Date | Rate | Change |
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AUD/JPY retraces its recent gains, trading around 97.90 during the European session on Friday. This downside of the AUD/JPY cross is attributed to the improved Japanese Yen (JPY) following the stronger-than-expected inflation data.
Japan's National Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached a three-month high of 2.9% year-over-year in November, up from 2.3% in October. Additionally, the annual core inflation rate rose to 2.7%, exceeding market expectations of 2.6%. These stronger-than-expected inflation figures reinforce a hawkish outlook for the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) monetary policy.
However, the BoJ maintained its policy rate for the third consecutive meeting, keeping the short-term rate target within the range of 0.15%-0.25% after its two-day monetary policy review, in line with market expectations.
The AUD/JPY cross depreciates amid a softer Australian Dollar (AUD) amid the rising likelihood that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may begin cutting its 4.35% cash rate as early as February, amid mounting signs of an economic slowdown. Attention now shifts to the release of the RBA's latest meeting minutes due next week.
Australia's Private Sector Credit grew by 0.5% month-over-month in November, aligning with expectations, which marked the fastest monthly growth in four months. On an annual basis, Private Sector Credit rose by 6.2% in November, the highest growth rate since May 2023, up slightly from 6.1% in October.
In China, Australia’s largest export market, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) decided during its fourth quarterly meeting to maintain the one-year and five-year Loan Prime Rates (LPRs) at 3.10% and 3.60%, respectively. Prolonged elevated borrowing costs continue to hinder economic activity in China, the world’s leading manufacturing hub, which in turn exerts downward pressure on the AUD.
Japan’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI), released by the Statistics Bureau of Japan on a monthly basis, measures the price fluctuation of goods and services purchased by households nationwide. The YoY reading compares prices in the reference month to the same month a year earlier. Generally, a high reading is seen as bullish for the Japanese Yen (JPY), while a low reading is seen as bearish.
Read more.Last release: Thu Dec 19, 2024 23:30
Frequency: Monthly
Actual: 2.9%
Consensus: -
Previous: 2.3%
Source: Statistics Bureau of Japan
The AUD/JPY cross drifts higher to around 96.70, snapping the two-day losing streak during the Asian trading hours on Thursday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakens after the Bank of Japan (BoJ) policy announcements.
As widely expected, the BoJ kept the short-term policy rate target steady in the range of 0.15%-0.25% following a two-day policy meeting that ended Thursday. According to the summary of the BoJ policy statement, Japan's economy is recovering modestly, but with certain vulnerabilities. Inflation expectations are increasing modestly. However, uncertainty over Japan's economic and pricing future remains strong.
The Japanese central bank will examine whether the current wage hike momentum in Japan continues into next year, as some smaller firms have struggled to pass on higher costs to consumers. Later on Thursday, investors will closely monitor the BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda’s speech for fresh impetus.
On the other hand, the rising bets that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates sooner than expected might weigh on the Aussie. Gareth Aird, head of Australian economics at CBA, predicted a February RBA rate cut as the central bank had made an “unambiguous shift in the dovish direction.”
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is the Japanese central bank, which sets monetary policy in the country. Its mandate is to issue banknotes and carry out currency and monetary control to ensure price stability, which means an inflation target of around 2%.
The Bank of Japan embarked in an ultra-loose monetary policy in 2013 in order to stimulate the economy and fuel inflation amid a low-inflationary environment. The bank’s policy is based on Quantitative and Qualitative Easing (QQE), or printing notes to buy assets such as government or corporate bonds to provide liquidity. In 2016, the bank doubled down on its strategy and further loosened policy by first introducing negative interest rates and then directly controlling the yield of its 10-year government bonds. In March 2024, the BoJ lifted interest rates, effectively retreating from the ultra-loose monetary policy stance.
The Bank’s massive stimulus caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers. This process exacerbated in 2022 and 2023 due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks, which opted to increase interest rates sharply to fight decades-high levels of inflation. The BoJ’s policy led to a widening differential with other currencies, dragging down the value of the Yen. This trend partly reversed in 2024, when the BoJ decided to abandon its ultra-loose policy stance.
A weaker Yen and the spike in global energy prices led to an increase in Japanese inflation, which exceeded the BoJ’s 2% target. The prospect of rising salaries in the country – a key element fuelling inflation – also contributed to the move.
AUD/JPY loses ground for the second consecutive session, trading around 97.00 during the European hours on Wednesday. The AUD/JPY cross extends its losses as the Australian Dollar (AUD) faces challenges due to the increased likelihood that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates sooner and more significantly than initially expected.
On Wednesday, the National Australia Bank (NAB) maintained its forecast for the first RBA rate cut at the May 2025 meeting, though they acknowledge February as a possibility.
