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AUD/USD Currencies

Australian Dollar Strengths on US-China Trade Tensions and Critical Economic Data on the Horizon

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  • May 13, 2025
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Australian Dollar (AUD) has gained strength against the US Dollar (USD) after a bounce back in Australia’s Westpac Consumer Confidence Index, which climbed 2.2% in May after plummeting the month before. This follows as the US Dollar comes under pressure prior to the announcement of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April. Market sentiment for a less hawkish approach by the Federal Reserve, along with the easing of trade tensions between the US and China, has resulted in the AUD/USD pair’s recovery. But even as the pair experienced such positive momentum, technical indicators lean towards a bearish forecast for the pair, with important support levels looming ahead, reflecting the continued uncertainty in global trade flows and domestic policy. KEY LOOKOUTS •  The advance US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April will play a significant role in determining market sentiment regarding upcoming Federal Reserve policy. Economists expect an inflation rebound, and it may have an impact on the US Dollar, thereby influencing the AUD/USD exchange rate. • The continuing trade negotiations between China and the US continue to be a key driver. While there has been a tentative deal to lower tariffs, any developments in these negotiations or comments by US officials could affect global market mood and the AUD. •  With prospects for the RBA to lower rates in the near future, market players need to carefully observe any shift in RBA communication or announcements, especially at its next policy meeting, which could make a difference to the strength of the AUD. • Continuous indicators from large economies, such as China’s deteriorating CPI and PPI levels, and Australia’s Ai Group Industry Index, will give the world economic landscape and influence trade-sensitive currency sentiment such as that of the AUD. With the Australian Dollar strengthening against the US Dollar, market sentiment is influenced by a number of key determinants. The upcoming US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April will be pivotal, with inflation expectations potentially influencing Federal Reserve policy decisions and the USD’s direction. Trade talks between the US and China, particularly the reduction of tariffs, are another major focus, as any changes in this relationship could significantly impact global market dynamics and the AUD. Also adding to the volatility in the AUD/USD exchange rate is the expectation of a cut in interest rates by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in the coming short term. With worldwide economic data, such as the slowing down of China’s CPI and PPI figures, also fuelling the uncertainty, market observers need to remain on their toes for any news that will trigger further Aussie dollar volatility. Australian Dollar has strengthened versus the US Dollar, backed by encouraging news out of Australia and a de-escalation of US-China tensions. Key observations to keep in mind include the forthcoming US CPI report, whether Federal Reserve policy will shift, and Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate moves, all of which may have a bearing on the direction of AUD. • The AUD has appreciated against the US Dollar on the back of strong Australian economic data and increasing consumer confidence. • The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April is due out soon and has the potential to influence significantly market expectations around the Federal Reserve’s next steps regarding interest rates. • An initial US-China trade agreement that lowers tariffs would lower global trade tensions and could impact market sentiment. • As inflation and unemployment worries persist, the Federal Reserve policy direction will continue to be a dominant force in determining the strength of the US Dollar. • Expectations are building for the RBA to lower interest rates in its next meeting, which would drag on the AUD. • Chinese data, a third month of CPI fall in a row, indicates continued economic weakness that can affect the wider market. • The AUD/USD currency pair is probing significant technical levels, with support at the 50-day EMA and resistance at the nine-day EMA, indicating possible price volatility. Australian Dollar (AUD) has remained strong against the US Dollar (USD) on the back of a positive change in consumer sentiment in Australia, as indicated by the rebound in the Westpac Consumer Confidence Index. This is at a time when relaxing trade tensions between the US and China have also given a boost to confidence in global markets. The initial trade agreement, which features tariff reduction, portends stability in trade between the two global economic powerhouses, a development important to Australia as much as it would be to the United States, given its robust bilateral economic relations with China. AUD/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView In the near term, market participants are looking to the next US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April, which may bring more clarity to inflation trends and have implications for future Federal Reserve policy. Furthermore, hopes for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in the near term are creating a degree of uncertainty around the Australian Dollar’s outlook. As more economic data from across the globe pours in, led by China, these events will be instrumental in determining market mood and guiding the movements of the AUD. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AUD/USD currency pair has been experiencing some resistance at around the 0.6400 level, with it trading just above the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). Despite the recent rally, the pair is still trading below this near-term moving average, which means that the trend is bearish. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) has also fallen below the neutral 50 level, adding to the bearish sentiment. The key support is at the 50-day EMA level of 0.6344, and a fall below this level may indicate further downside potential. But if the pair can break above the 0.6400 resistance level, it may test the six-month high of 0.6515, indicating a possible change in momentum. FORECAST Australian Dollar (AUD) continues to be supported by upbeat economic data and the de-escalation of global trade tensions, the AUD/USD currency pair may extend its gains. A breakout

