Recent History The USD has been on a tear in recent months as volatile market conditions have sent the currency rocketing. Inflationary pressures and recession fears have seen investors turn to the USD whilst at the same time taking off risk from the AUD. The AUD's drop has also been further is largely due to a decrease in the price of commodities such as Iron Ore, Brent Crude, Wheat, and other key resources that rive much of the Australian economy.
In addition, the AUD is seen as a risk currency. This means that the currency performs well when the economy is growing and the market is bullish and conversely suffers during times of volatility and slowed growth. There has been some positive price action to indicate that a reversal in the AUDUSD may be imminent.
Technical Analysis From a long-term perspective, the weekly chart shows that going back since 2015 the AUDUSD has been trading in a relatively stable range between approximately $0.6680 and $0.8126. The one exception to this was the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic which acted as a ‘Black Swan’ type of event towards the pair and the wider market, (A). This caused a mass panic and a subsequent sell off the AUDUSD.
Once the initial panic began to subside the pair recovered and was able to recover back into the range. It is interesting to note that over the last few years the pair has reverted to its 50-week moving average, after aggressive moves in either direction. In recent weeks, a reversal does appear to be emerging.
The candlesticks also support this by showing a red hammer candle followed by a relatively strong green candle indicating potential exhaustion, (B). Looking closely at the daily chart can provide a few more targets in terms of potential price targets. The next most reasonable price target could be the 50-day moving average which is also doubles as the next level of resistance at $0.6970.
If the price is able to break through this point, then it may go further target the 200 Day average of $0.7190. However, it will likely have to soak up a fair amount of selling pressure. Ultimately the strength of this pair will largely depend on how accurately the market is pricing in inflation and a recession.
If the selloff in equities has maxed out, then it may positively effect the direction of the AUDUSD. However, if there is more pain to come then the pair may sell further down.
By
GO Markets
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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.
FX markets face a data-heavy period in the coming days, led by US inflation releases and late-week flash purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs).
Regional data and central bank expectations in Japan, Europe, and Australia may influence cross-currency moves, particularly if outcomes differ from expectations.
Quick facts:
US Personal Income and Outlays is a key inflation release this week, closely watched by policymakers.
Flash PMIs across the US, Eurozone, Germany, and the UK offer a timely read on growth momentum.
Australian data, including labour market indicators, remains important for AUD sensitivity and Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) expectations.
FX markets can be sensitive when data outcomes differ from expectations.
USDJPY
What to watch
US attention centres on inflation and activity data, particularly the Personal Income and Outlays report and the PCE price index, alongside late-week flash manufacturing and services PMIs.
These releases are closely followed by markets for their potential influence on rate expectations and USD sensitivity.
On the JPY side, Bank of Japan (BoJ) developments remain relevant, although US data has often been a key driver of recent moves.
Key releases and events
Fri 23 Jan (US): US Personal Income and Outlays (including PCE inflation)
Fri 23 Jan (US): Manufacturing and services PMI
Technical snapshot
USDJPY continues to trade above its rising 200-day moving average, with recent daily candles showing greater overlap and smaller ranges over recent weeks.
Price has remained above the long-term average since late September, with higher swing lows still visible.
Momentum appears to have moderated since early January, consistent with slowing follow-through rather than reversal.
Daily ranges have narrowed compared with the October to November advance, again suggesting short-term consolidation.
Eurozone flash PMIs and Germany producer price index (PPI) data provide insights into regional growth momentum and whether inflation pressures are building.
While these releases may influence immediate EUR sentiment, EURUSD continues to trade in the broader context of US data outcomes and global risk conditions.
EURUSD is trading above its rising 200-day moving average (daily chart), although price action since July suggests the market has become more range-bound rather than directional, following the advances in the first half of 2025.
The broader upward structure has been in place since the beginning of 2025, although progress higher has stalled over recent months.
Momentum readings have drifted toward neutral since late November, consistent with balanced conditions.
Average daily range has continued to compress since July, consistent with a flattening of the trend.
Australian labour market data remains central for AUD sensitivity and RBA expectations. UK CPI is also due this week, which may contribute to cross volatility, particularly if it shifts expectations around the UK rates outlook.
Late-week PMI releases can also influence short-term direction, especially where they add to or challenge the current growth narrative.
Key releases and events
Wed 21 Jan: UK CPI
Thu 22 Jan: Australia Labour Force, Australia (December 2025)
Fri 23 Jan: UK flash PMIs (manufacturing and services)
Technical snapshot
GBPAUD continues to trade below its long-term moving average, with price action remaining in a downside direction since late November.
The long-term average flattened through September and has turned lower since October, with the price remaining below and showing recent signs of a greater gap between the price and the moving average.
