In Australia, the RBA’s policy meeting tomorrow is expected to result in no change to the 0.75% rate setting. This comes in contrast with the recent lapse in the economic data, which has seen Australian unemployment rate unexpectedly ticking higher, to 5.3% from 5.2%, while the underemployed measure also rose; wages slipped to 2.2% and retail sales stuck at 2.5%.
In general the Australian economy is in a sluggish growth as it is continuously affected by China, which accounts for over a third of the total demand for Australian commodity exports. Hence recent Chinese data are bad news for the export-oriented Australian economy. China’s industrial production slowed sharply in October, with investment growth falling to a record low while Chinese retail sales also underwhelmed.
Therefore despite the expectations of a pause in rate cuts this month, a dovish statement should keep rate cut hopes very much alive. Recall that the minutes to the November meeting showed that the RBA was of a mind to cut rates, as policymakers “agreed a case could be made” for another cut in the 0.75% cash rate given unwelcome weakness in wages, growth and inflation.
Currently the RBA Rate Indicator shows 89% of market expectations of no change in the Official Cash Rate at tomorrow’s meeting. The market has seen 60% probability for a rate cut to be applied in February 2020, as the overall outlook for jobs and property market remaining low especially after the biggest surge in Australian dwelling values in 16 years.
In October, private sector house approvals in Sydney recorded their worst monthly performance since late 2013 while in Melbourne they dropped to a five-year low. Also, the retail sector reported its worst quarterly performance since 2006.
Australian Dollar
The Australian Dollar has been trending lower since early 2018, which has been driven by the consequences of US trade warring. The expectations for a flat RBA tomorrow could appreciate Aussie in the near term, however the threat of recession in major global economies, and of more slowing in the Chinese economy, along with the RBA’s course to further easing in 2020, should keep the Australian Dollar on a broadly downward trajectory.
A break of the multi-year low at 0.6670 for AUDUSD still seems like a long term scenario, however if this becomes a reality due to a dovish statement tomorrow, then this could open the doors towards fresh lows, stretching the 2-year downtrend.
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Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HotForex
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