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Commodities Gold

Gold Falls as Better US Jobs and Trade Hopes Cool Rate Cut Bets

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  • May 3, 2025
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Gold (XAU/USD) continued to fall on Friday, weighed down by better-than-expected US jobs data and fresh optimism regarding US-China trade talks, both of which took the shine off the safe-haven asset. April’s Nonfarm Payrolls topped expectations, maintaining the unemployment rate at 4.2%, prompting traders to reprice expectations for hawkish Federal Reserve rate cuts. At the same time, China’s indication that it is willing to restart trade talks with the US improved market mood, triggering risk-taking and causing profit-taking in Gold. As XAU/USD pulled back from highs of about $3,269 to move near $3,226, the metal is set to close out the week with losses of more than 2.5%, with technicals indicating a break below major support at $3,200 in the cards. KEY LOOKOUTS •  April Nonfarm Payrolls surpassed expectations, keeping the unemployment rate unchanged at 4.2%, leading traders to reduce aggressive Fed easing expectations. •  XAU/USD fell below $3,250 and is headed for a steep weekly fall as profit-taking gains momentum with better risk sentiment. •  China’s receptiveness to trade negotiations with the US boosted global risk appetite, lowering investor appetite for Gold. • RSI lower trends with XAU/USD expected to break the $3,200 support line to expose downside targets at $3,167 and the 50-day SMA at around $3,080. Gold (XAU/USD) declined on Friday as better-than-expected US jobs data and softening US-China trade tensions reduced demand for the safe-haven commodity. The April Nonfarm Payrolls report revealed job gains beating forecasts, with the unemployment rate remaining unchanged at 4.2%, prompting traders to dial back bets on deep Federal Reserve rate cuts. Adding to the squeeze, China’s commerce ministry indicated that the US was receptive to trade negotiations, lifting market optimism and risk appetite. Consequently, Gold fell under the $3,250 price level, reaching around $3,226 and poised to break even for a weekly loss in excess of 2.5%, with its technical indicators in favor of moving below the support level of $3,200. Gold (XAU/USD) fell to about $3,226 as robust US jobs data and fresh trade optimism cut safe-haven demand. Traders trimmed Fed rate cut expectations, sending Gold towards a weekly decline of more than 2.5%. A fall below $3,200 may reveal additional downside levels. • Gold (XAU/USD) fell more than 0.35% on Friday, trading at about $3,226 and on track for a weekly decline of over 2.5%. •  Solid US Nonfarm Payrolls beat forecasts, with 177K jobs created in April and the unemployment rate unchanged at 4.2%, lowering the chances of hawkish Fed rate cuts. •   Investors now discount 78 basis points of Fed rate cuts, falling from earlier forecasts, shifting sentiment away from safe-haven assets such as Gold. • US Treasury yields increased strongly, with the 10-year yield increasing nine basis points to 4.312%, putting additional pressure on Gold. • Optimism surrounding trade improved risk appetite in markets, following confirmation that China has acknowledged that the US is willing to restart trade talks. • The US Dollar Index (DXY) declined by 0.20%, in spite of more robust yields, as markets responded mixed fashion. • Gold is near major technical support around $3,200 and faces increasing risk of further declines to $3,167 and the 50-day SMA around $3,080 if selling persists. Gold prices slipped this week as investor sentiment changed in response to strong US economic data and better US-China trade relations. The US labor market reported unexpected strength in April, with Nonfarm Payrolls beating estimates and the unemployment rate holding firm. This firm economic performance prompted most market players to rethink their interest rate cut expectations from the Federal Reserve, as a more robust job market lessens the need for monetary easing. XAU/USD DAILY CHART PRICE CHART SOURCE: TradingView Meanwhile, global risk appetite improved after China’s commerce ministry said the U.S. was open to restarting trade talks. This newfound optimism in trade relations tempered demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as Gold, with investors more inclined to take on risk elsewhere. Therefore, Gold experienced some selling pressure as traders sought to lock in profits and rebalance their portfolios in relation to changing macroeconomic conditions. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold (XAU/USD) could not sustain above the $3,250 level, declining after not being able to overcome resistance at about $3,270. Price action is weakening bullish power, with the sellers taking the lead as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) turns lower. A continued decline below the important $3,200 support level may pave the way for further losses, targeting the next support at $3,167, then the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $3,080. On the other hand, if the buyers find their footing and drive the price back above $3,300, it may indicate a new attempt to test $3,350. FORECAST If bullish pressure returns, Gold (XAU/USD) may recover above the $3,200 level and target to regain resistance at $3,250. A clean break above this range would most likely draw fresh buying interest, which could drive prices towards $3,300. If that level is broken, the way could be open to challenge the $3,350 resistance, with $3,400 being a psychological level of importance. Increased geopolitical tensions, softer economic data, or dovish Federal Reserve signals would serve as catalysts for a move higher. On the negative side, a strong break below the $3,200 support level would speed up selling pressure, with Gold likely to move towards the next significant support at $3,167, which had served as resistance in early April. Persistent support for US economic metrics and eroding expectations for Fed interest rate cuts can also weaken demand for the metal further. Should the bearish strength continue, the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at around $3,080 will become the next downside target, triggering a further correction in the short term.

