FX analysis - AUD dips ahead of RBA, USD follows yields higher on Hawkish Powell, Gold hits 1-week lows
Lachlan Meakin
1/3/2024
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USD was bid in Mondays session with the US Dollar Index following US treasury yields higher after hawkish comments from Fed Chair Powell over the weekend where he pushed back on market pricing of rate cuts starting in March. A beat in the ISM Services PMI data also supporting DXY as rate cut odds in March dropped down to around 17% from the 35% chance priced in at the close on Friday. JPY continued its decline with USDJPY printing a new high for 2024 at 148.89.
US 10 Year yields broke above 4%, seeing the US10Y – JP10Y rate differential jump higher and take USDJPY with it. USDJPY holding above the psychological 148 level and eyeing the 150 “intervention zone”. AUDUSD saw significant weakness with USD strength and a miss in the Chinese Caixin Services PMI weighing.
For AUD traders’ attention today will turn to the RBA rate decision at 14:30 AEDT. The Central bank is widely expected to hold rates steady, but it will be the accompanying statement that will generate the most interest, will the RBA take a note out the Feds book and push back against rate cut expectations? Gold dipped to 1-week lows on a stronger USD and a surge in yields making the non-yielding metal look less attractive.
XAUUSD dipping to a low of 1025 before finding some support and re-tracing modestly. Gold continuing to trade in the 2024 range of 2000 – 2070 USD an ounce. Both key levels to watch for Gold traders going forward.
By
Lachlan Meakin
Head of Research, GO Markets Australia.
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FX markets enter an important window with a Federal Reserve policy decision and press conference, US ISM activity data, German inflation releases, China PMIs, and Australian labour figures all due.
Quick facts
The upcoming Fed policy decision and press conference are closely watched for guidance on the potential timing of rate cuts, with implications for US Treasury yields and USD direction.
Broad USD selling has intensified over the last 48 hours. The move has coincided with renewed tariff rhetoric and heightened sensitivity to FX intervention narratives.
ISM Manufacturing PMI is scheduled for Monday, 2 February, with ISM Services PMI on Wednesday, 4 February, providing timely insight into US growth momentum.
German CPI, euro area GDP and unemployment, China PMIs, and Australian labour data provide regional context, particularly for EUR and AUD crosses.
USD/JPY
What to watch
The Federal Reserve decision and subsequent press conference are key events influencing US Treasury yields.
Any shift in tone around inflation progress, economic risks, or rate cut timing expectations may affect yield differentials and near-term USD sensitivity.
Recent broad USD weakness, reinforced by tariff-related headlines and intervention sensitivity, has added downside pressure to the USD.
On the JPY side, Japan inflation signals, including Tokyo CPI, are relevant as indicators of domestic price trends and potential policy direction.
Key releases and events
Thu 30 Jan: Japan Tokyo CPI (January)
Thu 30 Jan: Federal Reserve policy decision and press conference
Mon 2 Feb: US ISM Manufacturing PMI
Wed 4 Feb: US ISM Services PMI
Technical snapshot
USDJPY has broken lower from its recent consolidation zone, with downside range evident over the last 48 hours. Price has moved down to the 200-exponential moving average (EMA) and is testing a level not seen since October 2025.
USDJPY 1-day chart
EUR/USD
What to watch
The Fed decision and press conference may influence EUR/USD primarily through USD moves linked to Treasury yield reactions.
On the EUR side, German CPI will show inflation trends, while euro area flash GDP and unemployment data inform the regional growth outlook.
Key releases and events
Thu 29 Jan: Germany CPI (preliminary)
Thu 29 Jan: Eurozone flash GDP, Q4 2025
Thu 30 Jan: Federal Reserve decision and press conference
Fri 30 Jan: Eurozone unemployment rate
Technical snapshot
EURUSD has extended above a prior resistance level, with expanded daily ranges and strong momentum. Price action in other USD crosses suggests the move may be reflecting USD weakness, rather than a material shift in euro area fundamentals.
EURUSD 1-day chart
EUR/AUD
What to watch
Alongside euro area growth numbers, Australian employment data may influence near-term EUR/AUD sensitivity ahead of the RBA policy decision next week.
China's official PMIs remain relevant, as shifts in Chinese activity expectations can influence AUD via commodity demand and regional risk sentiment.
Key releases and events
Thu 29 Jan: Australia Labour Force, Detailed (Dec 2025), 11:30am AEDT
Fri 31 Jan: China official Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMIs
Tue 4 Feb: RBA policy decision
Technical snapshot
EUR/AUD has decisively broken below its prior support zone, with price now testing levels not seen since April 2025. Momentum remains negative, consistent with a renewed downside phase rather than consolidation.
EURAUD 1-day chart
Bottom line
The Fed decision and press conference, US PMI data, German inflation releases, China PMIs, and Australian labour figures are clustered in a short window.
Markets will be watching whether the USD weakness evident over the last 48 hours extends further.