AUD/USD Price Analysis – Dec 12, 2023

Daily Price Outlook

The AUD/USD currency pair maintained its upward trend and has shown strength. However, this positive momentum can be attributed to the hawkish sentiment expressed by RBA Governor Michele Bullock. In her recent statements, Australia's chief policymaker, Bullock, emphasized the Reserve Bank of Australia's commitment to fostering a resilient labor market in the country. This stance has provided an additional boost to the AUD/USD pair.

Investors are closely monitoring the forthcoming release of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for November, scheduled for Tuesday, as they could significantly impact the trajectory of the pair. Market expectations indicate a potential easing of the annual US Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 3.1%, down slightly from the previous 3.2%, accompanied by a projected 0.1% increase in the monthly inflation figure. The US Core CPI is anticipated to maintain its stability at 4.0%. These figures are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping investor sentiment.

Consumer Confidence, RBA Decision, and China's Impact on the Australian Dollar

On the Australian front, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence weekly survey rose to 80.8, indicating increased optimism. Additionally, Westpac Consumer Confidence for December improved by 2.7% from the previous decline of 2.6%, reflecting a positive economic outlook.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently left interest rates unchanged at the final meeting for the year. Governor Michele Bullock expressed confidence, emphasizing a cautious approach and the RBA's commitment to maintaining employment gains.

Moreover, China has recently removed restrictions on meat imports from Australia, a development that could potentially enhance overall sentiment. However, worries regarding deflationary pressures in China have triggered a selling trend for the Australian Dollar.

US Dollar Strength and FOMC Meeting:

In contrast to this, the US Dollar Index is holding its strength, buoyed by resilient US Treasury yields and robust employment figures in the United States. This strength in the Greenback is exerting downward pressure on the AUD/USD pair. A stronger US Dollar typically diminishes investor appetites and serves as a headwind for the pair.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) begins its two-day monetary policy meeting on Tuesday. While expectations lean towards no change in interest rates, investors will closely analyze the statement for signals about potential rate adjustments in the coming year.

AUD/USD - Technical Analysis

The AUD/USD pair, as of December 12, exhibits a notable upturn in the Forex market. Currently priced at 0.65902, the pair has experienced a 0.35% rise within a 24-hour period. Analyzing the 4-hour chart provides a clearer perspective on its short-term movements.

In terms of key price levels, the immediate resistance for the AUD/USD pair is at 0.6503. Surpassing this level could pave the way to the next resistance at 0.6599, followed by a further potential ceiling at 0.6668. On the flip side, support levels are observed at 0.6763, 0.6434, and 0.6340. These levels are crucial as they will dictate the pair's ability to maintain its current momentum or face a potential retracement.

From a technical standpoint, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 53, indicating a slightly bullish sentiment in the market. This level suggests that the currency pair is neither overbought nor oversold, but leans towards a bullish bias. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a value of 0.00014 with a signal line at -0.00055. The MACD line's position above the signal line hints at a potential upward momentum for the AUD/USD pair, supporting the bullish sentiment indicated by the RSI.

The 50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) for the pair is currently at 0.6574. Given that the pair's price is hovering above the 50 EMA, it signifies a short-term bullish trend. Furthermore, the chart reveals an upward trendline providing support around 0.6550. A consistent close above this level could trigger further buying interest in the Australian Dollar.

In conclusion, the overall trend for the AUD/USD pair appears bullish, particularly if it maintains above the 0.6550 level. In the short term, we can expect the pair to potentially test higher resistance levels, particularly 0.6599, if the bullish momentum persists.

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