We are less than three weeks away from the ASX earning season and we are less than two weeks away from the earnings season in the US. So, we need to start prepping for trades and opportunities now. First and foremost, do not forget that confession season is well and truly upon us here in Australia.
Downgrades clearly have been coming from the discretionary sector; we've even seen companies hit the wall with the likes of Booktopia going into administration. There are some clear thematics that are growing in the Australian market. Energy, while the worst performing sector for the financial year 2024, may actually show you that earnings were slightly above expectation on higher than expected oil prices.
Materials led in the main by BHP, Rio and FMG Have once again benefited from higher than expected iron ore prices. It also benefited from a lower than expected AUD/USD where average FX prices were expected to be between $0.68 and $0.73 but instead have averaged between $0.63 and $0.67. What we're looking for is operational costs, overall margins and forward looking guidance, something that these firms have lacked in the last three financial updates.
Watch very closely for the excitement that will come from things like copper at the expense of the issues that are facing nickel lithium and other transition metals that have had really tough periods in FY24. Moving to the banks this is a sector people argue is fully valued. It's not hard to argue when through the financial year CBA made record all time highs several times and is still within a whisker of its record all time high.
Higher interest rates will indeed improve net interest margins. However, the unknown question and what we need to see at its August full year earnings is the impact higher rates are having on bad and doubtful debts, the possible increase in provisioning and more importantly the impact its having on new loans and refinancing. There is an argument to be made that banking is possibly fully priced and no matter what result is delivered won't necessarily create a leg further higher.
Finally, you can't go past consumer staples and discretionary. Retail sales numbers over the last 18 months have actually shown discretionary spending At or above 2022 levels although month on month figures have been erratic. The question that will come for discretionary spending is margins and how much sales revenue translates to the bottom line in earnings and profit.
Staples on the other hand have seen consistent movement on the revenue line but the question will be the margin and after the very targeted senate inquiry into supermarkets any sign profits are above trend may actually be met with concern as geopolitics raises its head. 33 times in 2024 the US 500 and the Tech 100 have made record highs – can it continue? Look into the US and the ending season that it is about to undertake. We have to look at several core thematics that are likely to be raised.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) The question you’ve got to ask is: is the time frame long or short? We raised this Mag 7 stocks etc Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, apple have clear potential. They are evolving their business models and see the integration of AI as the future of their individual businesses.
That will likely come up in their numbers but it will come with operational and initial upfront costs as the integration of AI begins. This is all long term may not fully capture short term opportunities which is still presenting very much in the semiconductor providers. NVIDIA and Advanced Micro Devices are taking full advantage and monetizing the compute cycle.
This clearly won't be forever because it will go from semiconductors to infrastructure to software and therefore the flows will move back towards the bigger end of town but overall the AI thematic still flows towards the semiconductors for now and that's likely to be shown in the earnings season that's coming. Data Centres That brings us to data centres because the potential for ensuring AI requires a heck of a lot of storage and a heck of a lot of processing. There are estimates the data centres will need to grow by 420% in Europe and 250% in the US by 2035 based on the rate of growth in AI right now.
Therefore, we need to watch providers like Dell Technologies and Intel which are big providers of data centres currently. We think the market hasn’t fully appreciated DC needs in the AI revolution. Cybersecurity The final key theme in the AI data centre technology space that we also think needs to be watched is cyber security.
It's been something along the lines of a 70% increase in ransomware attacks over the past 24 months. The regulatory requirements and the budgets required to deal with these increased threats is only just beginning. That brings players like Fortinet to the fore IT programmes and it's pensively to develop programs for enterprise makes it an interesting one going forward.
GLP-1 ‘Weight Loss’ Medicines Another theme of being a really strong driver of the S&P 500 is the rise of GLP-1 medicines. The weight loss craze that has come off the back of this Amazon has been incredible. Initially obviously developed for diabetes but having an additional effect of weight loss has created a product out of nowhere.
Eli Lilly and Co is a key player in this space with its GLP one class medicines already approved by the FDA. It's been launched in the US and its oral intake has posted adoption. It is not the only one in this space but shows very clearly the impact weight loss medicines are having on earnings.
