RBA Rate Pause Coming?

The Australian Dollar has come under pressure over early European trading on Tuesday as traders digest the latest set of RBA meeting minutes released overnight. The minute showed the bank once again mulling the prospect of pausing its tightening campaign. Specifically, the minutes noted that “Members agreed to reconsider the case for a pause at the following meeting, recognizing that pausing would allow additional time to reassess the outlook for the economy.”

Uncertain Economic Outlook

With inflation having cooled following a surprise uptick in January, the minutes have further encouraged the view that the bank is likely to press pause on tightening in April. The minutes went on to say that members judged that monetary policy was now restrictive and that with the economic outlook more uncertain, it would likely be appropriate to pause tightening to assess its impact. Additionally, the minute showed that the RBA is concerned over the lag from tightening with many of the latest hikes yet to be fully felt within the economy.

Market Impact

Looking ahead, AUD should remain weak against certain currencies, such as EUR given the market’s still-hawkish ECB expectations. However, against currencies such as JPY, which is weakening due to reduced safe-haven demand, further strength is likely if risk appetite continues to pick up.

Technical Views

AUDUSD

The pair is attempting to breakout above the bear channel from YTD highs. However, for now, price is stalling around the .6681 level. With momentum studies turning bullish, if bulls can breach this level properly, focus turns to a test of .6857 next.