|

Australian Dollar steadies ahead of Australian employment data

  • AUD/USD rebounds toward 0.7000 as the DXY falls near 101.10
  • Trump’s warning of potential US strikes on Iranian infrastructure might limit the Aussie’s recovery.
  • Australia’s June Employment report is expected to show a 15K job increase.

AUD/USD trades near 0.7000 on Wednesday, recovering from an intraday pullback but remaining marginally lower on the day. The pair briefly fell toward 0.6985 before rebounding, while the US Dollar Index (DXY) slipped toward 101.10, helping the Australian Dollar regain some ground.

Geopolitical risks remain elevated after United States (US) President Donald Trump warned that the United States would strike Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran attacks another ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The comments increased concerns about a broader conflict and further disruption to global energy supplies. Higher geopolitical uncertainty may support safe-haven demand for the US Dollar, potentially limiting AUD/USD gains, and rising Oil and Gold prices indicate that markets remain cautious.

Investors now await Australia’s June labor market report. Employment is expected to rise by 15K, slowing sharply from May’s 40.3K increase. The Unemployment Rate is forecast to remain unchanged at 4.4%, while the Participation Rate is expected to hold at 66.7%. The report will also provide details on full-time and part-time employment after increases of 5.2K and 35.2K, respectively, in May.

Chart Analysis AUD/USD

Short-term technical analysis:

On the 4-hour chart, AUD/USD trades at 0.6993, holding between the 100-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) support at 0.6953 and the 20-period SMA resistance at 0.6998, which leaves the pair in a neutral but slightly capped near-term stance. Price is struggling to decisively clear the nearby cluster of resistance defined by the 20-period SMA at 0.6998 and the horizontal barrier at 0.6999, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 49 hints at consolidative momentum rather than a strong directional push.

On the downside, initial support appears at 0.6989 ahead of the lower horizontal floor at 0.6981, with stronger structural demand emerging from the 100-period SMA near 0.6953. On the topside, a sustained move above the 20-period SMA at 0.6998 and the 0.6999 horizontal cap would open the way toward the next resistance at 0.7005, where sellers could attempt to reassert control.

(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)

Author

Agustin Wazne

Agustin Wazne joined FXStreet as a Junior News Editor, focusing on Commodities and covering Majors.

More from Agustin Wazne
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD stays below 1.3400 after soft UK CPI data

GBP/USD struggles to gain traction and stays below 1.3400 in the second half of the day on Wednesday. The UK annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation cooled to 2.6% in June against the market forecast of 2.7%, making it difficult for the British Pound gather recovery momentum. Meanwhile, investors keep a close eye on headlines coming out of the Middle East.

EUR/USD stabilizes near 1.1400 as markets focus on geopolitics

EUR/USD trades in a narrow channel at around 1.1400 on Wednesday. In the absence of high-impact data releases, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East caps the pair's upside. On Thursday, the European Central Bank (ECB) will announce monetary policy decisions.

Gold holds gains above $4,100 undaunted by risk-off markets

Gold extends gains for the fourth consecutive day, standing comfortably above $4,100, unfazed by the risk-off market amid rising tensions in Iran and higher Oil prices. The pair has rallied nearly 2.5% so far this week and is on track for its best weekly performance in more than three months.

XRP consolidates as inflows and volume climb
Ripple (XRP) retains a slightly bullish outlook on Wednesday despite logging a minor correction from the supply range near $1.15. The remittance token is down 0.5% on the day, reflecting a broader cryptocurrency market drawdown, primarily driven by persistent geopolitical tensions between the United States (US) and Iran in the Middle East.
US – Fed preview: A divided hold
The first month after Kevin Warsh's debut at the FOMC's June meeting has brought mixed signals on the inflation front. On one hand, the re-escalation of the war in Iran has lifted energy prices higher again. Yet on the other hand, Warsh's hawkish comments have already lifted real rates, supported broad USD and tightened financial conditions while realized inflation surprised to the downside in June.
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.