The caveat we have though is side effects and long term impacts are still being found and could be said as a capping issue on price. Whatever way you look at it the US dating season however will be incredibly exciting and it is the reason The US markets continue to see huge capital inflows as they are much more exciting in this current environment than traditional value markets such as Australia.
By
Evan Lucas
The information provided is of general nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situations or needs. Before acting on any information provided, you should consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. All opinions, conclusions, forecasts or recommendations are reasonably held at the time of compilation but are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Go Markets Pty Ltd, ABN 85 081 864 039, AFSL 254963 is a CFD issuer, and trading carries significant risks and is not suitable for everyone. You do not own or have any interest in the rights to the underlying assets. You should consider the appropriateness by reviewing our TMD, FSG, PDS and other CFD legal documents to ensure you understand the risks before you invest in CFDs.
มันทำงานอย่างไร: EMA 50 ช่วงเวลาสามารถทำหน้าที่เป็นระดับการสนับสนุนแบบไดนามิกที่เพิ่มขึ้นเมื่อราคาสูงขึ้นในแนวโน้มขาขึ้น เทรดเดอร์บางรายเฝ้าดูให้ตลาดปรับตัวสูงขึ้นใหม่ (HH) จากนั้นดึงกลับไปสู่ EMA ก่อนที่จะปรับตัวสูงขึ้นอีกครั้งระดับต่ำที่สูงกว่า (HL) อาจบ่งชี้ว่าผู้ซื้อยังคงควบคุมอยู่
เมื่อราคาสัมผัสหรือใกล้เคียงกับ EMA 50 ช่วงระหว่างการถอยหลังนั้น เทรดเดอร์บางคนถือว่าพื้นที่นั้นเป็นโซนตัดสินใจที่อาจเกิดขึ้นแทนที่จะสันนิษฐานว่าแนวโน้มจะกลับมาโดยอัตโนมัติ
We are less than three weeks away from the ASX earning season and we are less than two weeks away from the earnings season in the US. So, we need to start prepping for trades and opportunities now. First and foremost, do not forget that confession season is well and truly upon us here in Australia.
Downgrades clearly have been coming from the discretionary sector; we've even seen companies hit the wall with the likes of Booktopia going into administration. There are some clear thematics that are growing in the Australian market. Energy, while the worst performing sector for the financial year 2024, may actually show you that earnings were slightly above expectation on higher than expected oil prices.
Materials led in the main by BHP, Rio and FMG Have once again benefited from higher than expected iron ore prices. It also benefited from a lower than expected AUD/USD where average FX prices were expected to be between $0.68 and $0.73 but instead have averaged between $0.63 and $0.67. What we're looking for is operational costs, overall margins and forward looking guidance, something that these firms have lacked in the last three financial updates.
Watch very closely for the excitement that will come from things like copper at the expense of the issues that are facing nickel lithium and other transition metals that have had really tough periods in FY24. Moving to the banks this is a sector people argue is fully valued. It's not hard to argue when through the financial year CBA made record all time highs several times and is still within a whisker of its record all time high.
Higher interest rates will indeed improve net interest margins. However, the unknown question and what we need to see at its August full year earnings is the impact higher rates are having on bad and doubtful debts, the possible increase in provisioning and more importantly the impact its having on new loans and refinancing. There is an argument to be made that banking is possibly fully priced and no matter what result is delivered won't necessarily create a leg further higher.
Finally, you can't go past consumer staples and discretionary. Retail sales numbers over the last 18 months have actually shown discretionary spending At or above 2022 levels although month on month figures have been erratic. The question that will come for discretionary spending is margins and how much sales revenue translates to the bottom line in earnings and profit.
Staples on the other hand have seen consistent movement on the revenue line but the question will be the margin and after the very targeted senate inquiry into supermarkets any sign profits are above trend may actually be met with concern as geopolitics raises its head. 33 times in 2024 the US 500 and the Tech 100 have made record highs – can it continue? Look into the US and the ending season that it is about to undertake. We have to look at several core thematics that are likely to be raised.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) The question you’ve got to ask is: is the time frame long or short? We raised this Mag 7 stocks etc Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, apple have clear potential. They are evolving their business models and see the integration of AI as the future of their individual businesses.
