| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| ASX 200 | 8,379.40 | +0.16% |
| NZX 50 | 12,899.72 | -0.69% |
| AUD/USD | 0.70 | -0.17% |
| NZD/USD | 0.58 | +0.11% |
| AUD/NZD | 1.20 | -0.31% |
| BHP | 48.51 | +2.97% |
| Gold | 4,467.00 | +1.43% |
| Brent Crude | 100.00 | +0.06% |
| Bitcoin | 70,056.45 | -1.21% |
| Australia 10Y Govt Yield | 4.77% | +0.42% |
| NZ Short-term Rate | 4.33% | -9.60% |
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P Global Manufacturing PMI Flash | 51 | - | 50.10 |
| S&P Global Services PMI Flash | 52.80 | - | 46.60 |
RBA Cash Rate Target | Type: macro_line | Australia Cash Rate: 3.83 (2026-02-01) | Range: 0.1–4.35 | Trend(6pt): 0.1,0.73,4.1,4.35,3.6,3.83
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation Rate Month-over-Month | 0.40 | 0 | 16:30 |
| Inflation Rate Year-over-Year | 3.80 | 3.80 | 16:30 |
| RBA Trimmed Mean CPI Month-over-Month | 0.30 | - | 16:30 |
| RBA Trimmed Mean CPI Year-over-Year | 3.40 | 3.40 | 16:30 |
| RBA Jones Speech | - | - | 18:40 |
Australian S&P Global Manufacturing PMI Flash eased to 50.1 from 51, indicating a slowdown in factory activity due to softer demand. Services PMI Flash dropped sharply to 46.6 from 52.8, signaling contraction in consumer sectors amid high borrowing costs. No key New Zealand data was released, keeping attention on Australia's figures, which tempered commodity stock sentiment.
ASX 200 ended at 8,379.40, up 0.16%, supported by miners including BHP at 48.51 (up 2.97%) as gold rose 1.43% to 4,467.00. NZX 50 fell 0.69% to 12,899.72, pressured by dairy export worries in volatile globals. AUD/USD declined 0.17% to 0.70, NZD/USD gained 0.11% to 0.58, pushing AUD/NZD down 0.31% to 1.20.
Australia's 10Y yield increased 0.42% to 4.77% on inflation worries, while New Zealand's short-term rate dropped 9.60% to 4.33% amid policy hints.
Australia's inflation releases lead today, with month-over-month rate expected at 0% after 0.4% prior, potentially reducing RBA pressure if on target. Year-over-year inflation is projected steady at 3.8%, and RBA trimmed mean CPI year-over-year at 3.4%, providing core price views amid housing strains. RBA Assistant Governor Jones speaks at 18:40, expected to discuss recent decisions and commodity inflation risks tied to iron ore and LNG exports.
These could influence AUD, particularly with China's growth affecting trade. No New Zealand events, focusing markets on Australian data for regional effects. Watch for RBNZ alignment signals, as dairy remains vulnerable to demand shifts.
ANZ economies face ongoing inflation impacting spending, with Australian retail caution post-RBA hike and New Zealand housing possibly easing via approvals. Commodities provide resilience: Australia's iron ore and gold ties to China support fiscal health, while New Zealand's dairy aids trade surpluses despite tourism dips. Housing is key, with rising Australian mortgage stress and cooling New Zealand prices central to policy.
The EU-Australia trade deal improves mineral access, diversifying from China for sustained growth. Businesses stay resilient under rate pressures, but confidence reaches lows from oil costs and hikes.
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Australia 10Y Govt Yield | Type: macro_line | Australia 10Y Yield: 4.77 (2026-02-01) | Range: 1.135–4.77 | Trend(6pt): 1.676,3.767,4.128,4.267,4.719,4.77
AUD/USD Currency Pair | Type: market_hloc | AUD/USD: 0.6995 (2026-03-24) | Range: 0.6678–0.7129 | Trend(6pt): 0.6702,0.6704,0.6916,0.7102,0.7081,0.6995
Gold Price Movements | Type: market_hloc | Gold: 4482 (2026-03-24) | Range: 4314–5318 | Trend(5pt): 4481,4588,5051,5107,4482
ASX 200 Index Performance | Type: market_hloc | ASX 200: 8379 (2026-03-24) | Range: 8366–9199 | Trend(5pt): 8763,8874,8867,9077,8379
Brent oil at 100.00 (up 0.06%) raises ANZ import expenses, fueling CPI through transport. EU-Australia trade pact, signed amid tensions, eliminates tariffs on minerals, aiding Australia's diversification from China and benefiting miners like BHP. This counters uncertainties, including Middle East war stalling UK growth toward recession and Finland's slowdown from Iran conflict.
Yen recovered versus USD on carry trade changes, bolstering AUD/NZD risk appetite. Egyptian pound neared EGP53, underscoring EM volatility. US trends and AI's euro impact suggest tech growth, potentially supporting ANZ services.
The deal challenges China's mineral dominance, enhancing Australia's surplus outlook. Oil over 100 dollars highlights energy risks for commodity-reliant ANZ. Bitcoin fell 1.21% to 70,056.45, amid asset volatility.
RBA raised rates in a split decision, heightening inflation concerns with cash rate at 3.83% as of February 2026, emphasizing jobs and housing to manage prices. This contrasts RBNZ's past aggressiveness, though both target inflation independently; RBNZ paused on cooling CPI and dairy trade gains. Divergence continues, with RBA linked to commodities and China, possibly postponing cuts if core CPI stays high.
RBNZ focuses on housing and tourism, potentially easing earlier if risks fade. Jones and Kent speeches may elaborate on decisions, noting vote uncertainty. Employment is crucial: Australia's strong jobs back tighter policy, versus New Zealand's construction weaknesses.
RBNZ's history indicates faster shifts, but shared targets curb short-term differences.