Australian Dollar (AUD)

Australia — Reserve Bank of Australia

Australian dollar — the leading G10 commodity currency, levered to China and iron ore.

FX Session:
Sydney
AUD/USD
0.71828
AUD/USD Exchange Rate
Economic Indicators
Indicator Latest Previous Change Date
Policy Rate 3.85 3.85 0.00 2025-05-20
Inflation 2.1 3.2 -1.10 2025-06-30
Core Inflation 0.7 1.3 -0.60 2025-06-30
Gdp 685.128 688.317 -3.19 2025-06-30
Unemployment 4.3 4.5 -0.20 2025-06-30
Trade Balance 10107.0 9293.0 +814.00 2025-06-30
Retail Sales 1.1 0.3 +0.80 2025-05-31
Ppi 3.4 3.5 -0.10 2025-06-30
CFTC Commitment of Traders — AUD

About the Australian Dollar (AUD)

The Australian dollar (AUD), nicknamed the 'Aussie', is the official currency of Australia and several Pacific island states. It is the fifth-most-traded currency in the world and is widely used as a proxy for global commodity demand, China's industrial cycle, and global risk appetite.

Reserve Bank of Australia: monetary policy framework

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board sets the cash rate at meetings held approximately every six weeks. The RBA targets 2–3% CPI inflation on average over time and publishes a quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy with growth and inflation forecasts.

What moves the AUD?

  • RBA cash rate decisions and Statement on Monetary Policy.
  • Iron ore and coal prices — Australia's dominant commodity exports.
  • China activity data: PMIs, industrial production, property sector indicators.
  • Australia CPI (quarterly) and the monthly CPI indicator.
  • Australian labour-force survey: employment, unemployment, participation.
  • AU-US 10-year yield differential and global risk sentiment.

Key data and events to watch

  • RBA cash rate decision and post-meeting statement.
  • Quarterly CPI release.
  • Monthly labour-force survey from the ABS.
  • China official PMI and Caixin PMI.
  • Iron ore (62% Fe) benchmark price and Newcastle thermal coal.

Frequently asked questions about the Australian Dollar

Why is the Australian dollar called a commodity currency?
Resource exports — iron ore, coal, LNG, gold — make up a large share of Australia's GDP and trade. When global commodity prices rise the country's terms of trade improve, supporting the AUD; when they fall, the AUD typically weakens.
How often does the RBA meet?
The RBA Board meets eight times per year (since the 2024 schedule reform). Each meeting is followed by a post-meeting statement and a press conference, with a quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy four times a year.
How does China affect the Australian dollar?
China is Australia's largest trading partner and the dominant buyer of its iron ore and coal exports. Stronger Chinese growth typically lifts commodity demand and supports AUD; downturns in Chinese property or industrial activity often pressure it.