That will likely come up in their numbers but it will come with operational and initial upfront costs as the integration of AI begins. This is all long term may not fully capture short term opportunities which is still presenting very much in the semiconductor providers. NVIDIA and Advanced Micro Devices are taking full advantage and monetizing the compute cycle.
This clearly won't be forever because it will go from semiconductors to infrastructure to software and therefore the flows will move back towards the bigger end of town but overall the AI thematic still flows towards the semiconductors for now and that's likely to be shown in the earnings season that's coming. Data Centres That brings us to data centres because the potential for ensuring AI requires a heck of a lot of storage and a heck of a lot of processing. There are estimates the data centres will need to grow by 420% in Europe and 250% in the US by 2035 based on the rate of growth in AI right now.
Therefore, we need to watch providers like Dell Technologies and Intel which are big providers of data centres currently. We think the market hasn’t fully appreciated DC needs in the AI revolution. Cybersecurity The final key theme in the AI data centre technology space that we also think needs to be watched is cyber security.
It's been something along the lines of a 70% increase in ransomware attacks over the past 24 months. The regulatory requirements and the budgets required to deal with these increased threats is only just beginning. That brings players like Fortinet to the fore IT programmes and it's pensively to develop programs for enterprise makes it an interesting one going forward.
GLP-1 ‘Weight Loss’ Medicines Another theme of being a really strong driver of the S&P 500 is the rise of GLP-1 medicines. The weight loss craze that has come off the back of this Amazon has been incredible. Initially obviously developed for diabetes but having an additional effect of weight loss has created a product out of nowhere.
Eli Lilly and Co is a key player in this space with its GLP one class medicines already approved by the FDA. It's been launched in the US and its oral intake has posted adoption. It is not the only one in this space but shows very clearly the impact weight loss medicines are having on earnings.
The caveat we have though is side effects and long term impacts are still being found and could be said as a capping issue on price. Whatever way you look at it the US dating season however will be incredibly exciting and it is the reason The US markets continue to see huge capital inflows as they are much more exciting in this current environment than traditional value markets such as Australia.
Markets enter May with the federal funds target range at 3.50% to 3.75%, the Fed having concluded its 28-29 April meeting, and the next decision not due until 16-17 June. Brent crude is trading near US$108 per barrel, with the IEA describing the ongoing Iran conflict as the largest energy supply shock on record as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.
The macro tension this month is straightforward but uncomfortable: an oil-driven inflation impulse landing into a labour market that surprised to the upside in March, while Q1 growth came in soft.
The Federal Reserve has revised its 2026 PCE inflation projection to 2.7% and continues to signal one cut this year, though the timing remains contested. With no FOMC scheduled in May, every high-impact release may carry more weight than usual into the June meeting.
Fed Funds Rate
3.50% to 3.75%
Next FOMC
16-17 June 2026
Brent Crude
~US$108
Key data events
6+ high-impact releases
Growth: business activity and demand
The growth picture entering May is mixed. The Q1 GDP advance estimate landed on 30 April, while softer retail sales and inventory data have made the demand picture harder to read.
ISM manufacturing has been a quieter source of optimism, with recent prints holding in expansionary territory. Energy costs and tariff effects are now the variables most likely to shape the next move in business activity.
Key dates (AEST)
02
May
ISM Manufacturing PMI (April)
Institute for Supply Management · 12:00 am AEST
High
06
May
ISM Services PMI (April)
Institute for Supply Management · 12:00 am AEST
Medium
15
May
Retail Sales (April)
US Census Bureau · 10:30 pm AEST
High
What markets look for
Whether manufacturing PMI holds above 50, with the prices paid sub-index giving a read on input cost pressure
Services PMI as a check on the larger share of the US economy, particularly employment and prices
Retail sales control group, which feeds into consumption forecasts
Any sign that sustained Brent crude above US$100 is starting to affect household spending
How this data may move markets
Scenario
Treasuries
USD
Equities
Activity data prints firmer
↑ Yields rise
↑ Firmer
Mixed - depends on valuation stretch
Activity data softens
↓ Yields fall
↓ Softer
Support if inflation cooperates
Labour: payrolls and employment data
The April Employment Situation is one of the most concentrated risk events of the month. March payrolls came in stronger than expected, while earlier data revisions left the trend less clear. April will help show whether the labour market is genuinely re-accelerating or simply absorbing seasonal noise.