Momentum has remained below neutral over recent months, with any retracements to the upside showing limited follow-through.
Daily ranges have narrowed compared with earlier swings, suggesting a consistent but controlled drop in price rather than impulsive movement.
With multiple data releases due across key regions, FX markets may remain sensitive to outcomes that differ from expectations.
Existing technical conditions suggest that reactions may vary by pair, with some markets consolidating while others could retain recent directional characteristics.
In 2025, the ASX 200 closed around 8,621 points and was up approximately 6% year to date (YTD) as of 19 December close. Market direction was most sensitive to Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) expectations, commodity prices and China-linked demand, and (to a lesser extent) moves in the Australian dollar (AUD). The index recovered from November’s pullback, but remained below October’s record close.
Key 2025 drivers included:
RBA policy expectations: Sentiment was shaped by shifting views on the timing and extent of rate moves. The November pullback reflected repricing towards a longer pause and higher uncertainty around whether the next move could be a hike rather than a cut, particularly as jobs and inflation data surprised.
Resources and China sensitivity: With a meaningful resources weight, the index responded to iron ore stability, strong gold prices and relative firmness in base metals. China data and any perceived policy support (including signals from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC)) remained important for the export backdrop. A relatively stable AUD also reduced currency-related noise for exporters.
Index composition and market structure: The ASX 200’s heavier tilt to materials and banks, and lower exposure to high-growth technology, meant it often lagged tech-led global rallies, but tended to hold up better when AI and growth valuations were questioned.
Corporate earnings: Reporting season outcomes influenced valuation support. In September’s half-year reporting season, around 33% of ASX 200 companies beat expectations, which helped underpin pricing around current levels.
Current state
The ASX 200 was roughly 5% below its late-October record high close of 9,094 points. After the November retracement, support around 8,400 appeared to hold and buying interest improved. The 50-day EMA near 8,730 (a prior consolidation area) was a commonly watched near-term reference, noting technical indicators can be unreliable.
What to watch in January
China and commodity demand: Growth, trade and any fresh stimulus inference from the PBOC may affect sentiment.
Domestic inflation and labour data: CPI and jobs prints are key inputs into RBA expectations.
Key levels and follow-through: The post-November rebound may need continued demand to sustain momentum.
Source: Trading View
What moved the Nikkei 225 in 2025?
In 2025, the Nikkei 225 traded around 39,200 points and was up approximately 21% year to date (YTD). Market direction was most sensitive to moves in the Japanese yen (JPY) and Bank of Japan (BOJ) communication, with the index consolidating after multi-decade highs. While broader signals remained constructive, consolidation can resolve either higher or lower.
Key influences included:
JPY movements and earnings translation: A weaker JPY can boost the reported value of overseas earnings for some exporters, although it may also increase input and import costs. The net impact often depends on company hedging practices and varies by sector, with effects most evident in export-heavy industries such as automotive, industrials and parts of technology manufacturing.
Gradual BOJ policy transition: The BOJ continued to step away from ultra-easy settings, but tightening was generally cautious. Markets largely priced a slow, conditional normalisation, which helped limit downside, even as policy headlines created bouts of volatility.
Corporate governance reforms: Ongoing improvements in capital efficiency and shareholder returns supported interest from overseas investors. Share buybacks, stronger balance-sheet discipline and improved return on equity (ROE) contributed to re-rating in parts of the market.
Global cyclical exposure: The Nikkei moved with shifts in global manufacturing sentiment and expectations for US growth, particularly during risk-on phases associated with AI-related capital spending.
Current state
After pushing to multi-decade highs earlier in the year, the Nikkei spent time consolidating but has remained structurally strong. Price sits above key long-term moving averages, and some technicians watch the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) as a potential reference level (noting these indicators can be unreliable). Currency swings and shifting BOJ expectations were commonly cited as contributors to much of the second-half volatility, although pullbacks were generally met with buying interest.
What to watch in January for Japan
JPY volatility: Sharper yen moves, especially if driven by BOJ or Federal Reserve expectations, could quickly change exporter earnings assumptions.
BOJ communication: Small changes in language on inflation persistence or bond market operations may move sentiment.
Global growth data: US and China manufacturing and trade prints remain key inputs for an externally focused economy.
February opens with a policy-heavy tone led by Australia’s RBA decision, while Japan provides the core macro anchors through GDP and inflation updates. In contrast, China’s calendar lightens due to the Spring Festival, shifting attention to liquidity and policy headlines. Across the region, a firmer USD and softer metals continue to frame cross-asset performance, especially for commodity-linked currencies.
