this movement and what it means for the market.

Inflation Outlook and Rate Decisions

Governor Michele Bullock made it clear in her recent comments that inflation in Australia might not return to the RBA’s target range of 2-3% until the end of 2025. This announcement came with a stern reminder of the ongoing inflation risks and the RBA’s readiness to hike rates if necessary. Despite these concerns, the RBA decided to maintain the cash rate at 4.35%, a decision that has provided some support to the AUD/USD pair.

international developments

Federal Reserve’s Rate Cut Expectations

On the other side of the Pacific, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) is anticipated to implement more aggressive rate cuts starting in September. This expectation is largely based on weaker employment data from July, which has sparked fears of a potential recession in the US. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there’s now a 72% probability of a 50-basis point interest rate cut by the Fed in September, up significantly from just 11.8% a week earlier. Such a scenario could put additional pressure on the US Dollar, benefiting the Australian Dollar in the process.

Global Factors Influencing the Australian Dollar

While domestic factors like RBA’s policies are crucial, global events also play a significant role in influencing the AUD. For instance, escalating tensions in the Middle East are causing increased risk aversion among investors. Iran and its allies are reportedly preparing for potential retaliation against Israel following recent high-profile killings. Such geopolitical tensions can create volatility in the forex market, potentially affecting the Australian Dollar.

China’s Economic Performance

China’s economic health is another critical factor to watch, given Australia’s close trade ties with the country. Recent data showed that China’s Trade Balance for July fell short of expectations, with a surplus of 84.65 billion against the anticipated 99 billion. Exports and imports also showed mixed results, with exports growing less than expected and imports surpassing expectations. Any significant changes in China’s economy can have a direct impact on the Australian market and, consequently, the AUD.

AUDUSD is moving in Ascending channel and market has rebounded from the higher low area of the channel

AUDUSD is moving in Ascending channel and market has rebounded from the higher low area of the channel

Domestic Economic Indicators

Back in Australia, the AiG Australian Industry Index showed a slight improvement in July, moving to -20.7 from -25.6. However, the index has been indicating contraction for the past twenty-seven months, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry sector. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also contested the RBA’s view that the economy remains too robust, pointing to large government budgets as a contributing factor to prolonged inflation.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock mentioned that the board had seriously considered increasing the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.6% due to concerns about excess demand in the economy. Meanwhile, RBA Chief Economist Sarah Hunter noted that the Australian economy is performing somewhat stronger than previously anticipated by the RBA.

Fed Officials’ Remarks

Across the globe, Federal Reserve officials have been making statements that add to the speculation about upcoming rate cuts. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly expressed increased confidence that US inflation is moving towards the Fed’s 2% target, while Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee emphasized the Fed’s readiness to act if economic conditions worsen. Such comments continue to shape expectations around the Fed’s future policies and their impact on the USD.

large government budgets

Summary

In summary, the Australian Dollar’s recent strength can be attributed to a combination of hawkish remarks from RBA Governor Michele Bullock, expectations of aggressive rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, and various global economic factors. The interplay between domestic economic performance and international developments will continue to shape the AUD’s trajectory in the coming months. As always, staying informed about these dynamics is crucial for traders and investors looking to navigate the forex market successfully.


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