Key dates (AEST)
06
May
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)
Bureau of Labor Statistics · 12:00 am AEST
Medium
06
May
ADP National Employment Report (April)
ADP Research Institute · 10:15 pm AEST
Medium
08
May
Employment Situation, April (NFP)
Bureau of Labor Statistics · 10:30 pm AEST
High
What markets may watch
Headline non-farm payrolls (NFP) and the size of any prior-month revisions
Average hourly earnings, with energy-driven cost pressure keeping wage growth in focus
Unemployment rate and labour force participation
Sector mix, including whether goods-producing payrolls show signs of disruption
Market sensitivities
Scenario
Treasuries
USD
Equities
Firm NFP/wage growth
↑ Yields rise
↑ Strength
Pressure on valuations
Soft NFP/weak print
↓ Yields fall
↓ Softer
Mixed - risk of growth scare
Inflation: CPI, PPI and PCE
April inflation lands as the most market-relevant data block of the month. The March consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.3% over the prior 12 months, with energy up 10.9% on the month and gasoline up 21.2%, accounting for almost three quarters of the headline increase. With Brent holding near US$105 to US$108 through the latter half of April, a further passthrough into the April CPI energy component looks plausible.
Core CPI and core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) remain the better read on underlying trend.
Key dates (AEST)
12
May
CPI (April)
Bureau of Labor Statistics · 10:30 pm AEST
High
15
May
Producer Price Index (PPI), April
Bureau of Labor Statistics · 10:30 pm AEST
Medium
29
May
Personal Income and Outlays/PCE (April)
Bureau of Economic Analysis · 10:30 pm AEST
High
What markets may watch
Headline CPI year on year, especially the gasoline component
Core CPI, including shelter, services excluding shelter and core goods
PPI as a read on producer-level passthrough from energy and tariffs
Core PCE, which remains the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge
Market sensitivities
Scenario
Treasuries
USD
Commodities
Inflation cools/surprises lower
↓ Yields fall
↓ Softer
Gold consolidation
Headline runs hot/core sticky
↑ Yields rise
↑ Strength
Gold supported on stagflation risk
Policy, trade and earnings
May has no FOMC meeting, so policy attention shifts to Fed speakers, the path of any leadership transition, and the dominant geopolitical backdrop. Chair Jerome Powell's term concludes around the middle of the month. President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, with the Senate Banking Committee having held a confirmation hearing.
The Iran conflict, now in its ninth week, remains the single largest source of macro tail risk, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade and stalled US-Iran talks setting the tone for energy markets and broader risk appetite. Q1 earnings season is in its peak weeks, with peak weeks expected between 27 April and 15 May, and 7 May the most active reporting day.
What to monitor this month
Iran-US negotiations and the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz
Fed speakers and any change in tone between meetings
Q1 earnings, especially from retail, energy and cyclical names
Weekly EIA crude inventories
Any tariff-related announcements that may affect inflation expectations
Bottom line
May is not a quiet month just because there is no FOMC meeting. Payrolls, CPI, PPI, retail sales and PCE all land before the June policy decision, while oil remains the dominant external shock.
For markets, the key question is whether the data points to a temporary energy-driven inflation lift, or a broader inflation problem arriving at the same time as softer growth. That distinction may shape the next major move in bonds, the US dollar, gold and equity indices.
Asia-Pacific markets start May with a more complicated macro backdrop than earlier in 2026. Regional growth has shown resilience, but higher energy prices are testing inflation expectations, trade balances and policy flexibility across fuel-importing economies.
For traders, the month's focus is likely to sit across three linked areas.
China Focus
Activity data
April CPI, PPI and purchasing managers' index (PMI)
Japan Focus
BOJ signals
Corporate goods prices and April CPI
Australia Focus
RBA decision
Statement on Monetary Policy and April CPI
Main Regional Risk
Energy volatility
Trade-sensitive sentiment
China
China remains central to the May Asia-Pacific market drivers outlook because its data can influence commodity demand, regional equities and the Australian dollar. The April data round may help traders assess whether the early-year recovery is broadening or still reliant on production, exports and policy support.
