Australian dollar slips amid by iron ore downturn

2024-04-03
Summary:

On Wednesday, the Australian dollar continued to weaken against the US dollar, down about 4.5% this year due to global economic uncertainties.

The Australian dollar remained on the back foot against the US dollar on Wednesday. The antipodean currency has lost around 4.5% this year due to uncertainties around global economy.

Australian dollar

Australia's economy grew at the weakest pace in 1.5 years in Q4 as high prices and rising interest rates dampened consumer spending. There were signs of further softness ahead under the current financial conditions.


The latest meeting minutes signalled the RBA’s potential shift towards a neutral stance. The central bank noted the balance of risks to the outlook were “a little more even” than previously.


Adding to concerns about the country’s recovery, iron ore dipped to its lowest level in 10 months this month. Stockpiles held at China’s ports are the largest in more than a year – a sign of oversupply.


The China Iron & Steel Association last week warned that the property downturn and relatively weak infrastructure were a drag on steel demand. CRIC cautioned that the new-home market may not warm up soon.


China steel industry’s PMI for March sank to 44.2 — its lowest reading since May last year, whereas factory activity beat estimates and snapped a five-month contraction.

AUDUSD

The Aussie is close to the low of 0.6477 hit in 5 March with the “dead cross” pattern reflecting strong downward momentum. A break below that level will expose the yearly trough around 0.6440.


Disclaimer: This material is for general information purposes only and is not intended as (and should not be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by EBC or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Funds scoop up UK stocks amid speedy rotation

Funds scoop up UK stocks amid speedy rotation

BlackRock and Allianz see a UK stock market turnaround, hoping an improving economy, lower interest rates, and political stability will help.

2024-07-26
Euro rally against sterling defies macro shift

Euro rally against sterling defies macro shift

The euro hovered around a two-week high against the pound on Friday, despite data showing the UK's recovery is outpacing the eurozone's.

2024-07-26
Nasdaq100 Saw Its Worst Day Since 2022

Nasdaq100 Saw Its Worst Day Since 2022

Stocks fell globally on Wednesday on disappointing Tesla and European luxury earnings, while oil prices struggled amid weak demand concerns.

2024-07-25