AUD Holds Near Highs as Mixed Data Keeps RBA Rate Hike Bets Alive
The Australian Dollar (AUD) has remained strong against major currencies, holding near its recent highs. This stability is due to a mix of economic data, including resilient employment figures and persistent inflation pressures.
Australia's latest jobs report showed the economy added 35,000 new positions in May, surpassing market forecasts of 20,000. The unemployment rate ticked down to 3.9%. However, wage growth data released earlier in the week came in slightly below expectations, and consumer confidence dipped amid rising borrowing costs.
Despite these mixed signals, money markets continue to price in a 70% chance of a 25-basis-point rate hike at the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) next policy meeting in August. The RBA has maintained a hawkish stance, with Governor Michele Bullock reiterating that the board 'will not hesitate' to raise rates further if inflation remains above the 2-3% target band.
The AUD is also drawing support from a softer US Dollar and rising iron ore prices, Australia's top export. Spot iron ore traded near $120 per tonne.