Key Dates (AEST)
30
Apr
Official PMI
National Bureau of Statistics · 11:30 am AEST
Medium
11
May
CPI and industrial producer price index (PPI)
National Bureau of Statistics · 11:30 am AEST
High
18
May
April activity data
Industrial production, retail and property · 12:00 pm AEST
High
27
May
Industrial economic benefits
National Bureau of Statistics · 11:30 am AEST
Medium
What markets may look for
Whether CPI data suggest demand-led inflation or continued subdued household pricing power
Whether PPI data point to improving factory margins or cost pressure from energy and raw materials
Whether retail sales show a firmer household sector or continued reliance on production and exports
Whether property data continue to weigh on confidence, construction demand and local government revenue
Why China matters for the region
China data can influence sentiment toward Asian equities, iron ore, copper, energy markets and the Australian dollar. Stronger domestic demand may support commodity-linked sentiment, while softer retail or property figures may keep markets focused on policy support and downside growth risks.
Japan inflation and BOJ signals
Japan's May calendar is less about a fresh BOJ rate decision and more about how markets interpret the April policy meeting, inflation data and wage-sensitive price trends. That matters because Japanese government bond yields and the yen remain sensitive to any shift in policy normalisation expectations.
Key Dates (AEST)
07
May
Minutes of the March BOJ meeting
Bank of Japan · 8:50 am AEST
Medium
12
May
Summary of Opinions – April BOJ meeting
Most market-sensitive Japan event · 9:50 am AEST
High
15
May
Corporate goods price index
Tracks input cost inflation · 9:50 am AEST
Medium
22
May
National April CPI
Statistics Bureau · 9:30 am AEST
High
29
May
Tokyo May CPI
Leading indicator for national trends · 9:30 am AEST
High
What markets may look for
Whether the BOJ still sees conditions for gradual policy normalisation, or whether energy-driven inflation complicates the outlook.
Whether goods and services inflation remain consistent with the 2% inflation objective.
Whether corporate goods prices reflect energy cost pass-through into producer pricing.
Whether Tokyo CPI points to firm or easing near-term price pressure ahead of the June meeting.
Why Japan matters
Japan’s data can influence yen volatility, Japanese government bond yields and the Nikkei 225. A stronger inflation pulse may support expectations for tighter policy over time, but energy-driven inflation can also pressure households and corporate margins. That balance may keep yen and equity reactions data-dependent.
Australia and the RBA decision
Australia has one of the clearest domestic policy events in the region in May. The RBA's Monetary Policy Board meets on 4 and 5 May, with the decision statement and Statement on Monetary Policy due at 2:30 pm AEST on 5 May. The Governor's media conference follows at 3:30 pm AEST.
Key Dates (AEST)
29
Apr
March CPI
Final read before RBA decision · 11:30 am AEST
High
05
May
RBA decision and Statement on Monetary Policy
Key domestic volatility event · 2:30 pm AEST
High
19
May
Minutes of the May RBA meeting
Reserve Bank of Australia · 11:30 am AEST
Medium
27
May
April CPI
First read on energy pass-through · 11:30 am AEST
High
What markets may look for
Whether the RBA gives more weight to inflation persistence or household demand risks in its decision statement.
Whether the Statement on Monetary Policy adjusts inflation, growth or labour market assumptions from the February update.
Whether April CPI confirms or challenges the inflation narrative after the May decision.
Whether labour conditions remain firm enough, with unemployment at 4.3% in March, to keep services inflation in focus.
Why Australia matters
Australia’s May data may influence AUD/USD, ASX 200 rate-sensitive sectors and short-end bond yields. A firmer inflation profile could support expectations for a restrictive RBA stance, while softer activity or household signals may limit how far markets price additional tightening. For index CFDs and forex CFDs, this is the highest-signal domestic event of the month.
Regional swing factors
Energy remains the main cross-market risk for May. Higher oil and gas prices can lift inflation, widen trade gaps and reduce policy space, particularly for economies dependent on imported fuel such as Japan, South Korea and parts of South-East Asia.