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Currencies EUR/USD

EUR/USD Under Pressure Amid US Dollar Rebound and Poor Eurozone Economic Figures

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  • April 23, 2025
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EUR/USD recently saw a pullback, temporarily falling below 1.1400 as the US Dollar rallied, driven by President Trump’s remarks on the independence of the Federal Reserve and his hopes for hitting a trade agreement with China. This followed a period of volatility on concerns over tariffs and the Fed’s interest rate plans. At the same time, the Euro came under pressure from soft Eurozone economic indicators, with the April PMI showing weak growth, especially in the services sector. With market players expecting possible ECB rate reductions, the short-term direction of the EUR/USD pair is unclear, as the US Dollar is already displaying signs of regaining its safe-haven appeal. KEY LOOKOUTS • The US Dollar has picked up steam after President Trump’s assurances regarding the independence of the Fed and his positive sentiments on US-China trade negotiations. Market players will be looking for updates in these fronts to assess the sustainability of the Dollar’s recovery. • Poor PMI readings in the Eurozone, specifically a decline in the services sector, indicate the struggles of the region’s economic growth. Investors will watch closely for future economic statistics to determine if this trend persists. • Increasing speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) might make further interest rate cuts in June could negatively impact the Euro. Words from ECB officials, especially President Christine Lagarde, will be crucial to determining the central bank’s future action. • The EUR/USD pair is resisted at the important 1.1600 level, and 1.1276 is a pivotal support area. Traders need to monitor these levels for possible price action that might determine the next direction for the pair. EUR/USD has come under downward pressure lately, falling below 1.1400 as the US Dollar gained strength after President Trump’s words of comfort to the market regarding the Federal Reserve’s independence and his optimistic view on US-China trade negotiations. The Euro has fared poorly, burdened by soft Eurozone PMI readings, especially a decline in the services sector, which indicated slowing economic growth in the region. Also, rising hopes that the European Central Bank (ECB) will reduce interest rates further in June have contributed to the weakness of the Euro. While the market weighs these factors, EUR/USD is in a precarious balance, with important resistance at 1.1600 and support at 1.1276. EUR/USD recently broke below 1.1400, as the US Dollar appreciated following President Trump’s remarks about the Fed and US-China trade negotiations. However, soft Eurozone PMI data and anticipations of future ECB rate reductions are weakening the Euro, making the currency pair remain in cautious territory. • EUR/USD fell as the US Dollar rallied, driven by President Trump’s assurance regarding the Federal Reserve’s autonomy and positive trade discussion news with China. • The April PMI data from the Eurozone showed poor economic growth, with a decline in the service sector, putting pressure on the Euro. •  Trump showed optimism that the US and China would come to a trade