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ForexLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: RBA on hold, less hawkish

The
focus for the session was on Chinese trade data and the Reserve Bank
of Australia December monetary policy decision.

China’s
trade data showed strong exports in November, ahead of expected
increased trade imposts to come under the new US administration. Trump’s
extra tariffs will enter the scene after today’s data showed:

  • China’s
    November trade surplus with the US reached $34.9 bn, from $33.5 bn
    in October,
  • for
    the January – November period, China’s trade surplus with the US.
    hit $326.8 bn.

China’s
yuan strengthened on the session, catching a bid after yesterday’s
stimulus promises.

Prior
to the Reserve Bank of Australia announcement we had the National
Australia Bank business survey for November, showing

  • business
    confidence fell sharply
  • business
    activity conditions also fell, with retail and manufacturing
    reporting the worst conditions, while services sector conditions
    improved

The
Reserve Bank of Australia left its cash rate unchanged for the ninth
meeting in a row at 4.35%, its highest in 13 years. The Statement
softened the Bank’s hawkish stance though, with the Board saying:

  • its
    gaining some confidence that inflationary pressures are declining in
    line with these recent forecasts (but added the caveat that risks
    remain)
  • and the
    Statement removed its “not ruling anything in or out” words

AUD/USD
declined into the announcement and extended its loss after.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.

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