Dovish RBA Outlook

The Aussie Dollar has come back under fresh selling pressure today following the latest RBA rate decision overnight. While the bank held rates steady, the decision was accompanied by a dovish outlook which saw traders keeping near-term rate-cut expectations intact. The bank warned that upside inflation risks had largely subsided with CPI now moving sustainably towards target.

On the broader economy, the bank noted that a slower pickup in consumption was likely to keep output growth skewed lower, leading to a further, deeper deterioration in the labour market. The RBA also noted rising risks from global geopolitical uncertainty.

Weak China Data

Alongside this dovish and concerned messaged from the RBA, AUD has also come under pressure from further, soft Chinese data this week. Chinese imports and exports were seen slumping last month, likely a reaction to the expected US tariffs Trump has threatened to reactivate next month once he’s back in office. November import levels feel to their lowest point in 14-months.

Bearish Risks for AUD

Given the strong trade relationship between Australia and China, weakness in Chinese imports has a sharp impact on Aussie export income. Coupled with the decline we’ve seen in commodities prices in recent months as a result of a stronger USD, the near-term outlook for the Aussie remains weak. Looking ahead this week, traders will now be watching the latest US inflation data this week for any surprise readings which could fuel fresh USD volatility, further impacting AUDUSD.

Technical Views

AUDUSD

The sell off in AUDUSD has stalled for now into the rising trend line and the .6362 level, just above 2024 lows. With momentum studies bearish, risks are skewed towards a further breakdown towards the .6275 2023 lows. Near-term, bulls need to get back above .6520 to alleviate bearish pressure.