AUD/USD Transfer:

The Australian Dollar (AUD) has given back last week’s gains against the US Dollar (USD) reversing out from fresh highs around 0.6850 to 0.6770 this morning. Risk conditions have not been ideal with equity markets all coming off in December. US bond yields have also tracked lower with US third quarter labour costs rising 5.3% from a year ago with productivity declining 1.3% y/y. The RBA hiked rates just 25 points to 3.1% Tuesday as predicted with Governor Lowe suggesting further inflationary pressures are in store over the coming months. Third quarter growth came in at 0.6% down from expectations of 0.7% highlighting scary prospects that inflation could track much higher and push the cash rate above the 3.85% top expected. Recent momentum could carry the cross to 0.7000 by Christmas.

Current Level: 0.6727
Resistance: 0.6900
Support: 0.6600
Last Weeks Range: 0.6638-0.6844

NZD/EUR Transfer:

The risk off tone Monday with recession fears back in conversation led to the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) dropping to 0.6000 (1.6650) against the Euro (EUR). Over the past couple of days, the pair has mildly lifted to 0.6060 (1.6500) areas as commodities recovered early week losses. The kiwi should keep the upper hand as we head into the Christmas/new year period with the recent hawkish learning RBNZ tone and highest cash rate in the developed world offering good NZD returns to investors. ECB’s Lagarde speaks Friday the key standout.

Current Level: 0.6041 (1.6553)
Resistance: 0.6100 (1.6840)
Support: 0.5940 (1.6400)
Last Weeks Range: 0.5937-0.6102 (1.6388-1.6843)

NZD/GBP Transfer:

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) travelled out of its broad range late last week against the British Pound (GBP) reaching 1.9080 before falling back Monday to 0.5170 (1.9350) in risk off conditions. UK constructions PMIs weighed down the Pound despite a decent read in BRC Retail Sales. The economic docket is again thin this week with very little data upcoming to consider. Direction looks to be kiwi favoured with recent momentum still shaping flow. Certainly, the recent RBNZ hike should reflect this. A retest of 0.5305 (1.8850) over the coming days/weeks looks a chance.

Current Level: 0.5201 (1.9227)
Resistance: 0.5245 (1.9450)
Support: 0.5140 (1.9070)
Last Weeks Range: 0.5141-0.5241 (1.9080-1.9450)

NZD/AUD Transfer:

The Australian Dollar (AUD) continues to slide lower across the board, against the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) we have seen it clock 0.9495 (1.0530) this week post the RBA release Wednesday a new 2022 high. However, a move through 0.9500 wasn’t to be in morning trade with the cross back at 0.9450 (1.0580). Recent RBA action saw the central bank increase their cash rate 25 points to 3.25% with a hawkish leaning undertone but recent data including this week’s Australian quarterly growth +0.6% vs +0.7% reflects the view inflation and cash rates are far from anticipated peaks. Next week we have NZ q/q GDP and Australian unemployment. We expect the kiwi to remain well supported into Christmas.

Current Level: 0.9440 (1.0585)
Resistance: 0.9710 (1.0900)
Support: 0.9175 (1.0300)
Last Weeks Range: 0.9244-0.9454 (1.0577-1.0817)

NZD/USD Transfer:

The New Zealand Dollar reached a brand-new high Monday of 0.6440 against the US Dollar (USD) the highest level since mid-August as it continues its momentum higher from early October lows around 0.5500. US manufacturing prices have eased considerably over the past few months leading to indications of further recession pressures with the greenback sliding. Third quarter labour productivity came in lower at 5.3% y/y instead of prior forecast at 6.1% lowering bond yields. Looking ahead we have US consumer sentiment and University of Michigan inflation expectations, a closely watched market health indicator. With the cash rate at 4.25% offering investors a good return,  we expect the kiwi to track higher through into 2023.

Current Level: 0.6352
Resistance: 0.6550
Support: 0.6200
Last Weeks Range: 0.6151-0.6409

FX Update: Recession Fears Weigh Heavy

Market Overview

Key Points:

• Fonterra has revised down its milk solid price from $8.50 – $10.00 to $8.50 – $9.50
• US Recession fears ramp up
• Bank of Canada hikes 50 points overnight amid a dovish read
• China relaxes covid rules moving away from their zero covid policy for the first time, those with asymptomatic with mild symptoms can so home quarantine
• The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) hikes interest rate 35 points to 6.25%, the fifth time in 2022 the central bank has hiked. The RBI saying growth is still very strong at a time when the rest of the world is slow down
• Eurozone third quarter GDP +0.3% vs +0.2% q/q estimate
• A sharp economic downturn in Australia in 2023 is rapidly coming into play with GDP supporting prospects of higher inflation leading to higher interest rates
• The British Pound (GBP) has been the strongest currency in the month of December so far with the Canadian Dollar (CAD) the weakest performer. Read more

Calendar of Economic Releases

Monday 05/12
2:45pm, EUR, ECB President Lagarde Speaks

Tuesday 06/12
4am, USD, ISM Services PMI
Forecast: 53.5
Previous: 54.4
4:30pm, AUD, Cash Rate
Forecast: 3.10%
Previous: 2.85%
4:30pm, AUD, RBA Rate Statement

Wednesday 07/12
1:30pm, AUD, GDP q/q
Forecast: 0.60%
Previous: 0.90% Read more

AUD/EUR Transfer:

The Australian Dollar (AUD) gave back gains Monday as risk sentiment soured, the Euro (EUR) safe play taking price to 0.6395 (1.5640) off the weekly open of 0.6495 (1.5400). Also of note, the EUR seems better supported off the back of a hawkish tone of late from the ECB. Eurozone inflation expectations prints tomorrow, predicted to stay over 10% for the third month straight. Unless there is a significant drop in the number we expect the ECB to look at another 75-point hike of their interest rate when they meet on the 15th of December. We think 0.6390 (1.5650) should hold.

Current Level: 0.6430 (1.5552)
Resistance: 0.6565 (1.6170)
Support: 0.6185 (1.5230)
Last Weeks Range: 0.6430-0.6511 (1.5357-1.5551)

AUD/GBP Transfer:

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is still underperforming generally and against the British Pound (GBP) extending declines, slipping to 0.5535 (1.8070) early today before recovering to 0.5565 (1.7970). The downward trend could continue as “risk” deteriorates from China lockdown protests. It’s a light week on the economic calendar so big picture mood will dominate moves this week.

Current Level: 0.5560 (1.7985)
Resistance: 0.5625 (1.8370)
Support: 0.5445 (1.7780)
Last Weeks Range: 0.5555-0.5625 (1.7776-1.7999)

AUD/USD Transfer:

The Australian Dollar (AUD) fell back Monday to 0.6640 giving back a chunk of last week’s gains as market risk sentiment was shaken by China covid lockdown protests. With a slew of US data publishing late this week ending with (NFP) Non-Farm Payroll it’s shaping into a volatile week of action. Aussie Retail Sales came in at -0.2% from 0.5% predicted adding to the downside pressures. Meanwhile RBA’s Lowe commented saying the Australian economy has a better chance over most developed countries of a softer landing post-recession citing better wage growth. We still see upside momentum continuing for the Aussie over the week.

Current Level: 0.6652
Resistance: 0.6900
Support: 0.6580
Last Weeks Range: 0.6583-0.6779