The quarterly CPI rose by 0.6%, underperforming the expected 0.8% and the previous 1.2%. Yearly CPI figures also fell short, coming in at 3.4% against the forecasted 3.7% and preceding 4.3%, indicating tempered inflationary pressure.
The Trimmed Mean CPI, a measure that excludes volatile items, was similarly disappointed with a 0.8% rise compared to predictions of 0.9% and the prior rate of 1.2%.
Despite this, private sector credit month-on-month remained steady at 0.4%, aligning with market expectations.
FOMC and US NFP are going to have an impact on the AUD/USD price. Looking ahead, the market’s gaze shifts towards the United States, where significant economic announcements loom.
The Federal Reserve’s rate decision is the imminent focal point, with a majority of the market not expecting a rate change this week. However, nearly half of the rate
swap market, as per the
CME’s FedWatch Tool, still harbours hope for a March rate reduction.
Compounding the anticipation, the upcoming
US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) are projected to display a slight deceleration in job growth, with forecasts suggesting a figure of 180K for January, down from December’s 216K.
Should the NFP figures exceed expectations, it could jolt investors by diminishing prospects for an early rate cut, considering the resilience of the US labour market. This potential ‘rate tantrum’ underscores the delicate balance investors are navigating amid shifting economic indicators and central bank policies.
AUD/USD Price Outlook: Technical Outlook
The Australian Dollar (AUD/USD) presents a complex technical picture in today’s session. According to the green line on the four-hour chart, the pair is currently trading just below the crucial $0.65747 level.
Resistance levels above this pivot are identified at $0.6589, $0.6603, and $0.6646, each representing potential turning points for price advancement. Conversely, the currency pair finds immediate support at $0.6565, with further downside protection at $0.6524 and $0.6544, which may halt declining prices.
The
Relative Strength Index (RSI) is positioned at 51.23, indicative of neutral momentum without clear directional bias. Moreover, the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $0.6589 offers a confluence with the pivot point, underscoring a significant technical juncture.
AUD/USD price has recently breached a bearish flag pattern at $0.6585 on the four-hour chart, signaling the potential for an extension of the selling pressure.
Concluding this technical outlook, the recommendation is to consider a bearish stance, eyeing opportunities to sell below the $0.65747 level, with a vigilant watch on the aforementioned
support and resistance zones for further cues on price movement.