For the Australian dollar, a more bullish scenario than our baseline outlook would stem from China’s economic revival exceeding expectations – particularly if it is led by a policy-induced upswing in commodity-intensive infrastructure spending. Stronger momentum in China would be a positive impulse for Australia’s terms of trade, the domestic and regional economies, and the currency. In our opinion, the Australian dollar could also outperform if the global economy remains resilient in the face of tighter monetary and credit conditions, and inflation decelerates substantially without aggressive policy actions inflicting much damage on labour markets or generating financial stability risks. However, we judge this type of situation to be relatively unlikely.
Latest Analysis
Latest Analysis
Noise vs Signal
12 January, 2026
• Headline noise. Markets continue to take geopolitical/macro developments in stride. US equities rose overnight. AUD ticked higher.• US Fed. Investigation into Fed Chair Powell raises concerns about central...
'Sell America' trade returns, albeit in modest form
12 January, 2026
The US dollar, Treasuries, and stock market indices are all trading slightly lower this morning after the Trump administration stepped up its assault on the Federal Reserve, launching a criminal investigation...
Dollar slides as Trump administration steps up attack against Federal Reserve
11 January, 2026
The Trump administration sharply intensified its assault on the Federal Reserve’s independence this evening, threatening a fundamental cornerstone of the international monetary and financial system—and...
Fall in US unemployment rate boosts dollar
09 January, 2026
The US economy generated fewer jobs than anticipated, but the unemployment rate declined last month, giving the Federal Reserve room to slow the pace of monetary easing over the course of 2026. According...
Mixed data supports dollar in countdown to tomorrow's payrolls report
08 January, 2026
Happy Thursday. The dollar is extending its advance for a third session after yesterday’s data underscored the US economy’s resilience, denting bearish conviction. Most major currency pairs remain rangebound,...
Markets turn data-driven
07 January, 2026
Good morning, and feel free to hit the snooze button. Financial markets are back to ignoring geopolitical headlines, with most major currency pairs exhibiting rangebound behaviour, Treasury yields flatlining,...
Currency markets stall as geopolitical narratives fade
06 January, 2026
Good morning. Foreign exchange markets are giving back the weekend’s moves as Venezuela-related geopolitical concerns recede, shifting attention to US macro conditions. The trade-weighted dollar is moving...
Markets largely shrug off Venezuela risks, safe haven flows rise slightly
05 January, 2026
Global markets are taking the latest surge in geopolitical risk largely in stride after the United States attacked Venezuela and detained President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend. A mild flight to safety...
Volatility subsides as event risks fade
19 December, 2025
‘Tis the calm before year-end, when all through the street,Not a currency is stirring—even the yen is tucked in its seat.Dollar short positions are hung by low vols with care,In hopes that Fed easing soon...
Surprise deceleration in inflation pressures dollar
18 December, 2025
Underlying consumer price growth slowed dramatically in the US last month, helping support expectations for a more aggressive easing campaign from the Federal Reserve in the new year. According to data...