Aussie Slides

The Aussie remains under pressure on Thursday as the reversal lower from .6549 continues to gather pace. The slide echoes the softness we’re seeing across the broader risk-complex with AUD tracking the move lower in commodities. Weaker copper prices are certainly a function of this move as USD continues to hold up ahead of Fed chair Powell’s keenly awaited Jackson Hole symposium speech tomorrow. The FOMC minute slats night failed to provide any fresh movement in USD and were judged as having reduced relevance seeing as the meeting came before the big NFP surprise at the start of August.

RBA Easing Expectations

On the Aussie front, weaker inflation data is keeping RBA easing expectations in focus here. The RBA cuts rates once again at its last meeting, the third .25% cut this year and with inflation now back at its lowest level since 2021 (though still above the RBA target), traders are forecasting at least one further cut this year. This narrative should keep AUD pressured lower near-term. However, if Powell delivers a dovish signal on Friday, this could easily spark a fresh wave of selling in USD which should bolster risk appetite, lifting AUD as commodities prices bounce back. If Powell fails to deliver such a signal though, USD is vulnerable to a short squeeze which will exacerbate the current AUD decline.

Technical Views

AUDUSD

The breakdown from the rising wedge is resuming here following the failure at .6549. Price is now testing the big .6395 support level. If the market breaks lower here, focus is on a continued decline towards .6152 in line with bearish momentum studies readings.