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AUD holds losses following China’s CPI inflation data

  • AUD/USD weakened as the US Dollar strengthened amid rising market risk aversion.
  • China’s CPI rose 1.2% YoY in April, above March’s 1.0% increase and the 0.8% forecast.
  • US Nonfarm Payrolls rose by 115K in April, beating forecasts despite slowing from March’s 185K increase.

AUD/USD gains ground after opening at a bearish gap but still remains in the negative territory, trading around 0.7240 during the Asian hours on Monday. The pair moves little despite stronger-than-expected China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Any change in the Chinese economy could impact the Australian Dollar (AUD) as China and Australia are close trading partners.

China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.2% YoY in April, accelerating from March’s 1.0% increase and beating the 0.8% forecast. CPI inflation arrived at 0.3% MoM in April, versus a fall of 0.7% prior, hotter than the expectation of a 0.1% decline. Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 2.8% YoY in April, following a 0.5% increase in March. The data came in above the market consensus of a 1.5% rise.

The AUD/USD pair came under pressure as the US Dollar (USD) strengthened amid growing risk aversion after US President Donald Trump and Iran dismissed each other’s latest peace initiatives aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.

According to Bloomberg on Sunday, Trump turned down Iran’s latest peace proposal, describing it as “totally unacceptable.” Iranian state television reported that an Iranian official said Tehran’s response emphasized ending the conflict across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, while also addressing the security of shipping routes through the strait, though no details were provided regarding how or when the key waterway could reopen.

An extended Middle East conflict and the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran may continue to support safe-haven demand for the Greenback, potentially weighing on the major currency pair in the near term.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on Friday indicating that Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) increased by 115K in April, down from March’s 185K reading but still exceeding the market forecast of 62K. At the same time, the Unemployment Rate remained unchanged at 4.3% in April, matching analysts’ expectations.

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AUD/JPY Price Forecast: Advances on improved risk sentiment, holds bullish bias above 100-day EMA

  • AUD/JPY gains ground near 113.20 in Friday’s early European session. 
  • The positive outlook of the cross remains intact above the key 100-day EMA, with modest bullish RSI momentum. 
  • The first upside barrier emerges at 113.65; the initial support level to watch is 112.50. 

The AUD/JPY cross trades in positive territory around 113.20 during the early European session on Friday. A potential truce between the United States (US) and Iran improves risk sentiment, supporting the Australian Dollar (AUD) against the Japanese Yen (JPY). The US President Donald Trump administration has been waiting for Iran to respond to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war.

On the other hand, fears of further interventions from Japanese authorities might help limit the JPY’s losses. Reuters reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the matter, that Japan’s officials intervened in the foreign exchange market during holidays in early May after having conducted Japanese Yen-buying operations on April 30. The source said: “The intervention since the start of May was timed to coincide with the holiday period, when market liquidity was thin.”

Chart Analysis AUD/JPY

Technical Analysis:

In the daily chart, AUD/JPY holds a constructive near-term bias as it trades well above the 100-day exponential moving average (EMA), while the Bollinger Bands (20) show price consolidating in the upper half of the envelope. The Relative Strength Index (14) at 52 keeps a neutral-to-positive tone, hinting that upside pressure is moderating but not yet reversing.

On the topside, initial resistance emerges at the Bollinger middle band, the 20-day simple moving average near 113.65, ahead of the recent Bollinger upper band peak around 114.75. On the downside, the lower Bollinger band at 112.50 offers the first line of support. The key contention level to watch is the 100.00 psychological level, with the more important dynamic floor coming in at the 100-day EMA around 109.65, where a break would be needed to undermine the prevailing bullish structure.

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Australian Dollar recovers latest losses following Trade Balance data

  • AUD/USD may rebound as easing US-Iran tensions weaken safe-haven demand for the US Dollar.
  • Iran said a US proposal to end the war remains under consideration after reports of a possible agreement.
  • The US Dollar may weaken as easing inflation pressures strengthen expectations for Fed interest rate cuts.

AUD/USD gains ground for the third successive day, trading around 0.7240 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) recovers its daily losses against the US Dollar (USD) following the release of Australia’s Trade Balance data.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Thursday that Australia posted a Trade Deficit of $1,841M in March, compared with a revised $5,026M surplus in February (previously $5,686M). Markets had expected a $4,250M surplus. Meanwhile, Exports fell 2.7% month-over-month (MoM) after rising 4.2% previously, while monthly imports surged 14.1% following a prior 2.7% decline.

The Australian Dollar may further receive support from hopes that the US and Iran are moving closer to an agreement to end the war. The BBC reported on Wednesday that Iran said a US proposal to end the war is “still being considered” after reports that the two countries could be close to an agreement. The US has presented a one-page memorandum of understanding to Iran that would gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the American blockade on Iranian ports. Detailed talks on Iran’s nuclear program would come later in the process, the person said, adding that nothing has been agreed upon yet.

