Aussie rises after US core CPI declines to 3.2%

US headline CPI is rises to 2.9%, core CPI eases to 3.2%

The US inflation report for December was a mixed bag, as headline CPI rose while the core rate declined. Headline CPI rose to 2.9% y/y from 2.7% in November, matching the market estimate. Monthly, headline CPI rose to 0.4%, up from 0.3% and above the market estimate of 0.3%.

The more important story was the decline in core CPI, which excludes food and energy and is more closely watched by the Federal Reserve than the headline data. Core CPI eased to 3.2% y/y in December, down from 3.3% over the past three months and below the market estimate of 3.3%.  Monthly, core CPI ticked lower to 0.2% in December, down from 0.3% a month earlier and in line with the market estimate.

The decline in core CPI was small but still significant, as the core rate showed downward movement after remaining unchanged for three months. Investors responded by raising the probability of a quarter-point cut in March at 29%, up from 19% prior to the inflation release, according to CME’s FedWatch. The Fed meets at the end of the month and is virtually certain to hold rates.

Australia employment expected to ease

Australia releases the December employment report early on Thursday. Australia’s labor market remains solid, although the economy as a whole is struggling. Job growth increased by a strong 35.6 thousand in November, beating expectations. Will the positive trend continue? The market estimate for December stands at 15 thousand, which would mark a nine-month low. The unemployment rate has been low and fell to an eight-month low in November at 3.9%. It is expected to creep up to 4.0% in December.

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets on Feb. 18 and the strength of the labor market is a key consideration in the central bank’s decision-making. As long as the labor market remains solid and does not deteriorate quickly, the RBA can afford to hold off on a rate cut. If, however, the employment report is softer than expected, it would put pressure on the RBA to lower rates at next month’s meeting.

AUD/USD Technical

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