RBA Minutes Stick To The ‘Steady As She Goes’ Script | AUD/USD

Whilst AUD remained confined within its range, we continue to look out for range expansion.

Summary of RBA’s August minutes

• Further easing is widely expected around the world
• AUD recent fall to support exports
• Consumption supported by tax rebates and stabilisation in housing market
• Reasonable to expect an extended period of low rates
• Appropriate to assess global and domestic development before considering further changes to policy
• Members would consider a further easing if needed

RBA opted to hold rates at the record low rate of 1% in August meeting and, whilst their statement left the door open for further easing, it was s very much a “steady as she goes” approach. Today’s minutes pretty much stick to this script, so the market reaction was muted.

Ultimately the RBA want to see a lower unemployment rate accompany higher wages to fend off further easing on the domestic front. However, actions from other central banks (particularly the Fed) will also impact their policy timing, as to avoid getting left behind for a race to the bottom.

RBNZ surprised markets with a 50bps cut just one day after RBA’s meeting, which puts their OCR on par with RBA’s 1% record low rate. However, it’s likely to be Fed action (or lack of) which could force RBA to ease and sooner. Therefor we’ll keep a close eye on FX Rates could be Quiet until PMIs and Jackson Hole Later this Week. As it stands, the RBA rate indicator sees just a 20% chance of a 25 bps cut in September whilst OIS markets, down from 40% over a week ago. A cut is full priced in for November, whilst OIS doesn’t full price in a cut until February.

The daily trend structure for AUD/USD remains bearish, and as the fall from 0.7082 saw a notable pickup of downside momentum it suggests new lows could eventually be on the cards. However, given the lack of mean reversion we’re on guard for the potential of a deeper retracement. But ultimately, we’re on the look-out for range expansion to mark its next directional move.

• AUD/USD is now consolidating within a 90-pip range, with support and resistance residing around 0.6735 – 0.6832 respectively. If range expansion is to break above the June low, a deeper retracement is likely on the cards to satisfy counter-trend traders. 
• However, if prices are to instead drift to resistance, bears could look to fade within the range or position themselves for an eventual downside break.
• A break below 0.6735 assumes a run for 0.6677, although given the lack of mean reversion, the reward to risk potential appears less desirable if it fails to break to new lows.