|

Australian Treasurer Chalmers: China slowdown, higher rates will put significant pressure economy

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Wednesday, “The slowdown in China's economy and higher interest rates at home will put significant pressure on the Australian economy, though the country should manage to avoid a recession.” The policymaker spoke to ABC Radio during early Wednesday per Reuters.

The policymaker also said that Australia had not been immune from weakness in the global economy while also citing the recent events in China as "most concerning".

"We've seen, particularly in their property sector but also in relation to their retail and relation to their exports, that the Chinese economy has been slowing quite considerably. And that's obviously important to us," said Aussie Treasurer Chalmers.

AUD/USD stays depressed

With the downbeat comments from the key Aussie policymaker ahead of Australia’s second quarter (Q2) Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the AUD/USD pair licks its wounds at the lowest level in 2023 after falling the most in five weeks, mildly offered near 0.6375 at the latest.

Also read: AUD/USD stays depressed YTD low below 0.6400 ahead of Australia GDP, US ISM Services PMI

Author

Anil Panchal

Anil Panchal

FXStreet

Anil Panchal has nearly 15 years of experience in tracking financial markets. With a keen interest in macroeconomics, Anil aptly tracks global news/updates and stays well-informed about the global financial moves and their implications.

More from Anil Panchal
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD strengthens beyond mid-1.3300s vs weak USD amid fresh Iran diplomacy hopes

The GBP/USD pair builds on Friday's modest bounce from a three-week low and gains strong follow-through positive traction at the start of a new week. This marks the second straight day of a positive move and lifts spot prices above mid-1.3300s during the Asian session amid a broadly weaker US Dollar.

EUR/USD climbs beyond 1.1400 as renewed Iran diplomacy hopes undermine safe-haven USD

The EUR/USD pair builds on a modest bullish gap opening and climbs back above the 1.1400 mark during the Asian session on Monday. The intraday move up is sponsored by a broadly weaker US Dollar, weighed down by renewed optimism over a diplomatic resolution to end a five-month-old US-Iran war.

Gold buyers try their luck on Mideast respite, Oil slump

Gold is off the highs but holds its bullish opening gap, while struggling near $4,100 early Monday. Despite the recent rebound, buyers trade with caution, keeping a close eye on the Middle East developments ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy verdict this week.    

Bitcoin extends winning streak, Ethereum clears key hurdle, XRP steadies

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple begin the week on a firm footing after surging over 1%, 4% and 1%, respectively, in the previous week. BTC holds above key technical resistance after recording its fourth consecutive weekly gain.

Australian Dollar outlook: Chances of another rally won’t be decided in Canberra, but in Washington

The Australian Dollar rode a rollercoaster in the first half of the year, hitting a four-year high and then correcting. The currency enters the second half with an outlook full of uncertainty due to renewed hostilities in the Middle East, which clouds the inflation outlook and interest rates.

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.