The Aussie Dollar remains under pressure due to renewed concerns about China's economy, Australia’s key trading partner, following weak economic data. Chinese Retail Sales missed expectations in November, adding strain on policymakers after President Xi Jinping indicated a desire to boost household consumption last week.
However, the downside of the AUD/JPY cross could be restrained as the Japanese Yen (JPY) struggles as traders seem to be convinced that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will keep interest rates steady on Thursday.
Japan's Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday an unexpected improvement in the trade deficit for November, which narrowed to ¥117.6 billion from October's ¥462.1 billion. This improvement was primarily attributed to robust export growth, which rose by 3.8% year-on-year in November, while imports fell by 3.8%.
Japan's trade data pointed to weak domestic demand amid an uncertain economic outlook and concerns about US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans are contributors to refraining the Bank of Japan from hiking interest rates.
Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.
Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.
Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.
The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
The AUD/JPY cross extends its gains for the second successive day, trading around 98.20 during the Asian hours on Monday. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is positioned slightly below the 50 level, indicating a bearish momentum is still in play. If the RSI rises above 50, it would signal an emergence of a bullish bias.
Additionally, a review of the daily chart indicates that the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) remains below the 50-day EMA. This alignment suggests that short-term price momentum is weaker compared to the longer-term trend, signaling the potential for continued price weakness.
The initial support for the AUD/JPY cross is located at the psychological level of 98.00, followed by the nine-day EMA at 97.50. A decisive break below this level could open the gates for the currency cross to navigate the region around its four-month low of 93.59, which was recorded on September 11.
On the upside, the AUD/JPY cross could test its primary resistance near the 50-day EMA at the 98.92 level. A decisive break above this level would signal strengthening bullish momentum, potentially driving the pair toward the five-month high of 102.41, last reached on November 7.
The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen.
USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USD | -0.16% | -0.15% | 0.08% | -0.07% | -0.25% | -0.27% | -0.26% | |
EUR | 0.16% | 0.06% | 0.34% | 0.15% | 0.07% | -0.07% | -0.06% | |
GBP | 0.15% | -0.06% | 0.16% | 0.09% | 0.01% | -0.13% | -0.12% | |
JPY | -0.08% | -0.34% | -0.16% | -0.15% | -0.32% | -0.33% | -0.27% | |
CAD | 0.07% | -0.15% | -0.09% | 0.15% | -0.13% | -0.21% | -0.21% | |
AUD | 0.25% | -0.07% | -0.01% | 0.32% | 0.13% | -0.12% | -0.14% | |
NZD | 0.27% | 0.07% | 0.13% | 0.33% | 0.21% | 0.12% | -0.02% | |
CHF | 0.26% | 0.06% | 0.12% | 0.27% | 0.21% | 0.14% | 0.02% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).
The AUD/JPY cross gathers strength to around 97.40 during the Asian session on Thursday. The Aussie gains traction after the release of the Australian employment report. Traders will keep an eye on the Japanese Tankan Large Manufacturing Index for the fourth quarter (Q4), which is still later on Tuesday
Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed on Thursday that the country’s Unemployment Rate ticked lower to 3.9% in November from 4.1% in October. This reading came in below the market consensus of 4.2%. Additionally, the Australian Employment Change arrived at 35.6K in November from 12.1K in October (revised from 15.9K).
This figure came in better than the 25.0K expected. The Australian Dollar (AUD) attracts some buyers in an immediate reaction to the upbeat employment report. This report prompts traders to lower their bets for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate cut and boosts the Australian Dollar (AUD).
On the other hand, the uncertainty over the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) rate hike in December might cap the downside for the cross. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled that the next rate hike is approaching, supported by solid underlying inflation data, while the dovish policymaker Toyoaki Nakamura warned last week that the Japanese central bank must move cautiously in raising rates. Meanwhile, the escalating geopolitical tension in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty could boost the safe-haven flows, benefiting the JPY.
Labor market conditions are a key element to assess the health of an economy and thus a key driver for currency valuation. High employment, or low unemployment, has positive implications for consumer spending and thus economic growth, boosting the value of the local currency. Moreover, a very tight labor market – a situation in which there is a shortage of workers to fill open positions – can also have implications on inflation levels and thus monetary policy as low labor supply and high demand leads to higher wages.
The pace at which salaries are growing in an economy is key for policymakers. High wage growth means that households have more money to spend, usually leading to price increases in consumer goods. In contrast to more volatile sources of inflation such as energy prices, wage growth is seen as a key component of underlying and persisting inflation as salary increases are unlikely to be undone. Central banks around the world pay close attention to wage growth data when deciding on monetary policy.