Australia: RBA
Australia begins February with a policy-driven focus as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delivers its monetary policy decision, setting the month’s initial tone for rates, currency, and equities. While markets had priced around a 70% chance of a hike as of 30 January, expectations remain highly sensitive to evolving data and RBA commentary.
Key dates
RBA Monetary Policy Decision: 2:30 pm, 3 February (AEDT)
Wage Price Index (WPI): 11:30 am, 18 February (AEDT)
Labour Force: 11:30 am, 19 February (AEDT)
What markets look for
Aussie traders will gauge whether the RBA reinforces a data‑dependent stance or shifts more decisively toward tightening.
Wage and labour data will be central in testing inflation persistence, while the next CPI reading anchors positioning heading into March. A balanced or mildly hawkish tone could keep short‑term yields elevated and limit downside in the AUD.
Market sensitivities
AUD and ASX performance will primarily reflect the RBA’s policy tone and broader USD momentum, while resource‑linked sectors should continue to track metals and bulk commodity trends.
The February earnings season, highlighted by CBA and CSL (11 Feb), BHP (17 Feb), and Rio Tinto (19 Feb), is also set to reintroduce stock‑specific drivers once the initial policy focus fades.
Australia’s February Consumer Price Index (CPI) release will be a key post‑RBA event, offering the clearest read on whether domestic inflation pressures are easing in line with the central bank’s expectations.
The data following the RBA’s February policy decision and could quickly reset rate path probabilities reflected in ASX futures pricing.
Key dates
Consumer Price Index (CPI): 11:30 am, 25 February (AEDT)
What markets look for
Markets will focus on whether trimmed‑mean and services inflation components show further moderation.
Persistent strength in non‑tradables or wage‑related sectors could reinforce expectations for additional tightening later in Q1, while a softer headline would support the view that policy rates have peaked.
Market sensitivities
A stronger‑than‑expected CPI print would likely lift front‑end yields and support the AUD, while a downside surprise could weigh on the currency and flatten the yield curve.
Equity sentiment may diverge and financials could find relief from a pause bias, whereas rate‑sensitive sectors like real estate and consumer discretionary would benefit most from a cooler inflation read.
Japan’s Q4 GDP release will be a key reference point for how firmly the recovery is progressing after recent quarters of uneven growth momentum. Arriving ahead of the Tokyo CPI print, it helps shape expectations for domestic demand, external trade performance, and how much scope policymakers have to adjust their stance without derailing activity.
Key dates
Q4 GDP: 11:50 pm, 15 February (GMT)/ 10:50 am, 16 February (AEDT)
What markets look for
Investors pay close attention to the balance between consumption, business investment, and net exports to judge whether growth is broad‑based or narrowly supported.
A stronger‑than‑expected print tends to reinforce confidence in Japan’s expansion story, while a weaker outcome can revive concerns about stagnation and delay expectations for any meaningful policy shift.
Japan: Tokyo CPI
Tokyo’s latest inflation reading shows headline CPI easing to 1.5% year‑on‑year in January from 2.0% in December 2025, dipping further below the recent peaks seen during the post‑pandemic upswing.
The CPI release offers one of the timeliest reads on Japan’s inflation pulse and is closely watched as a lead indicator for nationwide price trends.
Coming late in the month, it serves as a check on whether the recent inflation upswing is sustaining at levels consistent with policymakers’ many objectives.
Tokyo CPI: 11:30 pm, 26 February (GMT)/ 10:30 am, 27 February (AEDT)
What markets look for
Attention centres on core measures that strip out volatile components, alongside services prices, to see whether underlying inflation is holding near target or drifting lower.
A firmer profile strengthens the case that Japan is exiting its low‑inflation regime, while softer readings suggest that price pressures remain fragile and dependent on external factors.
Market sensitivities
A hotter‑than‑expected Tokyo CPI print can push Japanese yields higher and lend support to the yen, often translating into pressure on exporter‑heavy equity names.
Conversely, a softer outcome tends to ease yield pressures, weaken the yen, and provide some relief to equity sectors that benefit from a more accommodative policy backdrop.
China’s February macro calendar is structurally lighter due to Spring Festival timing.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China notes that some releases are adjusted around Spring Festival timing, with the February PMI scheduled for early March leaving markets without major domestic data anchors for much of the month.
Key dates
Spring Festival: 17 February to 3 March
What markets look for
Markets turn their focus to policy signals out of Beijing — think targeted stimulus or liquidity injections, as well as shifts in funding conditions and flows responding to global risk sentiment or USD moves.
Trade and tariff rhetoric, or surprise consumption measures like expanded trade-in subsidies and festive spending incentives recently flagged by the Ministry of Commerce, often spark sharper reactions than the usual data releases.
Market sensitivities
CNH and CNY pairs turn more reactive to USD flows and external headlines, often amplifying volatility in regional equities, commodity currencies like AUD, and China-exposed EM assets.
