Is RBA waiting on data to justify further rate cut? : Apr 21, 2015




Market Moving News and Views on AUD/USD
21 Apr 2015
01:34GMT

AUD/USD - ...... Despite initial weakness below NY low of 0.7706 to 0.7698 at Asian open, AUD showed muted reaction to RBA minutes.

Reuters reported RBA waiting on data to justify further rate cut. The central bank decided it was prudent to hold off on cutting interest rates in Apr as the Board wanted to see more data, including inflation, to assess the health of the overall economy.

In minutes of the Apr 7 policy meeting, the RBA also said it expected the local dollar to fall further given recent declines in key commodity prices. Such an outcome would help achieve more balanced growth in the economy, the central bank said.

Members also saw advantages in receiving more data, including on inflation, to assess whether or not the economy was on the previously forecast path and allowing more time for the economy to respond to the reduction in the cash rate earlier in the year according to the minutes.

Key inflation figures for the 1st quarter are due on Wednesday and are expected to show price pressures were well contained.

Taking all these factors into account, the Board judged that it was appropriate to hold interest rates steady for the time being, while accepting that further easing of policy may be appropriate over the period ahead.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD gained traction and turned positive on the day above 1.0650. The improvement seen in risk mood following the earlier flight to safety weighs on the US Dollar ahead of the weekend and helps the pair push higher.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD reversed its direction and advanced to the 1.2450 area after touching a fresh multi-month low below 1.2400 in the Asian session. The positive shift seen in risk mood on easing fears over a deepening Iran-Israel conflict supports the pair.

GBP/USD News

Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike

Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike

Gold stabilized near $2,380 after spiking above $2,400 with the immediate reaction to reports of Israel striking Iran. Meanwhile, the pullback seen in the US Treasury bond yields helps XAU/USD hold its ground.

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in

Bitcoin price shows no signs of directional bias while it holds above  $60,000. The fourth BTC halving is partially priced in, according to Deutsche Bank’s research. 

Read more

Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda

Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda

US GDP, core PCE and PMIs the next tests for the Dollar. Investors await BoJ for guidance about next rate hike. EU and UK PMIs, as well as Australian CPIs also on tap.

Read more

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures