Currency Markets Quiet During Holiday Period

AUD

The Aussie Dollar opens mostly flat against the major currencies with no major news developing over the Christmas/Boxing Day long weekend. Asian equities closed mixed, with the ASX -0.4%, Shanghai Comp +0.1% and Nikkei +0.7%. Commodities were higher overall, with the largest movers being Silver +10.2%, Copper +4.9% and Gold +1.2%. No major economic data is due to be released from Australia and China until January 7th with Aussie CPI m/m and Trimmed Mean CPI m/m (the main indicator that the RBA uses for inflation estimates). Higher volatility continues due to the lower trading volumes over the Christmas period.
 

USD

The AUDUSD opens at 0.6710, reaching fresh 2025 highs of 0.6725 on Saturday. American economic data was released on Christmas Day, with Unemployment Claims releasing at 214K vs. 224K (expected). This continues a trend of data showing strength in their economy and spurring risk-on attitudes in markets. Wall Street was closed over the break, with no movement from the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Tonight will have Pending Home Sales m/m, expected to release at 0.9%.
 

EUR

The AUDEUR opens at 0.5695, trading slightly higher with no major events happening from either side. Equities followed suit, with the Dax closing +0.2% and Cac closing flat. No news out of Australia and Europe for the rest of the year, so the majority of the volatility would be from lower trading volumes and macroeconomic factors.
 

GBP

The AUDGBP opens at 0.4968, trading sideways due to a lack of data released during the Christmas period from both countries.
 

NZD

The AUDNZD opens at 1.1506. No data out until 2026, but the NZD has been weakening against the AUD for 2 years straight.