Headline: AUD/USD Extends Rebound as RBA Stays Hawkish, Traders Eye Jobs Data
The Australian dollar strengthened against the US dollar as broader greenback softness and a firmer policy tone from the Reserve Bank of Australia kept the pair supported. With traders awaiting key US data and Australia’s labor market report, interest-rate expectations remain the primary driver for AUD/USD in the near term.
Dollar sentiment remains fragile after softer private payrolls signaled job losses late in October, though the greenback briefly recovered as investors looked to official releases for confirmation. Markets still lean toward a December Federal Reserve rate cut, while onshore dynamics favor the Aussie: a hotter-than-expected quarterly CPI has pushed back RBA easing bets, encouraging expectations for a longer hold. Australia’s jobs report could be the swing factor—solid employment would reinforce the RBA’s patient stance, while a downside surprise may pull forward rate-cut pricing and weigh on the currency.
Technically, AUD/USD has broken above the 0.6520 resistance zone, opening scope toward 0.6575 initially and 0.6627 if momentum persists. Buyers are defending the recent breakout, while a decisive move back below 0.6520 would neutralize the bullish bias and expose support near 0.6440. Near-term price action favors dips being bought while the pair holds above the breakout area.
Key Points – AUD/USD firmer on broad USD softness and a hawkish RBA backdrop after hot Australian CPI – Markets still price a notable probability of a December Fed rate cut – Australia’s employment report is the key local catalyst; a weak print could pressure the Aussie – AUD/USD cleared 0.6520 resistance; near-term targets sit at 0.6575 and 0.6627 – A break back below 0.6520 would weaken momentum and put 0.6440 support in view