CNBC reported on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump said that Iran will be bombed “at a much higher level” if it doesn’t agree to a peace deal. Trump, in a Truth Social post, said the US military offensive known as Operation Epic Fury “will be at an end” if Iran “agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption.”

The US Dollar could face challenges as easing concerns over price pressures could convince the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to cut the interest rate rather than keep policy restrictive for longer.

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AUD/USD Price Forecast: Rallies to June 2022 high, closer to mid-0.7200s on weaker USD

  • AUD/USD attracts strong follow-through buyers amid a combination of supporting factors.
  • US-Iran peace deal hopes and receding hawkish Fed expectations weigh heavily on the USD.
  • The RBA’s hawkish outlook benefits the Aussie and contributes to the positive momentum.

The AUD/USD pair is seen building on the previous day’s bounce from the 0.7135 region, or the weekly low, and gaining strong follow-through positive traction for the second straight day on Wednesday. The momentum lifts spot prices to a fresh high since June 2022, closer to mid-0.7200s, during the Asian session, and is sponsored by a broadly weaker US Dollar (USD).

The incoming headlines fuel optimism over a potential US-Iran peace deal and boost investors’ confidence, undermining the safe-haven buck and benefiting the risk-sensitive Aussie. Furthermore, sliding Crude Oil prices ease inflationary concerns and temper bets for a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). This exerts additional pressure on the USD, which, along with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) hawkish outlook, contributes to the bid tone surrounding the AUD/USD pair.

From a technical perspective, spot prices hold a bullish near-term bias following the recent resilience below the 100-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the 4-hour chart. The said support is pegged at 0.7145, which now underpins the broader upturn from recent lows. Moreover, a firm Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 65 suggests strong but maturing upside momentum, while the positive Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) reading hints that buyers still retain control.

This, in turn, suggests that any corrective pullback might still be seen as a buying opportunity near the 100-period EMA on H4, at 0.7145, as the broader structure remains constructive above this zone. A sustained break beneath this moving average would weaken the current bullish tone and open the door to a deeper corrective phase on the four-hour timeframe.

(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)

AUD/USD 4-hour chart

Chart Analysis AUD/USD

US Dollar Price Today

The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen.

USDEURGBPJPYCADAUDNZDCHF
USD-0.20%-0.18%-0.06%-0.14%-0.69%-0.75%-0.20%
EUR0.20%0.02%0.15%0.07%-0.48%-0.57%0.00%
GBP0.18%-0.02%0.13%0.06%-0.50%-0.57%0.00%
JPY0.06%-0.15%-0.13%-0.09%-0.64%-0.72%-0.12%
CAD0.14%-0.07%-0.06%0.09%-0.55%-0.62%-0.04%
AUD0.69%0.48%0.50%0.64%0.55%-0.07%0.50%
NZD0.75%0.57%0.57%0.72%0.62%0.07%0.57%
CHF0.20%-0.00%-0.00%0.12%0.04%-0.50%-0.57%

The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).

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Currency Talk – AUDCAD, GBPUSD, AUDUSD

Key takeaways

  • What is the technical outlook for AUD/CAD, GBP/USD and AUD/USD?

This analysis from the Overbalance series aims to identify three financial instruments, analysed primarily on the daily/four-hour timeframe (D1/H4). The analysis utilises only the Overbalance methodology, which helps to identify points where a trend may continue or where a reversal may occur. Today’s analysis covers three instruments, assessed solely in terms of 1:1 correction structures. AUDCAD After several tests, the AUDCAD exchange rate has broken through the key support level at 0.9755, which, according to the Overbalance methodology, paves the way for a deeper downward correction. A potential target for the downside is the 0.9610 level, where the lower boundary of the large 1:1 pattern is located. Currently, the 0.9755 level is acting as resistance, and only a sustained return of the price above this zone could restore the bullish scenario.

AUDCAD – H4 timeframe. Source: xStation GBPUSD Since the beginning of April, GBPUSD has been trading within a local uptrend, supported by the 1:1 bullish pattern highlighted in green. The key support level remains at 1.3488. A potential bounce at this point could lead to the generation of another upward impulse. Conversely, a break below this level would open the way for a decline towards 1.3360, where the polarity of the previously broken downward pattern lies.

GBPUSD – H4 chart. Source: xStation AUDUSD The AUDUSD pair remains in an uptrend. Recently, the pair reached a new local high, followed by a rapid correction. Should this correction deepen, the key support level is 0.7121, derived from the lower boundary of the 1:1 pattern. As long as this level holds, the base case scenario remains a continuation of the upward trend.