agreement, mitigating some of the tariff-related uncertainty that had previously weighed on the market. • Trump also signaled frustration with the Fed’s decision not to lower interest rates, injecting volatility into the market’s view of US monetary policy. • Heightened expectations that the European Central Bank will cut interest rates again in June are putting pressure on the Euro. • EUR/USD is resisted at the 1.1600 level, with support at the July 2023 high of 1.1276. • Investors are hesitant as they wait for additional economic data from both the US and Eurozone to determine the trend of the EUR/USD pair. EUR/USD pair has recently seen a change in momentum, mainly as a result of events in the US economy and trade negotiations. President Trump’s words of support for the Federal Reserve’s independence and optimism regarding a possible trade agreement with China have given the US Dollar a boost. His assurances have eased market fears over the Fed’s policies, specifically concerns that he would attempt to oust Chairman Jerome Powell. This has given the US Dollar an added attractiveness as investors regained confidence in its stability. EUR/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Conversely, the Eurozone is suffering from economic issues, with low PMI numbers indicating that the region’s growth is decelerating, especially in the services sector. The possibility of additional rate cuts by the European Central Bank has also contributed to doubts regarding the strength of the Euro. With low inflation expectations and economic activity in the doldrums, the Euro is facing pressure as investors expect further policy measures by the ECB. These factors have placed the EUR/USD pair in a precarious balance, with the US Dollar picking up steam and the Euro struggling to keep its footing amidst regional economic strife. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS EUR/USD has run into resistance at the 1.1600 level, which has halted its recent upward movement. The pair dipped briefly below 1.1400, signaling a correction after touching a three-year high of 1.1575. The 14-week Relative Strength Index (RSI) has spiked above the 70.00 mark, indicating strong bullish pressure but also hinting at potential correction in the near future. Support for the pair is at the July 2023 high of 1.1276, and a strong dip below this point may indicate further downward potential. While the pair remains in this vicinity, the key levels will be eyed by traders for probable breakout or reversal trades. FORECAST If the US Dollar continues to exhibit strength, especially in view of additional favorable news in trade talks or optimism regarding the policies of the Fed, EUR/USD may remain under pressure. But if the Eurozone can stabilize its economic situation and the ECB does not make additional drastic rate cuts, there is some hope for the pair to turn around. A breach above the 1.1600 resistance would be an indication of a change in direction, with further increases to higher levels possible. A boost in stronger economic numbers or fiscal stimulus plans in the Eurozone could also support the Euro to some extent, aiding its recovery. EUR/USD stands at risk of further declines in case the

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AUD/USD Currencies

Australian Dollar Fails to Maintain Gains as Subdued Trading and US-China Trade Tensions Mount