The weight that each central bank assigns to labor market conditions depends on its objectives. Some central banks explicitly have mandates related to the labor market beyond controlling inflation levels. The US Federal Reserve (Fed), for example, has the dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and stable prices. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) sole mandate is to keep inflation under control. Still, and despite whatever mandates they have, labor market conditions are an important factor for policymakers given its significance as a gauge of the health of the economy and their direct relationship to inflation.
AUD/JPY continues to lose ground for the second successive day, trading around 96.30 during early European hours on Wednesday. The risk-sensitive Australian Dollar (AUD) faces challenges against its major peers due to market caution ahead of crucial US November Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which are expected to be released later in the North American session.
The downside of the AUD/JPY cross could be attributed to a weaker Aussie Dollar following less hawkish remarks from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock in the post-meeting conference held on Tuesday.
RBA Governor Bullock highlighted that while upside inflation risks have eased, they persist and require ongoing vigilance. Bullock also stated that the RBA will closely monitor all economic data, including employment figures, to guide future policy decisions. The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 4.35% in its final policy meeting in December.
The AUD/JPY pair faced downward pressure due to a stronger Japanese Yen (JPY), driven by robust Producer Price Index (PPI) data, which suggests the possibility of further policy tightening by the Bank of Japan (BoJ).
However, the JPY lacks strong bullish momentum, as uncertainty lingers over the BoJ’s willingness to implement another rate hike in December. While BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda recently hinted that the timing for the next rate hike is approaching, supported by solid underlying inflation data, dovish BoJ board member Toyoaki Nakamura has warned against premature rate increases, adding to the skepticism surrounding the BoJ’s policy direction.
Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.
Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.
Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.
The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
The AUD/JPY cross weakens to near 96.55 during the Asian trading hours on Tuesday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) edges lower after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest rate decision as the tone in the statement has turned slightly dovish.
The RBA kept the Official Cash Rate (OCR) on hold at 4.35% following the conclusion of its December policy meeting. The decision came in line with market expectations. The RBA made no changes to its policy settings for the ninth consecutive meeting. The Aussie attracts some sellers following the RBA interest rate decision.
According to the RBA Monetary Policy Statement, the board members are gaining some confidence that inflationary pressures are declining in line with these recent forecasts, but risks remain. The policymaker further stated that the outlook remains uncertain and broad and will continue to rely upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks to guide its decisions.
The uncertainty over the timing for the Bank of Japan (BoJ) to raise interest rates again weighs on the Japanese yen (JPY) against the shared currency. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated a willingness to hike interest rates again if the BOJ grows more confident that inflation would remain around 2% due to rising wages and robust domestic demand. Traders have priced in nearly a 28% chance of a BOJ rate hike this month, down from around 66% at the end of last month.
Nonetheless, the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly after the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, could boost the safe-haven currency like the JPY. On Monday, the rebel group that toppled Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad agreed to hand power to Mohammed Al Bashir to form a transitional administration. Investors will closely watch the development surrounding geopolitical risks in this region as the collapse of the Syrian leader regime could lead to a conflict involving regional countries.
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
The AUD/JPY cross dropped to its lowest level since September 18 during the Asian session on Wednesday as softer Australian GDP print lifted bets for an early interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Moreover, expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will hike interest rates again in December contribute to the Japanese Yen's (JPY) relative outperformance and exert additional pressure on the currency pair.
Spot prices, however, managed to rebound over 70 pips from sub-96.00 levels and currently trade around 96.70, down 0.20% for the day. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart is flashing slightly oversold conditions and turns out to be a key factor that prompts some short-covering around the AUD/JPY cross. That said, the technical setup warrants caution before positioning for any further gains.
Last week's breakdown below the 98.00 round figure was seen as a key trigger for bearish traders. Furthermore, oscillators on the daily chart are holding deep in negative territory. This, in turn, suggests that any subsequent move up could be seen as a selling opportunity ahead of the 97.00 mark and cap the AUD/JPY cross near the 97.50 horizontal barrier. The latter might now act as a key pivotal point for short-term traders.
On the flip side, the 96.00 round figure might continue to offer some support. A convincing break and acceptance below the said handle will reaffirm the negative outlook and pave the way for deeper losses. The AUD/JPY cross might then slide to the next relevant support near the 95.30 region en route to the 95.00 psychological mark. The downfall could eventually drag spot prices to the 94.45-94.40 horizontal support and the 94.00 mark.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a quarterly basis, is a measure of the total value of all goods and services produced in Australia during a given period. The GDP is considered as the main measure of Australian economic activity. The YoY reading compares economic activity in the reference quarter compared with the same quarter a year earlier. Generally, a rise in this indicator is bullish for the Australian Dollar (AUD), while a low reading is seen as bearish.
