AUD/USD hovers above 0.6400 psychological level, focus on US, Australia PMIs

AUD/USD extends the losses on the second day, trading sideways around 0.6410 during the European session on Thursday. The US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) hawkish stance on interest rates trajectory exerts pressure on the pair.

However, Investors’ attention has been shifted towards the upcoming economic data from the United States (US) and Australia. These data include the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey, and the change in Existing Home Sales due for Thursday.

On Friday, preliminary S&P Global PMIs from both countries will be eyed. These reports can provide valuable insights into the health of both economies, which are all important factors influencing trading strategies regarding the AUD/USD pair.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is affected by China's cautious approach to implementing additional stimulus measures during periods of economic uncertainty. China is a significant trading partner of Australia, and its economic conditions can have a substantial impact on the Australian economy and, by extension, the value of the AUD against the Greenback.

Additionally, market speculations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may have concluded its cycle of interest rate hikes, which contributes support to the prevailing bearish sentiment surrounding the Aussie pair.

The Federal Reserve chose to maintain the current benchmark policy rates at 5.5% during the meeting held on Wednesday. Furthermore, market participants expect that the central bank will pursue an additional rate hike in 2023, following the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) projection of slightly higher inflation compared to its previous forecasts.

Consequently, Federal Reserve officials unexpectedly adjusted their projected interest rates for 2024, increasing them from 4.6% to 5.1%. This adjustment played a significant role in bolstering the strength of the buck.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the Greenback's performance against six other major currencies, has extended its gains and is trading at a six-month high of around 105.50.

Moreover, the surge in US Treasury yields has contributed to the US Dollar's strength. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note stands at 4.41% by the press time, marking the highest level since 2007.

During a press conference held immediately after the rate decision on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the Fed's commitment to achieving its long-term inflation target of 2%. Powell also suggested that the central bank is likely approaching the peak of its interest rate hike cycle, but he emphasized that future policy decisions would continue to rely on data-driven analysis.