Regional themes to watch
ASEAN purchasing managers' index releases may indicate whether manufacturing momentum is broadening or losing speed. The Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar and Asian FX may remain sensitive to China data and global risk appetite. Iron ore and energy prices may influence Australia and China-linked equities. The RBA, BOJ and People's Bank of China face different inflation and growth trade-offs, and energy supply concerns may continue to shape inflation expectations and risk sentiment across the region.
Key watchlist
01
Top China Data Point
18 May activity data, particularly retail sales and property indicators
02
Top Japan Event
12 May BOJ Summary of Opinions from the April meeting
03
Top Australia Event
5 May RBA decision and Statement on Monetary Policy
04
Main Regional Wildcard
Energy price volatility linked to Middle East developments
05
Most Sensitive Market
AUD/USD, given its link to China demand and RBA repricing risk
06
Key Condition Shift
Evidence that inflation pressure is becoming persistent rather than mainly energy-led
Bottom Line
May’s Asia-Pacific calendar gives markets several points to reassess the region’s inflation, growth and policy mix. China data may shape commodity and risk sentiment, while Japan’s inflation signals and the RBA decision will guide rate pricing.
Energy remains the primary regional risk. If inflation pressure appears more persistent rather than energy-led, markets will become increasingly sensitive to central bank communication and yield repricing.
ASIA SESSION IN FOCUS
Watching Asia-Pacific moves today?
Track Asia-Pacific themes and monitor moves as they unfold.
As we enter May 2026, the global FX market is attempting a difficult high-wire act. April was defined by "civilisation-ending" ultimatums and a Pakistani-brokered ceasefire that sent Brent crude on a rollercoaster from US$110 down to the mid-US$90s.
For traders, the connect-the-dots moment is this: the peak panic around the Iran conflict has faded, but it has been replaced by a structural regime shift. Markets may be moving from a war premium to a transition premium.
With Kevin Warsh nominated to take the Fed chair in mid-May and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) staring down a generational ceiling near 160.00, the calm in the headlines may be masking a major repricing of global yield differentials.
DXY context
Holding near 100.00 on the “Warsh hawk” floor
Strongest currency
USD, supported by safe-haven demand and yield advantage
Weakest currency
JPY, pressured by the rate gap and energy import exposure
Main central bank theme
The hawkish hold and Fed leadership transition
Main catalyst ahead
RBA (5 May) and US Non-Farm Payrolls (8 May)
Monthly leaderboard — biggest movers
01USD
Rose sharply on safe-haven demand and higher for longer yield expectations.
Strongest
02CHF
Advanced strongly as the preferred European refuge from Middle East risk.
Safe Haven
03AUD
Mixed; caught between domestic energy inflation and a hawkish RBA.
Mixed
04NZD
Under pressure; yield gap and capital outflows remains the primary narrative.
Down
05JPY
Fell to 20-month lows; pressured by the widening rate gap and energy import costs.
Weakest
Strongest mover: US dollar (USD)
The US dollar enters May with a new kind of ballast. While the ceasefire reduced the immediate need for a panic hedge, the nomination of Kevin Warsh, widely viewed as an inflation hawk, has provided a structural floor for the greenback.
Markets may be front-running a shift in Fed independence alongside a stricter approach to inflation targeting. That combination - a credible hawkish signal at the policy level - tends to support the dollar even when the near-term data is mixed.
Key drivers
The Warsh effect:
Markets may be front-running a shift in Fed independence and a stricter approach to inflation targeting.
Energy insulation:
As a net exporter, the US may be better cushioned against any fragile ceasefire-related flare-ups in oil than Europe or Japan.
Yield floor:
The federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% remains a potential magnet for global capital.
What markets are watching next
Traders are watching the 101 level on the DXY. A sustained break above this high-volume area could signal a restart of the primary uptrend and a softer-than-expected US non-farm payrolls report on 8 May may challenge that view.
Weakest mover: Japanese yen (JPY)
If you wanted to design a currency to struggle in 2026, the yen fits the brief. Despite the "TACO" script, short for "Trump always chickens out", providing some relief to equities, the mathematical pressure on JPY remains significant.