Read more.Last release: Wed Dec 04, 2024 00:30
Frequency: Quarterly
Actual: 0.8%
Consensus: 1.1%
Previous: 1%
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on a quarterly basis. It is published about 65 days after the quarter ends. The indicator is closely watched, as it paints an important picture for the economy. A strong labor market, rising wages and rising private capital expenditure data are critical for the country’s improved economic performance, which in turn impacts the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) monetary policy decision and the Australian dollar. Actual figures beating estimates is considered AUD bullish, as it could prompt the RBA to tighten its monetary policy.
The AUD/JPY cross attracts some sellers to around 97.75 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) gains momentum after data released on Friday showed that Japan’s Tokyp Consumer Price Index (CPI) accelerated for the first time in three months, supporting the case for another interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) in December.
According to the 4-hour chart, the bearish sentiment of AUD/JPY remains intact as the cross holds below the key 100-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The downward momentum is supported by the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which stands below the midline. Nonetheless, the oversold RSI condition indicates that further consolidation cannot be ruled out before positioning for any near-term AUD/JPY depreciation.
The initial support level for the cross emerges near the lower limit of the Bollinger Band at 97.45. Further south, the next contention level is seen at 96.60, the low of September 4. The additional downside filter to watch is 96.00, the low of September 19 and the psychological level.
On the bright side, the first upside barrier for the cross is located at 98.76, the high of November 28. Any follow-through buying above this level could pave the way to the 99.00 round mark. Further north, the next hurdle is seen at 99.49, the low of November 19. The 100.00 psychological appears to be a tough nut to crack for the bulls.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The AUD/JPY cross recovers some lost ground to near 98.30, snapping the three-day losing streak during the early European session on Thursday. A generally positive risk tone and a decline in Japan’s foreign stock investments drag the Japanese Yen (JPY) lower against the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Data released by the Ministry of Finance showed on Thursday that foreign investment in Japanese stocks fell by ¥446 billion for the week ending November 23, compared to investments of ¥127.6 billion in the previous week. Foreign capital outflows exert some selling pressure on the JPY and act as a tailwind for AUD/JPY. Nonetheless, the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war could boost the safe-haven flows, benefiting the JPY against the Aussie.
On the other hand, the downside for the AUD might be limited due to the hawkish remarks from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Australia’s monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for October remained well within the Australian central bank target, but the RBA is likely to want more proof price rises have moderated before it will cut interest rates. Capital Economics' Mr. Thieliant said that price pressures are only moderating very slowly.
"And with the RBA arguing at its latest meeting that it would need to see more than one good quarterly CPI print to be confident that such a decline is sustainable, we're comfortable with our forecast that the bank will only cut interest rates in the second quarter of next year,” added Thieliant.
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
The AUD/JPY cross extends its losing streak for the fifth consecutive day, trading around 98.40 during the European hours on Wednesday. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently above 30, indicating a bearish market trend. If the RSI drops below 30, it would signal an oversold condition, potentially leading to a corrective rebound.
Additionally, an analysis of the daily chart suggests that the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) crosses below the 50-day EMA, suggesting a bearish signal. This crossover indicates that the short-term momentum is weakening relative to the longer-term trend, which could signify the continued price weakness.
On the downside, the primary support for the AUD/JPY cross is located around the psychological level of 97.00, followed by the next support at 96.00 level. A decisive break below the latter could open the gates for the currency cross to navigate the region around its four-month low of 93.59, which was recorded on September 11.
To the upside, the AUD/JPY cross may test the primary resistance around the nine-day EMA at 99.92 level, followed by the 50-day EMA at 100.09 level. A break above these levels could weaken the bearish bias, potentially pushing the currency cross toward the four-month high of 102.41, reached on November 7.
The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the weakest against the New Zealand Dollar.
USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USD | -0.33% | -0.31% | -0.88% | -0.07% | -0.36% | -0.99% | -0.41% | |
EUR | 0.33% | 0.00% | -0.56% | 0.25% | -0.04% | -0.66% | -0.05% | |
GBP | 0.31% | -0.01% | -0.57% | 0.24% | -0.04% | -0.67% | -0.09% | |
JPY | 0.88% | 0.56% | 0.57% | 0.81% | 0.52% | -0.11% | 0.48% | |
CAD | 0.07% | -0.25% | -0.24% | -0.81% | -0.30% | -0.92% | -0.33% | |
AUD | 0.36% | 0.04% | 0.04% | -0.52% | 0.30% | -0.62% | -0.05% | |
NZD | 0.99% | 0.66% | 0.67% | 0.11% | 0.92% | 0.62% | 0.58% | |
CHF | 0.41% | 0.05% | 0.09% | -0.48% | 0.33% | 0.05% | -0.58% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).
The AUD/JPY cross drops to its lowest level since early October during the Asian session on Tuesday, albeit it finds decent support and rebounds around 75-80 pips from the vicinity of the 99.00 round figure. Spot prices, however, remain below the 100.00 psychological mark and seem vulnerable amid US-China trade war concerns.
