- AUD/USD is currently attempting a break above the 50-hour MA hurdle at 0.7088.
- Australia's housing credit growth in February was the slowest on record. The AUD, however, has shrugged off the weak data and is likely tracking the S&P 500 futures higher.
AUD/USD is better bid at press time even though the data released earlier today showed Australia's credit growth in February was the lowest on record.
Credit growth for housing rose 0.3 percent month-on-month in February, following a 0.2 percent rise in the preceding month, the Reserve Bank of Australia reported earlier today. The annualized growth rate, however, was just 4.2 percent, the lowest since 1977.
Further, Credit growth for owner-occupiers slipped to 5.91%, the lowest level since August 2015. Investor credit grew by only 0.85% over the same period, the slowest pace on record, according to Business Insider.
Housing credit growth tends to lead home prices by around six months, according to the Commonwealth Bank. So, with credit growth hitting record lows, house prices are set to fall further in the near future. The data validates the widespread belief that the RBA would have to cut rates in the second half of this year to support the economy.
So far, however, the Aussie dollar has ignored the dismal housing credit growth number, possibly due to signs of risk reset in the financial markets. The anti-risk JPY hit an eight-day low versus the US dollar earlier today and the S&P 500 futures are currently up 0.23 percent on the day.
As of writing, AUD/USD is trading just above the descending (bearish) 50-hour moving average (MA), currently at 0.7102. Acceptance above that average line could yield further gains toward the 200-hour MA at 0.7102.
Technical Levels
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD retreats toward 1.0850 on modest USD recovery
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure and trades in negative territory at around 1.0850 after closing modestly lower on Thursday. In the absence of macroeconomic data releases, investors will continue to pay close attention to comments from Federal Reserve officials.
GBP/USD holds above 1.2650 following earlier decline
GBP/USD edges higher after falling to a daily low below 1.2650 in the European session on Friday. The US Dollar holds its ground following the selloff seen after April inflation data and makes it difficult for the pair to extend its rebound. Fed policymakers are scheduled to speak later in the day.
Gold climbs to multi-week highs above $2,400
Gold gathered bullish momentum and touched its highest level in nearly a month above $2,400. Although the benchmark 10-year US yield holds steady at around 4.4%, the cautious market stance supports XAU/USD heading into the weekend.
Chainlink social dominance hits six-month peak as LINK extends gains
-637336005550289133_XtraSmall.jpg)
Chainlink (LINK) social dominance increased sharply on Friday, exceeding levels seen in the past six months, along with the token’s price rally that started on Wednesday.
Week ahead: Flash PMIs, UK and Japan CPIs in focus – RBNZ to hold rates
After cool US CPI, attention shifts to UK and Japanese inflation. Flash PMIs will be watched too amid signs of a rebound in Europe. Fed to stay in the spotlight as plethora of speakers, minutes on tap.