Australian dollar crashes under 0.6500 as traders flock to USD

Data current as of 2/28/2024

Key points

• Aussie below 0.6500 – near YTD lows: (0:36)
• Historic lows loom near 0.6200: (1:17)
• Strong January data lifting USD: (3:00)
• Australian data has been less encouraging: (4:23)
• Chinese stocks lower after uptick: (5:11)

AUD/USD's proximity to historic lows

The Australian dollar has seen a notable decline, trading close to 0.6600 last week before falling below 0.6500 - positioning it approximately 50 pips away from its year-to-date lows. As the USD's strength continues to apply downward pressure, AUD/USD gets closer to more historic lows. 2023 lows for the pair hover around 0.6300, while 2022 saw prices touch 0.6200.

US data driving currency movements

Recent economic data from the United States, including labor market and inflation metrics, has outperformed expectations, lending strength to the US dollar. This robust economic performance contrasts sharply with the less encouraging data emerging from Australia. The early months of 2024 have witnessed higher unemployment rates and softer inflation in Australia than anticipated, factors contributing to AUD's weakeness relative to USD.

Impact of Chinese market dynamics on AUD

Adding another layer to the complex interplay of global financial markets, Chinese large-cap stocks, as represented by FXI, have retraced their steps towards January's historic lows after experiencing a strong upturn in February. This downturn in Chinese stocks not only impacts regional market sentiment but also reverberates through currency pairs such as AUD/USD, given Australia's significant economic ties with China.

As currency traders navigate these fluctuations, understanding the intricate relationships between economic indicators, market sentiments, and geopolitical developments becomes crucial. The AUD/USD pair's movements offer valuable insights into global economic health, underscoring the importance of staying informed and agile in the face of market volatility. Analyzing these trends allows traders to make informed decisions, leveraging opportunities presented by the shifting dynamics of the forex market.

How to trade AUD/USD

1. Open an account to get started, or practice on a demo account
2. Choose your forex trading platform
3. Open, monitor, and close positions on USD pairs

Trading forex requires an account with a forex broker like IG. AUD/USD can be found in the 'Major' pairs tab. Many traders watch major forex pairs like GBP/USD and USD/JPY for potential opportunities based on economic events such as inflation releases or interest rate decisions. Economic events can produce more volatility for forex pairs, which can mean greater potential profits and losses as risks can increase at these times.

You can help develop your forex trading strategies using resources like IG’s YouTube channel. Our curated playlists can help you stay up to date on current markets and understanding key terms. Once your strategy is developed, you can follow the above steps to opening an account and getting started trading forex.

Your profit or loss is calculated according to your full position size. Leverage will magnify both your profits and losses. It’s important to manage your risks carefully as losses can exceed your deposit. Ensure you understand the risks and benefits associated with trading leveraged products before you start trading with them. Trade using money you’re comfortable losing.