|

Australian Treasurer Chalmers: Not expecting recession in 2023

Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Wednesday, they are not foreseeing a recession for the Australian economy despite a potential downturn.

Key quotes

"The expectation of the Treasury forecasters is higher interest rates combined with difficult global conditions will slow our economy considerably, but they don't expect at this point a recession here in Australia.”

"There is of course, as the RBA governor acknowledged in the statement yesterday, the fact that when interest rates go up, people with a mortgage feel it immediately but the impact on the economy takes a little while to flow through.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Jones, the Assistant Treasurer, said that "We think that inflation has peaked and it is starting to turn around."

"So we're hoping that this is, if not the last, then nearly the last of the interest rate increases,” Jones added.

Market reaction

AUD/USD is defending minor gains at around 0.6965 on the above comments. The spot is up 0.11% on the day.

Author

Dhwani Mehta

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

More from Dhwani Mehta
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD defends 1.3300 after strong UK PMI data

Following Thursday's sharp decline, GBP/USD clings to small gains above 1.3300 in the European session Friday, supported by the upbeat UK Retail Sales and July PMI data. Nevertheless, the pair's upside remains capped as investors cling to a cautious stance amid a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The US economic calendar will feature preliminary July PMI data later in the day.

EUR/USD retreats below 1.1400 ahead of US PMI

EUR/USD loses its traction and trades below 1.1400 on Friday, following a recovery attempt on upbeat Eurozone and German PMI data earlier in the day. The risk-averse market atmosphere helps the US Dollar (USD) hold its ground as market focus shifts to preliminary July PMI data from the US.

Gold recovers above $4,050 but struggles to gather momentum

Gold builds on its modest intraday bounce and climbs back above the $4,050 level, hitting a fresh daily high amid a modest US Dollar pullback. The fundamental backdrop, however, warrants some caution before confirming that the pullback from an over two-week high, touched on Wednesday, has run its course and positioning for any meaningful upside.

Ethereum: Derivatives interest in ETH improves, but signs of caution remain

Ethereum is hovering slightly below the $1,900 level, down 3% on Thursday following a slight expansion in derivatives interest. The top altcoin's open interest has increased to 14.60 million ETH, marking a 600K ETH increase over the past two days and its highest level since June 7.

Crypto Market Overview: Bitcoin tests 50-day EMA support – Pi Network and Sky lead losses

The broader cryptocurrency market faces headwinds with rising tensions between the US and Iran, pushing Bitcoin down to its 50-day Exponential Moving Average support around $65,135 on Friday. Under pressure, Pi Network and Sky emerge as the worst-performing crypto assets over the last 24 hours.

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.