Australian Dollar Struggles as US Dollar Strengthens Ahead of US PPI Release

The Australian Dollar (AUD) remains under pressure against the US Dollar (USD) following Thursday’s economic data releases. Australia’s Consumer Inflation Expectations fell to 3.8% in November, down from 4.0% in October, marking the lowest level since October 2021.

Australia’s Unemployment Rate, seasonally adjusted, held steady at 4.1% in October for the third consecutive month, meeting market expectations. However, Employment Change disappointed, with only 15.9K new jobs added in October, below the forecasted 25.0K.

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock stated on Thursday that current interest rates are sufficiently restrictive and will stay at this level until the central bank gains more clarity on inflation trends. Bullock highlighted the uncertainty surrounding potential US Federal Reserve actions and indicated that the RBA will proceed cautiously.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the USD against six major currencies, remains strong around 106.60, its highest level since November 2023. This rally in the Greenback has been fueled by “Trump trades” and the recent US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Donald Trump’s recent election victory has raised expectations of potentially inflationary trade policies and tariffs, providing further support for the US Dollar.