AUD : RBA Rate Hold
(Tue, 1 Dec 2020). The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its official cash rate unchanged at 0.10% on Tuesday. The rate hold was widely expected following better-than-expected economic data in recent weeks. Still, the economic outlook remains fragile and susceptible to the path of Covid-19. AUD/USD gyrated to the upside, but price action may remain volatile while traders digest the RBA`s latest move.
The monetary policy statement kept the target on the 3-year Australian government bond yield unchanged at 0.10%. In line with the unchanged cash and yield target rates, no changes were announced to the RBA’s asset purchase program. For now, it appears the RBA is taking a wait-and-see approach while the path of Covid becomes clearer, particularly amid recent vaccine hopes.
The RBA statement reflects recently upbeat economic data points. Still, the central scenario forecasts GDP remaining below pre-pandemic levels until the end of 2021. Citing an “uneven and drawn out” recovery, the RBA made clear that continued monetary and fiscal support is necessary.
Indeed, monetary measures are almost certainly helping economic recovery in Australia. Today’s statement cites its recent actions to lower rates across the whole yield curve. Furthermore, year-to-date, the balance sheet has grown around A$130 billion from a combination of bond purchases and actions to support the 3-year yield target.
These actions from the RBA will likely continue until inflation and employment reach a healthy range. A sustainable inflation target within the 2-3% target range will be required for the RBA to scale back current policy support, according to today’s statement. Thus, wage growth will need to see a substantial increase from current levels. For now, according to the RBA, the cash rate will be held for at least 3 years, and the bond purchase program will remain under ongoing review.
AUD/USD is pushing higher following the RBA decision. The main technical challenge is the 2020 high at 0.7413, where price action fell short last week. A recent bullish SMA crossover may help propel the pair higher. To the downside, the 0.7300 psychological level is eyed as initial support in the event of a pullback.
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