US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the US from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. Adding to this, persistent geopolitical risks stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East temper investors' appetite for riskier assets. This, in turn, drives some haven flows towards the Japanese Yen (JPY) and weighs on the perceived riskier Aussie, exerting some downward pressure on the AUD/JPY cross.
From a technical perspective, oscillators on the daily chart have just started gaining negative traction and support prospects for a further depreciating move. That said, resilience below the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the subsequent bounce warrant some caution for bearish traders. This makes it prudent to wait for a sustained break and acceptance below the 99.00 mark before positioning for deeper losses. The AUD/JPY cross might then slide below the 98.70-98.65 intermediate support and test the 98.00 mark.
On the flip side, any move up beyond the 100.00 mark is likely to confront some resistance near the Asian session high, around the 100.25-100.30 region, ahead of the 100.55-100.60 horizontal barrier. This is followed by the overnight swing high, around the 101.00 round figure, which if cleared could lift the AUD/JPY cross to the 101.55 intermediate resistance en route to the 102.00 mark. The momentum could eventually lift spot prices back towards the 102.30-102.40 region, or the highest level since July 24 touched earlier this month.
The table below shows the percentage change of Japanese Yen (JPY) against listed major currencies today. Japanese Yen was the strongest against the Canadian Dollar.
USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USD | 0.13% | 0.12% | -0.37% | 0.92% | 0.14% | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
EUR | -0.13% | -0.00% | -0.50% | 0.79% | 0.02% | -0.09% | -0.06% | |
GBP | -0.12% | 0.00% | -0.48% | 0.78% | 0.02% | -0.09% | -0.06% | |
JPY | 0.37% | 0.50% | 0.48% | 1.29% | 0.52% | 0.39% | 0.44% | |
CAD | -0.92% | -0.79% | -0.78% | -1.29% | -0.76% | -0.88% | -0.85% | |
AUD | -0.14% | -0.02% | -0.02% | -0.52% | 0.76% | -0.12% | -0.08% | |
NZD | -0.03% | 0.09% | 0.09% | -0.39% | 0.88% | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
CHF | -0.07% | 0.06% | 0.06% | -0.44% | 0.85% | 0.08% | -0.04% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Japanese Yen from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent JPY (base)/USD (quote).
AUD/JPY experiences volatility but remains subdued for the third successive day, trading around 100.50 during the early European hours on Monday. However, this downside of the AUD/JPY cross could be restrained as the Australian Dollar (AUD) may appreciate due to potential foreign inflows amid a rally in the domestic share market.
The S&P/ASX 200 Index climbed to fresh all-time highs on Monday as Australian shares mirrored Wall Street's momentum. On Friday, the Dow Jones achieved another record-high close, contributing to the positive sentiment.
The AUD may also find support from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) hawkish stance on future interest rate policies, which limits the downside of the AUD/JPY cross. Market participants are now closely monitoring Australia's Monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October, a key indicator that could shape expectations for the RBA’s next monetary policy moves.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) could face headwinds amid uncertainty surrounding the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) plans for rate hikes and a prevailing risk-on market environment. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has hinted at the possibility of another interest rate hike as early as December. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration is reportedly considering a $90 billion stimulus package aimed at mitigating the impact of rising prices on households.
Japan's Leading Economic Index, which assesses the economic outlook based on factors like job offers and consumer sentiment, was revised down to 109.1 for September, compared to the expected 109.4 reading. However, the index showed improvement from the final 106.9 in August—the lowest level since October 2020. Traders are now turning their attention to Tokyo's upcoming inflation and employment data, expected later this week.
Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.
Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.
Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.
The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
AUD/JPY continues its decline, nearing 100.30 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. This drop is likely due to a stronger Japanese Yen (JPY), following insights from a Reuters survey on expectations for the Bank of Japan (BoJ). According to the survey, 56% of economists anticipate the BoJ will raise interest rates at its December meeting, driven by the JPY’s depreciation and improving economic conditions.
Additionally, 90% of economists expect the BoJ to increase rates to 0.50% by the end of March 2025. The median forecast for the terminal rate is 1.00%, with estimates ranging from 0.50% to 2.50%. Furthermore, 96% of economists believe that a potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency could prompt the BoJ to hike rates further, as his policies are expected to increase global inflation.
Governor Kazuo Ueda stressed the need to address the Yen's impact on economic and price stability, suggesting the possibility of further rate hikes. Additionally, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration is considering a $90 billion stimulus package aimed at alleviating the burden of rising prices on households.
Recent data indicated that Japan’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed to a nine-month low of 2.3% year-over-year in October. Similarly, the annual core CPI, which excludes fresh food, also dropped to 2.3%, a six-month low, slightly above the forecast of 2.2%.
