- AUD/USD bulls catch a breather near the highest since February 2018.
- Statements from China, likely US-Iran tussle and Fitch’s negative outlook on Aussie credit rating failed to supersede virus/vaccine, stimulus optimism.
- Light calendar emphasizes risk catalysts for fresh direction.
AUD/USD wavers around 0.7920, stepping back from a fresh three-year high a few minutes back, during the early Tuesday morning in Asia. The aussie pair rose for the third consecutive day on Monday while refreshing the multi-month high as global markets cheered US dollar weakness amid the risk-on mood and the jump in the Treasury yields. However, cautious sentiment ahead of this week’s key data/events probes the bulls off-late.
Market optimism propels bonds, commodities and Antipodeans also benefit…
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations are mostly going smooth and helping the recovery curve in the economies like the UK and Israel to announce unlock measures from the virus-led activity restrictions. The mood, however, took its turn more towards the recently favored bonds amid hopes of further US stimulus, which in turn dragged the US dollar index (DXY) to the six-week low.
On Monday, the global rating giant downgraded Australia’s credit outlook to negative while keeping its ‘AAA’ rating intact. The news joins the latest US-Iran tussle over the detention of American citizens by Tehran as well as over the 2015 nuclear deal. Further challenging the mood could be China’s mixed comments suggesting the readiness for a fresh start with the US while also warning to not meddle in the internal issues.
While Nasdaq had to bear the burden of a jump in the US Treasury yields to a one-year high, other Wall Street benchmarks ended Monday’s trading on the mixed footing. The risk-on mood could also be witnessed in the recovery of gold prices and overall strength in the Antipodeans like dollars of Australia and New Zealand (NZ).
Looking forward, a lack of major data/events can keep AUD/USD at a mercy of the risk catalysts and the US dollar moves, which in turn relies on the Treasury yields off-late. However, bulls may remain cautious before Today’s semi-annual testimony by Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Wednesday’s Australian Wage Price Index.
Technical analysis
Unless breaking below 0.7820-15 area comprising highs marked on April 2018 and January 2020, AUD/USD sellers are less likely to step-in. Meanwhile, February 2018 peak surrounding 0.7975-80 can offer an intermediate halt on the way to 0.8000 psychological magnet.
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.
Latest Forex News
Editors’ Picks
GBP/USD holds above 1.4050 after upbeat UK job figures
GBP/USD is trading above 1.4050, near the fresh 35-month highs as US yields retreat from the highs and push the dollar lower. UK wages rose by 4.7% in December and January's jobless claims fell by 20,000, both better than expected.
Bitcoin stages a quick bounce above $50,000 after the 11% sell-off
The wild ride in Bitcoin continues in Tuesday’s Asian trading, as the BTC sellers are back in control, knocking off prices by almost 11%. Although, strong bids emerged just above $48,500 levels, prompting the flagship cryptocurrency to stage a quick recovery back beyond the $50,000 mark.
EUR/USD sets four-week high, eyes Powell's testimony
EUR/USD advances toward 1.2200 but is struggling to keep the bullish momentum going, with investors turning cautious ahead of the Fed Chairman Powell's appearance before Congress later Tuesday.
XAU/USD retreats from one-week tops, on the defensive below $1810 level
A combination of factors failed to assist gold to capitalize on the early uptick to one-week tops. The underlying bullish tone in the financial markets capped gains for the safe-haven commodity. The recent rally in the US bond yields also held bulls from placing bets around the yellow metal.
US Dollar Index struggles for direction around 90.00, looks to Fed, data
DXY consolidates the recent drop and hovers around 90.00. The dollar has decoupled from performance in yields in past hours. Housing data, Fed’s Powell testimony, Consumer Confidence next on tap.