|

AUD: Preferred G10 relief trade on de-escalation – OCBC

OCBC strategists Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong highlights Australian Dollar (AUD) as the preferred G10 expression of de-escalation and pro-growth after the US-Iran ceasefire. They note that high-beta energy importers like Swedish Krona (SEK) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD) led the snapback, but AUD stands out as a pro-cyclical currency relatively resilient to energy shocks and potentially supported by firmer industrial metals prices if global growth improves.

Pro‑cyclical play with growth leverage

"In G10 FX, high-beta energy importers such as SEK and NZD led the snapback after being the main underperformers during the conflict."

"Our preferred relief trade remains AUD."

"It is not only a pro-cyclical currency that is relatively resilient to energy shocks, but it could also benefit from firmer industrial metals prices if further de-escalation lifts global growth as the energy shock fades."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD flirts with weekly highs in the Fed's aftermath

GBP/USD reversed early losses following the Federal Reserve decision to keep rates on hold and neared the 1.3360 level before shedding some ground. Focus shifts to Governor Kevin Warsh's speech, while the Bank of England will announce its monetary policy decision on Thursday.

EUR/USD extends rally pass 1.1450 on Fed's Warsh

EUR/USD trades at fresh weekly highs above 1.1450, following the Federal Reserve monetary policy decision to keep interest rates on hold. The statement showed policymakers remain confident in economic progress while blaming inflation on energy prices. The divided vote among officials put in doubt a September hike, leading to sharp US Dollar losses.

Gold faces rejection at $4,100 amid emergence of USD dip-buying

Gold retreats after facing rejection at $4,100 in the Asian session on Thursday as the US Dollar attracts some dip-buyers following the previous day's post-FOMC slide to a one-week low. Escalating US-Iran tensions support oil prices, fueling inflation fears and reviving the Greenback's haven demand at the expense of the bullion.

WTI falls below $83.00 despite hostilities in the Middle East

West Texas Intermediate, the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $82.80 during the early Asian trading hours on Thursday. WTI falls amid some profit-taking despite escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Traders book some profits following the US Federal Reserve interest rate decision.

Fed review: Reversing course (?)
At face value, the FOMC's 9-3 split decision hold was exactly in line with the expectations we laid out in our Fed preview - a divided hold, 22 July. We also named the three dissenters - Hammack, Logan and Kashkari - as the most likely hawks to support rapid tightening.
US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?
The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.