Temporarily shifting from China proxies, AUD/USD and NZD/USD are now dancing to the tune of rate differentials. With the Fed set to update its economic projections next week, traders are eyeing a potential hawkish twist that could amplify Antipodean anguish. Will its rate signals intensify the USD’s dominance, or offer a lifeline to the Aussie and Kiwi?
By :David Scutt, Market Analyst
AUD/USD and NZD/USD are now behaving more like plays on interest rate differentials than outright China proxies, intensifying focus on what Federal Reserve members may signal about the path for the Fed funds rate over the next two years. The price action in the Aussie and Kiwi was ugly on Thursday, and with momentum still with the bears, downside appears far easier than upside near-term.
AUD/USD was given every excuse to rally on Thursday but couldn’t, with bullish domestic jobs data and more pledges of policy support in China failing to deliver sustained upside. Instead, a big, definitive bearish pin candle on the daily chart emerged.
Source: TradingView
Upon closer inspection, the notion that the Aussie is purely a China proxy doesn’t hold true right now. AUD/USD is exhibiting a far stronger relationship with yield differentials between the United States and China than with USD/CNH or copper futures. The inverse correlation with yield differentials in the belly and back-end of bond curves has been especially strong over the past month, sitting at -0.9. Not quite perfect, but close.
Source: TradingView
The Kiwi is in a similar position to the Aussie, though its relationship with yield differentials and other China-related proxies is not as strong. There’s some correlation, but it’s not overly robust.
While the Kiwi’s drivers are less obvious than the Aussie’s, the analysis underscores that next week’s Federal Reserve FOMC decision will likely be pivotal for both AUD/USD and NZD/USD. Updated economic and interest rate projections are likely to influence not only the front-end of the US interest rate curve but also the belly and back-end, which have been driving recent FX market movements.
Jerome Powell’s comments last month, noting that downside risks to the labour market had receded and inflationary pressures were more persistent than envisaged in September, have traders on alert for a potential hawkish cut. A 25bps cut next Wednesday is now considered nearly a lock.
Click the website link below to get our exclusive Guide to AUD/USD trading in Q4 2024.
cityindex.com
If the RBA is able to stick to its plan and keep monetary policy unchanged, AUD/USD may stick to its bullish seasonal trend in Q4, though volatility could increase.
cityindex.com
Temporarily shifting from China proxies, AUD/USD and NZD/USD are now dancing to the tune of rate differentials. With the Fed set to update its economic projections next week, traders are eyeing a potential hawkish twist that could amplify Antipodean...
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As such, we (and/or our associated companies) will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage incurred by you or any third party arising out of, or in connection with, any use of the information on our website (other than with regards to any duty or liability that we are unable to limit or exclude by law or under the applicable regulatory system) and any such liability is hereby expressly disclaimed.
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By :David Scutt, Market Analyst
- AUD/USD, NZD/USD shift focus from China proxies to rate differentials
- Fed meeting looms as a pivotal driver for both pairs next week
- Hawkish rate signals could deepen bearish momentum for Antipodeans
Overview
AUD/USD and NZD/USD are now behaving more like plays on interest rate differentials than outright China proxies, intensifying focus on what Federal Reserve members may signal about the path for the Fed funds rate over the next two years. The price action in the Aussie and Kiwi was ugly on Thursday, and with momentum still with the bears, downside appears far easier than upside near-term.
China proxy out, rate differentials in
AUD/USD was given every excuse to rally on Thursday but couldn’t, with bullish domestic jobs data and more pledges of policy support in China failing to deliver sustained upside. Instead, a big, definitive bearish pin candle on the daily chart emerged.
Source: TradingView
Upon closer inspection, the notion that the Aussie is purely a China proxy doesn’t hold true right now. AUD/USD is exhibiting a far stronger relationship with yield differentials between the United States and China than with USD/CNH or copper futures. The inverse correlation with yield differentials in the belly and back-end of bond curves has been especially strong over the past month, sitting at -0.9. Not quite perfect, but close.
Source: TradingView
The Kiwi is in a similar position to the Aussie, though its relationship with yield differentials and other China-related proxies is not as strong. There’s some correlation, but it’s not overly robust.
FOMC meeting a key risk event
While the Kiwi’s drivers are less obvious than the Aussie’s, the analysis underscores that next week’s Federal Reserve FOMC decision will likely be pivotal for both AUD/USD and NZD/USD. Updated economic and interest rate projections are likely to influence not only the front-end of the US interest rate curve but also the belly and back-end, which have been driving recent FX market movements.
Jerome Powell’s comments last month, noting that downside risks to the labour market had receded and inflationary pressures were more persistent than envisaged in September, have traders on alert for a potential hawkish cut. A 25bps cut next Wednesday is now considered nearly a lock.
Click the website link below to get our exclusive Guide to AUD/USD trading in Q4 2024.
AUD USD Q4 2024 Market Outlook - City Index AU
If the RBA is able to stick to its plan and keep monetary policy unchanged, AUD/USD may stick to its bullish seasonal trend in Q4, though volatility could increase.
AUD/USD, NZD/USD: Fed Meeting cements shift from China proxy to rates play
Temporarily shifting from China proxies, AUD/USD and NZD/USD are now dancing to the tune of rate differentials. With the Fed set to update its economic projections next week, traders are eyeing a potential hawkish twist that could amplify Antipodean...
From time to time, StoneX Financial Pty Ltd (“we”, “our”) website may contain links to other sites and/or resources provided by third parties. These links and/or resources are provided for your information only and we have no control over the contents of those materials, and in no way endorse their content. Any analysis, opinion, commentary or research-based material on our website is for information and educational purposes only and is not, in any circumstances, intended to be an offer, recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell. You should always seek independent advice as to your suitability to speculate in any related markets and your ability to assume the associated risks, if you are at all unsure. No representation or warranty is made, express or implied, that the materials on our website are complete or accurate. We are not under any obligation to update any such material.
As such, we (and/or our associated companies) will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage incurred by you or any third party arising out of, or in connection with, any use of the information on our website (other than with regards to any duty or liability that we are unable to limit or exclude by law or under the applicable regulatory system) and any such liability is hereby expressly disclaimed.
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