AUD/USD: Trading the Australian GDP Aug 2015

Australian GDP is the primary gauge of the production and growth of the economy. It is considered by analysts as one the most important indicators of economic activity, and a reading which is higher than expected is bullish for the Australian dollar.

Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for AUD/USD.

Published on Wednesday at 1:30 GMT.

Indicator Background

Australian GDP is released on a quarterly basis, and provides an excellent indication of the health and size of the Australian economy. An unexpected reading can quickly affect the movement of AUD/USD.

GDP posted an excellent gain of 0.9% in Q1, beating the estimate of 0.7%. This was the indicator’s best performance since Q1 of 2014. However, the markets are expecting a softer release for Q2, with an estimate of 0.4%. Will the indicator repeat and beat expectations?

Sentiments and levels

The Chinese slowdown pushed the Australian dollar close to the symbolic level of US 70 cents last week, and with Australian economy heavily dependent on China, the pair could lose more ground. The Fed is not rushing to make any moves, but monetary divergence continues to favor the US dollar. So, the overall sentiment is bearish on AUD/USD towards this release.

Technical levels, from top to bottom: 0.7438, 0.7346, 0.7266, 0.7113, 0.7011 and 0.6931.

5 Scenarios

1. Within expectations: 0.1% to 0.7%. In such a scenario, the AUD/USD is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
2. Above expectations: 0.8% to 1.2%: An unexpected higher reading can send the pair above one resistance line.
3. Well above expectations: Above 1.2%: The chances of such a scenario are low. Such an outcome could push AUD/USD upwards, and a second resistance line might be broken as a result.
4. Below expectations: -0.3% to 0.0%:  A reading at zero or in negative territory could push AUD/USD below one support line.
5. Well below expectations: Below -0.3%. In this scenario, we could see the pair drop below a second support level.

For more on AUD/USD, see the AUD/USD.

To follow this event live:  

Powered by FXstreet.com
Get the 5 most predictable currency pairs