AUD/USD is showing a moderate correction around 0.6293, while maintaining an overall uptrend. The move comes amid a partial softening of the US administration's rhetoric on trade duties, although the base rate of 10% remains in effect for most US trading partners, with the exception of China, for which tariffs have been sharply increased to 145%. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao criticized this policy, noting its destabilizing effect on the global economy and calling for resistance to "unilateral protectionist measures."
The Australian currency was supported by positive business activity data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In February, total turnover increased to 0.7% from the previous 0.6%, although growth was observed in only six of the thirteen industries. The largest growth was demonstrated by the manufacturing industry (+4.6%), the transport sector (+2.4%) and media communications (+2.2%). At the same time, the extractive industry decreased by 2.5%, and the segment of art and recreation - by 2.7%. In annual terms, the manufacturing industry shows impressive growth of 14.2%, while the extractive sector lost 6.3%.
The US dollar index sank to 99.40. Last week, the currency came under pressure due to the escalation of trade conflicts, despite the temporary lifting of duties for most countries. New restrictions on semiconductor exports announced by the Trump administration have added to the uncertainty, although promises of exemptions for individual companies have somewhat mitigated the negative effect.
AUD/USD technical analysis for today
From a technical point of view, AUD/USD continues to move in the ascending channel of 0.6250-0.6490. The indicators show a weakening of bearish signals: the fast moving averages on the Alligator are turning up, and the AO oscillator on the chart is forming several ascending bars in the negative zone.
Trading recommendations
- For buyers: we should wait for the pair to consolidate above 0.6340. The nearest target will be 0.6530. We put the stop loss at 0.6300
- For sellers: entry is advisable when breaking down 0.6260 with a target of 0.6035 and a stop loss at 0.6310