Holiday-thinned liquidity elevates headline risk, particularly in materials (iron ore, copper), tech hardware supply chains, and regional financials, where policy surprises or US tariff updates can trigger 1–2% daily index swings.
Expected earnings date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 (US, after market close) / ~8:00 am, Thursday, 5 February 2026 (AEDT)
Alphabet’s earnings provide insight into global digital advertising demand, enterprise cloud spending, and broader technology-sector investment trends.
As Google Search and YouTube are widely used by both consumers and businesses, results are often used as one input when assessing online activity and corporate marketing budgets, alongside other indicators.
Key areas in focus
Search
Search advertising remains Alphabet’s largest revenue driver. Markets are likely to focus on ad growth rates, pricing metrics such as cost-per-click, and overall advertiser demand across sectors such as retail, travel, and small-to-medium businesses.
YouTube
YouTube contributes to both advertising and subscription revenue. Markets commonly monitor advertising momentum, engagement trends, and monetisation developments as indicators of digital media conditions and brand spending.
Google Cloud
Sustained Cloud profitability is often discussed as a factor that may influence longer-term earnings expectations, though outcomes remain uncertain. Markets are expected to focus on revenue growth, enterprise adoption trends, and operating margins.
Other bets
Initiatives such as autonomous driving and life sciences, while typically smaller contributors to revenue, markets may still watch spending levels and progress updates as indicators of capital allocation and cost discipline.
Cost and margin framework
Management has previously flagged elevated capex tied to AI infrastructure, including data centres, specialised chips, and computing capacity. Traffic acquisition costs, staffing levels, and infrastructure expansion are also key variables influencing profitability.
What happened last quarter
Alphabet’s most recent quarterly update highlighted advertising trends, Cloud profitability, and continued increases in capex to support AI initiatives.
Management commentary has indicated that infrastructure spending is intended to support long-term competitiveness, while the market continues to assess the near-term margin trade-offs.
Last earnings key highlights
For reported figures and segment detail from the most recent quarter, refer to Alphabet’s latest earnings release materials, including revenue, earnings per share (EPS), Services mix, Cloud operating income, and capex commentary.
Bloomberg consensus estimates moderate year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth and higher EPS versus the prior-year quarter, with ongoing focus on operating margins given AI-related investment.
Bloomberg consensus reference points:
EPS: low-to-mid US$2 range
Revenue: high US$80 billion to low US$90 billion range
Capex: expected to remain elevated
*All above points observed as of 31 January 2026.
Market-implied expectations
Listed options implied an indicative expected move of around ±4% to ±6% over the relevant near-dated expiry window. Movements derived from option prices observed at 11:00 am AEDT, 2 February 2026.
These are market-implied estimates and may change. Actual post-earnings price moves can be larger or smaller.
What this means for Australian market participants
Alphabet’s earnings can influence near-term sentiment across major US equity indices, particularly Nasdaq-linked products, with potential spillover into the Asia session following the release.
Important risk note
Immediately after the US close and into the early Asia session, Nasdaq 100 (NDX) futures and related CFD pricing can reflect thinner liquidity, wider spreads, and sharper repricing around new information.
Such an environment can increase gap risk and execution uncertainty relative to regular-hours conditions.
Global markets enter a catalyst-dense week where multiple central bank decisions, ongoing US earnings, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate decision may help shape near-term direction.
RBA rate decision: Market expectations lean towards a Target Cash Rate increase.
Global central banks: The European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England (BoE) both communicate within the same week, creating the potential for policy cross-currents.
US earnings: The earnings cycle continues with Alphabet and Amazon reporting this week.
Gold: Trading near elevated levels amid macro uncertainty and shifting rate expectations.
RBA rate decision
RBA decision Tuesday, 3 February, 2:30 pm (AEDT)
RBA media conference: Tuesday, 3 February, 3:30 pm (AEDT)
A 67% likelihood of a rate rise is suggested on the RBA rate-tracker within the futures pricing framework, indicating a market-implied probability of a move.
Market impact
AUD pairs may respond quickly to any repricing of the rate path.
Rate-sensitive equity sectors could see rotation.
Government bond yields may adjust if expectations shift.
Gold has traded near elevated levels amid macro uncertainty and shifting rate expectations. For many traders, strength in gold is sometimes associated with defensive positioning, though gold prices can be volatile and can fall.
The US dollar, Treasury yield movements and geopolitical narrative often influence short-term direction.
Market impact
Continued strength may suggest some investors are leaning toward defensive positioning.
USD and sovereign yield movements often influence short-term direction.
After a strong advance, periods of consolidation or profit-taking are common.