Additionally, the Jibun Bank Japan Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 50.2 in November, up from 49.7 in October, which had marked the lowest level in four months. However, the Manufacturing PMI unexpectedly fell to 49.0 in November, the lowest reading since March, down from 49.2 in October, missing market expectations of 49.5.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) weakens following the release of mixed Judo Bank PMI data from Australia on Friday. However, the AUD received support from a hawkish outlook from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) regarding future interest rate decisions, which could help limit the downside for the AUD/JPY cross.
The Judo Bank Australia Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.4 in November from 47.3 in October, marking its 10th consecutive month of contraction, though the decline slowed to its weakest pace in six months. Meanwhile, the Services PMI fell to 49.6 from 51.0, signaling the first contraction in services activity in ten months.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in a narrow range near 101.05 during the early European session on Thursday. Traders will monitor the speeches from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock later on Thursday, which might offer some insights on inflation and rate hike expectations.
According to the daily chart, the cross remains above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), suggesting the support level is likely to hold rather than break in the near term. However, further consolidation cannot be ruled out as the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers around the midline, indicating the neutral momentum of the cross.
The upper boundary of the Bollinger Band near 101.80 acts as an immediate resistance level for AUD/JPY. Extended gains above this level could see a rally to 102.40, the high of November 7. The additional upside filter to watch is 103.36, the low of July 23.
On the flip side, the key support level is seen at the 100.00 psychological level. A breach of this level could pave the way to 99.42, the low of November 15. Further north, the next downside target emerges at 98.03, the low of September 27.
The role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its own words, is "..to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.” This involves maintaining the inflation rate at a stable 4% level primarily using the tool of interest rates. The RBI also maintains the exchange rate at a level that will not cause excess volatility and problems for exporters and importers, since India’s economy is heavily reliant on foreign trade, especially Oil.
The RBI formally meets at six bi-monthly meetings a year to discuss its monetary policy and, if necessary, adjust interest rates. When inflation is too high (above its 4% target), the RBI will normally raise interest rates to deter borrowing and spending, which can support the Rupee (INR). If inflation falls too far below target, the RBI might cut rates to encourage more lending, which can be negative for INR.
Due to the importance of trade to the economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervenes in FX markets to maintain the exchange rate within a limited range. It does this to ensure Indian importers and exporters are not exposed to unnecessary currency risk during periods of FX volatility. The RBI buys and sells Rupees in the spot market at key levels, and uses derivatives to hedge its positions.
AUD/JPY extends its winning streak for the third successive session, trading around 101.20 during the Asian hours on Wednesday. This upside of the AUD/JPY cross is attributed to the tepid Japanese Yen (JPY) amid uncertainty surrounding the timing of the next interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ).
On Tuesday, Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato emphasized the need for stable currency behavior in line with economic fundamentals, expressing increased vigilance over foreign exchange movements. Kato reiterated that the ministry would take necessary actions to manage excessive forex fluctuations.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) remains stable following the interest rate decision by China, Australia's close trading partner. The People's Bank of China (PBoC) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.1% for November.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that "tumbling iron ore prices and a softening labor market have impacted government revenue." following his Ministerial Statement on the economy on Wednesday. Chalmers outlined Australia's tough fiscal outlook, citing the weakening of China, a key trading partner, and the slowdown in the job market as contributing factors.
The upside of the AUD/JPY cross could be limited as the risk-sensitive AUD could have faced challenges as Ukraine deployed US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time, signaling a significant escalation on the 1,000th day of the conflict. However, market anxieties lessened somewhat when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reassured that the government would take all necessary measures to avert a nuclear war.
Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.
Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.
Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.
The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
The AUD/JPY cross remains relatively flat around 100.50 during the Asian trading session on Tuesday, following a nearly 1% gain in the previous session. An analysis of the daily chart suggests a potential shift in momentum from bearish to bullish as the pair seeks to break above the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA).
Additionally, the nine-day EMA is currently just below the 14-day EMA. An upward crossover would signal a shift in the short-term price momentum from bearish to bullish, as it indicates that recent prices are gaining strength and pushing higher compared to the longer-term trend.
Additionally, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at the 50 level, signaling a neutral market condition. Any further movement in the AUD/JPY cross will likely determine the next clear directional trend.
To the upside, the AUD/JPY cross is testing immediate resistance at the nine-day EMA around the 100.58 level, followed by the 100.61 level. A break above these levels could trigger a bullish bias, potentially pushing the currency cross toward the four-month high of 102.41, reached on November 7.
On the downside, the primary support for the AUD/JPY cross is located around the recent low of 99.42. A break below this level would strengthen the bearish outlook and could drive the cross toward the psychological support level of 99.00.