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  • April 18, 2025
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The Australian Dollar (AUD) was subdued on Friday despite positive signals from US President Donald Trump about the possibility of reaching a trade agreement with China that would be sealed within the next three to four weeks. While the AUD/USD currency pair had been on a seven-day winning streak, trading volumes were subdued on account of the Good Friday holiday, and worries regarding the economic effects of tariffs on the US kept the US Dollar under pressure. Even these events notwithstanding, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s conservative approach to future interest rate moves and mixed economic data, such as a marginal increase in Australia’s unemployment rate, dented the AUD’s performance. The duo is trading close to the psychological 0.6400 mark, as market players anxiously await developments in further trade talks and signs of global economics. KEY LOOKOUTS • Market players will keenly watch any advancement in the US-China trade talks, especially if a trade pact in the coming three to four weeks is imminent, as it would have a bearing on the AUD, given Australia’s healthy trade relationship with China. •  US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data and labor market indicators, such as jobless claims, will be instrumental in determining the direction of the US Dollar. Better-than-anticipated data might favor the USD, which may cap AUD gains. • Reserve Bank of Australia’s conservative stance towards interest rate actions and its evaluation of economic uncertainties will be instrumental for AUD movements. The rate of future rate cuts, if any, and their size might affect investor attitudes towards the currency. • Being Australia’s biggest trading partner, China’s economic performance—e.g., GDP growth, industrial production, and retail sales—will keep influencing the AUD, especially with the recent optimistic growth in China’s economy surpassing expectations. The Australian Dollar (AUD) was downbeat on Friday despite encouraging news from US President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of a trade agreement with China within the next few weeks. Trading was generally subdued on account of the Good Friday holiday, with market players monitoring the on-going US-China trade talks and their possible influence on the global economy. Though the AUD had been on a seven-day rising streak, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cautious approach to interest rate hikes and mixed economic indicators, such as a marginal increase in unemployment, kept its performance subdued. The AUD/USD currency pair is trading around the psychological level of 0.6400, and the direction is still unclear as market participants wait for further news in both international trade negotiations and local economic indicators. The Australian Dollar (AUD) was subdued despite hope from US-China trade negotiations, with market activity slowed down by the Good Friday holiday. The AUD/USD currency pair fluctuates around the 0.6400 level, confronted by conflicting economic indicators and ambiguity both from world trade negotiations and local statistics. •  The Australian Dollar (AUD) remained sedate despite encouraging news from US President Donald Trump on US-China trade negotiations. • The trading activity was muted by the Good Friday holiday, diminishing volatility in the markets. • Trump remained hopeful that the United States and China could reach a trade agreement within three to four weeks, something that could impact the AUD. • The US Dollar (USD) was weakening with fears over the economic effects of tariffs and inflation risks. • The latest minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia reflected continued uncertainty regarding interest rate changes in the future. • The unemployment rate of Australia increased marginally to 4.1%, while employment change was below expectations, which further created uncertainty regarding the AUD. • The AUD/USD currency pair is around 0.6400, with important resistance at 0.6408 and support at 0.6311, reflecting likely price action. The Australian Dollar (AUD) registered minimal movement despite a positive comment by US President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of a trade agreement with China. Trump was optimistic that a trade deal would be reached within the next three to four weeks, which increased expectations of a positive effect on global trade. Nevertheless, market activity was quiet because of the Good Friday holiday, which decreased trading volumes and volatility. AUD/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Against these events, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) adopted a prudent view regarding the nation’s economic scenario. Although recent economic statistics reported varied results, including a modest rise in the jobless rate and less-than-anticipated change in employment, the RBA reiterated uncertainty over upcoming interest rate decisions. Consequently, the performance of the AUD continued to come under stress, as traders keenly observed global trade talks along with domestic economic readings. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Australian Dollar (AUD) against the United States Dollar (USD) is exhibiting a bullish inclination, with the AUD/USD pair trading above its nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) and the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remaining above the neutral 50 level. These signals indicate positive short-term upward momentum. Yet, the pair is confronted with crucial resistance around the psychological 0.6400 level, with additional hurdles at the four-month high of 0.6408. On the negative side, the nine-day EMA at 0.6311 and the 50-day EMA at about 0.6283 serve as immediate support levels, which may assist the pair in holding its present range unless there is a major break below these levels, which may indicate a change in market sentiment. FORECAST The Australian Dollar (AUD) may experience upward momentum if US-China trade negotiations move in a positive direction. Any major breakthrough in the trade deal, as suggested by US President Trump, would be a positive boost for global sentiment and Australia’s economy, given its robust trade relationship with China. Also, if the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delays rate cuts, it would bring some stability to the AUD. Better-than-expected economic reports in Australia, like firm employment numbers or a decrease in the rate of unemployment, may also continue to boost the currency’s potential for gains. Downside threats to AUD come from overall global uncertainties, especially if US-China trade talks breakdown or do not yield an agreement. Deteriorating US Dollar, as a result of persistent inflation and economic issues, could

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