The BOJ continues its delicate exit from long-term stimulus, but this process has been slower than many anticipated. The USD/JPY pair remains particularly sensitive to US Treasury yields. A move above 4.5% on the US 10-year could put additional pressure on the BOJ to act.
Key drivers
The yield chasm:
Even if the BOJ hikes to 1.00%, the spread against the US dollar would remain around 275 basis points (bps), which may keep the carry trade attractive.
Import vulnerability:
Japan’s heavy reliance on Middle East oil means energy costs may continue to weigh on its current account, even with oil near US$93.
Intervention fatigue:
Finance Minister Katayama has warned of “bold action”, but past interventions in 2022 and 2024 have tended to provide only short-lived relief.
Strategic outlook
USD/JPY is sitting near 159.80. The generational ceiling around 160.40, reportedly not breached in 35 years, remains the key battleground.
The pair to watch: AUD/USD
The Australian dollar sits at an interesting intersection.
Inflation in Australia has proven more persistent than in other developed economies, which may encourage the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to maintain a cautious, higher-for-longer stance. This could create potential yield support for the AUD that does not exist in the same way for currencies where central banks are already cutting.
What could support the AUD
At the same time, the AUD remains deeply exposed to commodity markets and Chinese demand.
Iron ore and copper are critical inputs for the Australian economy. If global demand remains stable, the Australian dollar could find further support. Any shift in Chinese industrial data will be a key signal for this pair.
The EUR/USD comparison
The EUR/USD dynamic also warrants attention.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is balancing a cooling economy with regional inflation targets. Growth in Germany remains a concern for the eurozone, and markets are pricing in a potential rate cut that could narrow the interest rate differential with the US.
That shift may cause the euro to soften relative to the US dollar. Political developments within the European Union, particularly any fiscal disagreement, could add to volatility in that pair.
Data to watch next
Four events stand out as the clearest catalysts. Each has a direct transmission channel into rate expectations and, by extension, into forex CFDs.
Key dates and FX sensitivity
05
May
RBA Policy Decision
AUD pairs, ASX 200 · 02.30 pm AEST
Markets are pricing a 74% chance of a hike to 4.35% as domestic inflation remains persistent. The outcome may shape AUD direction over the following weeks.
08
May
US Labour Market (NFP)
USD pairs, Gold · 10:30 pm AEST
A second consecutive miss could create an uncomfortable narrative for the new Fed leadership transition. The NFP report provides the clearest picture of US labour market health.
12
May
US consumer price index (CPI), April
USD/JPY, EUR/USD · 10:30 pm AEST
The first clear read on whether the April oil price spike has flowed into core services and sticky inflation. It may influence the Fed’s tone for the remainder of the quarter.
20
May
NVIDIA Q1 Earnings
US Tech, AI Infrastructure · Morning AEST
A key pulse check for the AI infrastructure “invoice phase” and broader risk-on sentiment. It may influence risk-correlated currencies, including AUD and NZD.
Key levels and signals
◆
USD/JPY 160.00
A possible line in the sand for Ministry of Finance intervention. Actual or threatened action here has historically produced sharp reversals in the pair.
◆
AUD/USD 0.7000
A psychological handle that acted as a heavy pivot during the 2025 trade war; remains a near-term directional reference for positioning.
◆
Brent crude US$92.13
Technical resistance where a break lower could confirm the geopolitical floor has weakened, potentially easing pressure on importers.
◆
US 10-year yield 4.5%
A break above this level could create significant valuation pressure for growth-linked FX pairs and emerging market assets.
Bottom line
The FX moves heading into May are being shaped by a normalisation trap. Traders may be betting that the worst of the energy shock is over but a hawkish Fed leadership transition could still re-steepen the yield curve.
Moves are likely to remain highly data-dependent and sensitive to overnight gaps from the Middle East, where geopolitical shifts can gap markets before the next session opens.
The FX market heading into May is being shaped by a normalisation trap. Traders may be betting that the worst of the energy shock is over, but a hawkish Fed leadership transition could still re-steepen the yield curve. Moves are likely to remain highly data-dependent and sensitive to overnight gaps from the Middle East, where geopolitical shifts can gap markets before the next session opens.
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