AUD/JPY: Daily Chart
The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the weakest against the Japanese Yen.
USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USD | 0.07% | 0.05% | -0.09% | 0.06% | 0.04% | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
EUR | -0.07% | -0.02% | -0.13% | -0.01% | -0.03% | 0.06% | -0.02% | |
GBP | -0.05% | 0.02% | -0.10% | 0.01% | -0.01% | 0.08% | 0.00% | |
JPY | 0.09% | 0.13% | 0.10% | 0.15% | 0.12% | 0.20% | 0.14% | |
CAD | -0.06% | 0.00% | -0.01% | -0.15% | -0.02% | 0.06% | -0.02% | |
AUD | -0.04% | 0.03% | 0.01% | -0.12% | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
NZD | -0.12% | -0.06% | -0.08% | -0.20% | -0.06% | -0.09% | -0.07% | |
CHF | -0.05% | 0.02% | -0.01% | -0.14% | 0.02% | -0.03% | 0.07% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).
The AUD/JPY cross has trimmed its daily gains and trades near 99.90 during European trading hours on Monday. Meanwhile, the Japanese Yen (JPY) faced headwinds following remarks from Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda. Ueda reiterated that interest rate hikes would proceed gradually, contingent on the economy meeting expectations, but did not specify a timeline for future increases.
In a subsequent statement, Ueda emphasized the importance of carefully assessing the impact of foreign exchange (FX) movements on the economy, price forecasts, and associated risks at each policy meeting. He warned that failing to adjust monetary support appropriately could necessitate rapid rate hikes in the future. Ueda refrained from commenting on short-term FX fluctuations.
Japan's Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato issued a warning on Friday, stating that the government will closely monitor the foreign exchange (FX) market with heightened vigilance. Kato emphasized that appropriate measures would be taken to address any excessive movements in the currency.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) gained ground following hawkish comments from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock last Thursday. Bullock emphasized that current interest rates are sufficiently restrictive and will remain unchanged until the central bank is confident about the inflation outlook.
Recent data indicated a slowdown in employment growth for October, while the unemployment rate held steady, highlighting the resilience of the labor market. Market focus now shifts to the release of the latest RBA meeting minutes on Tuesday, which could offer further insights into the central bank's policy stance.
Central Banks have a key mandate which is making sure that there is price stability in a country or region. Economies are constantly facing inflation or deflation when prices for certain goods and services are fluctuating. Constant rising prices for the same goods means inflation, constant lowered prices for the same goods means deflation. It is the task of the central bank to keep the demand in line by tweaking its policy rate. For the biggest central banks like the US Federal Reserve (Fed), the European Central Bank (ECB) or the Bank of England (BoE), the mandate is to keep inflation close to 2%.
A central bank has one important tool at its disposal to get inflation higher or lower, and that is by tweaking its benchmark policy rate, commonly known as interest rate. On pre-communicated moments, the central bank will issue a statement with its policy rate and provide additional reasoning on why it is either remaining or changing (cutting or hiking) it. Local banks will adjust their savings and lending rates accordingly, which in turn will make it either harder or easier for people to earn on their savings or for companies to take out loans and make investments in their businesses. When the central bank hikes interest rates substantially, this is called monetary tightening. When it is cutting its benchmark rate, it is called monetary easing.
A central bank is often politically independent. Members of the central bank policy board are passing through a series of panels and hearings before being appointed to a policy board seat. Each member in that board often has a certain conviction on how the central bank should control inflation and the subsequent monetary policy. Members that want a very loose monetary policy, with low rates and cheap lending, to boost the economy substantially while being content to see inflation slightly above 2%, are called ‘doves’. Members that rather want to see higher rates to reward savings and want to keep a lit on inflation at all time are called ‘hawks’ and will not rest until inflation is at or just below 2%.
Normally, there is a chairman or president who leads each meeting, needs to create a consensus between the hawks or doves and has his or her final say when it would come down to a vote split to avoid a 50-50 tie on whether the current policy should be adjusted. The chairman will deliver speeches which often can be followed live, where the current monetary stance and outlook is being communicated. A central bank will try to push forward its monetary policy without triggering violent swings in rates, equities, or its currency. All members of the central bank will channel their stance toward the markets in advance of a policy meeting event. A few days before a policy meeting takes place until the new policy has been communicated, members are forbidden to talk publicly. This is called the blackout period.
AUD/JPY extends its gains for the third successive day, trading around 101.20 during European hours on Wednesday. The rise in the AUD/JPY pair is largely due to the weakened Japanese Yen (JPY), fueled by growing doubts over future rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BoJ). Japan’s fragile minority government is expected to complicate any plans for tightening monetary policy.