AUDUSD – H4 chart. Source: xStation

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AUD/USD: Consolidation risk after RBA pause – Societe Generale

Societe Generale strategists note AUD/USD has pulled back after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delivered a third 25bp hike to 4.35% while signalling a pause. The pair is drifting below 0.7150 despite earlier reclaiming its 50‑DMA, with risk sentiment and the RBA’s data‑dependent stance expected to guide direction around key 0.7060 and 0.7225 levels.

Key supports and RBA-driven outlook

“Three hikes and done, receive the front end in Australia? Not so fast. The third rate increase today by the RBA puts the CRT at 4.35% but this is below the new higher projection of 4.7% for Dec-26 (raised from 4.2% in February). In other words, the central bank is holding powder in reserve to tighten at least once more. The rate then stays at 4.7% through 2027 and 1H-28. Core inflation peaks at 3.8% in 2Q and then drifts down to 3.1% by the end of this year, to 2.6% in 2027 and 2.5% in 1H-28. Headline CPI falls back from 4.0% in Dec-26 to 2.4% by mid-2027. “

“Governor Bullock sounded more neutral this time in her comments, prompting the receiving interest in the front end and bull steepening in 2s/10s. The further crystallisation of upside risks to inflation and inflation expectations will determine if rates are hoisted again to 4.6%, probably in August or September. A pause in June looks a done deal. The statement highlighted the risk of second-round effects across goods and services. Governor Bullock reiterated that the Board has no predetermined path and will remain data-dependent, ruling nothing in or out.”

“AUD/USD reclaimed its 50‑DMA in April and subsequently staged a strong rebound. However, the pair has struggled to establish itself beyond the March peak, carving out an interim high near 0.7225; this points to a lack of steady upward momentum.”

“A period of consolidation cannot be ruled out. Defence of the 50‑DMA around 0.7060 is crucial for continuation of the up move. A break above 0.7225 may lead to a larger uptrend.”

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AUD/JPY trims losses near 112.50 as RBA hikes official cash rate to 4.35%

  • AUD/JPY recovers modestly to around 112.65 in Tuesday’s early European session. 
  • RBA lifted the Official Cash Rate to 4.35% from 4.1% at its May meeting on Tuesday. 
  • Traders remain on edge over the potential for Japanese authorities to step back into the market after last week’s intervention.

The AUD/JPY cross pares losses near 112.65 during the early European trading hours on Tuesday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) edges slightly higher after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest rate decision. Traders await Governor Michele Bullock’s press conference at 04:30 GMT for fresh impetus. 

As widely expected, the Australian central bank on Tuesday decided to raise the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.35% from 4.10% after concluding its May monetary policy meeting. According to the RBA Monetary Policy Statement, the central bank noted a significant increase in uncertainty over the domestic economic outlook and inflation.

The fallout from the Iran war will slash half a percentage point off economic growth in 2026 against the pre-conflict forecasts in February, as annual growth halves to 1.3% this year.

On the JPY’s front, markets remain on high alert following suspected interventions by Japanese authorities. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Japan can take action against speculative foreign-exchange movements.

There was no official confirmation, but there were plenty of unofficial signals – including a “final warning” from a top official: the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) intervened in the foreign exchange market on Friday to strengthen the Japanese yen. The big question now is: How long will the JPY’s strength last?” said Commerzbank’s Thu Lan Nguyen. 

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AUD/JPY Price Forecast: Weakens below 113.00, while broader uptrend remains intact

  • AUD/JPY weakens to around 112.95 in Monday’s early European session. 
  • The cross keeps bullish vibe above the 100-day EMA, but further consolidation cannot be ruled out in near term. 
  • The immediate resistance level emerges at 113.40; the initial support level is seen at 112.00. 

The AUD/JPY cross loses ground near 112.95 during the early European session on Monday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) softens against the Japanese Yen (JPY) as uncertainty surrounding Middle East tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz boosts safe-haven assets. 

US President Donald Trump announced the US will begin guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, per CNN. Meanwhile, Iranian official Ebrahim Azizi warned that the plan is a violation of the ceasefire.

On the other hand, markets expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to deliver a third straight interest rate hike on Tuesday. The primary driver is a significant jump in headline inflation in March, fueled by global energy shocks and Middle East tensions.  

Chart Analysis AUD/JPY

Technical Analysis:

In the daily chart, AUD/JPY maintains a constructive bullish bias as spot holds well above the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), keeping the broader uptrend intact despite the latest pullback from recent highs. Price is also trading above the lower Bollinger Band, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 50.8 has eased back to neutral territory, hinting at a consolidation phase rather than an outright reversal.

On the topside, initial resistance is aligned with the 20-day Bollinger middle band at 113.40. A sustained break above this pivot would expose the April 28 high of 114.72, en route to the upper Bollinger band near 115.18 as the next bullish target. On the downside, immediate support is seen around the 112.00 psychological level, followed by the lower Bollinger band at 111.65; a deeper correction towards the 100-day EMA at 109.37 would still be consistent with a broader bullish structure while offering a potentially stronger demand zone.