On the data front, the BoJ’s preliminary report on Wednesday showed that Japan’s Producer Price Index (PPI) increased by 3.4% year-over-year in October, exceeding expected 3.0% and previous 3.1% readings. Meanwhile, the PPI rose by 0.2% month-over-month, surpassing the expected flat growth for the month.
Meanwhile, the BoJ’s Summary of Opinions from its October meeting highlighted division among policymakers regarding additional rate hikes. Nevertheless, the central bank maintained its outlook, suggesting it could raise its benchmark rate to 1% by the second half of fiscal 2025, amounting to a total policy tightening of 75 basis points from the current rate.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) gained support after a radio interview with Australia's Prime Minister (PM), Anthony Albanese. Albanese said that he discussed trade relations with US President-elect Donald Trump during a phone call last week. He informed Trump that the US has a trade surplus with Australia and stressed that it’s in Washington’s best interest to maintain "fair trade" with its ally.
On Wednesday, Australia’s Wage Price Index showed a 3.5% year-over-year rise in the third quarter, down from the 4.1% growth seen in the previous quarter and slightly below the anticipated 3.6% increase. This represents the slowest wage growth since Q4 2022. Meanwhile, the quarterly index remained steady at 0.8% in Q3, just under the expected 0.9%.
Central Banks have a key mandate which is making sure that there is price stability in a country or region. Economies are constantly facing inflation or deflation when prices for certain goods and services are fluctuating. Constant rising prices for the same goods means inflation, constant lowered prices for the same goods means deflation. It is the task of the central bank to keep the demand in line by tweaking its policy rate. For the biggest central banks like the US Federal Reserve (Fed), the European Central Bank (ECB) or the Bank of England (BoE), the mandate is to keep inflation close to 2%.
A central bank has one important tool at its disposal to get inflation higher or lower, and that is by tweaking its benchmark policy rate, commonly known as interest rate. On pre-communicated moments, the central bank will issue a statement with its policy rate and provide additional reasoning on why it is either remaining or changing (cutting or hiking) it. Local banks will adjust their savings and lending rates accordingly, which in turn will make it either harder or easier for people to earn on their savings or for companies to take out loans and make investments in their businesses. When the central bank hikes interest rates substantially, this is called monetary tightening. When it is cutting its benchmark rate, it is called monetary easing.
A central bank is often politically independent. Members of the central bank policy board are passing through a series of panels and hearings before being appointed to a policy board seat. Each member in that board often has a certain conviction on how the central bank should control inflation and the subsequent monetary policy. Members that want a very loose monetary policy, with low rates and cheap lending, to boost the economy substantially while being content to see inflation slightly above 2%, are called ‘doves’. Members that rather want to see higher rates to reward savings and want to keep a lit on inflation at all time are called ‘hawks’ and will not rest until inflation is at or just below 2%.
Normally, there is a chairman or president who leads each meeting, needs to create a consensus between the hawks or doves and has his or her final say when it would come down to a vote split to avoid a 50-50 tie on whether the current policy should be adjusted. The chairman will deliver speeches which often can be followed live, where the current monetary stance and outlook is being communicated. A central bank will try to push forward its monetary policy without triggering violent swings in rates, equities, or its currency. All members of the central bank will channel their stance toward the markets in advance of a policy meeting event. A few days before a policy meeting takes place until the new policy has been communicated, members are forbidden to talk publicly. This is called the blackout period.
AUD/JPY retraces its recent gains from the previous session, trading around 100.70 during the early European hours on Tuesday. This dip comes as the Japanese Yen (JPY) gains support following new verbal interventions from Japanese officials. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato cautioned that authorities would take "appropriate action" to address sharp fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.
However, the Yen's upside potential remains limited due to uncertainty around the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) rate-hike plans. The presence of a fragile minority government in Japan is expected to complicate any moves toward monetary tightening. Additionally, the BoJ’s Summary of Opinions from its October meeting indicated a split among policymakers on whether to pursue further rate hikes.
Additionally, the Australian Dollar (AUD) faces downward pressure amid concerns about potential tariff increases on Chinese goods by US President-Elect Donald Trump, as China is one of Australia’s largest export markets. Additionally, China’s latest stimulus measures fell short of investor expectations, raising concerns over demand from Australia’s largest trading partner and further weighing on the AUD.
On a positive note, the Westpac Consumer Confidence index rose by 5.3% to 94.6 points in November, marking its second consecutive month of improvement and the highest level in two and a half years. However, the index has stayed below 100 for almost three years, indicating that pessimists still outnumber optimists.
The Australian Dollar's downside may be somewhat limited, as Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock reaffirmed a hawkish stance after last week’s interest rate hold. Bullock emphasized the need for restrictive monetary policy in light of persistent inflationary pressures and a strong labor market.
Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.
Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.
Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.
The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
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