The Australian Dollar (AUD) edges lower against the US Dollar (USD) following lower-than-expected Trade Balance data released on Thursday. Additionally, the AUD/USD pair receives downward pressure from risk-off sentiment amid rising fears over US-China trade tensions.
Australia's trade surplus fell to 5,085M in December, missing the expected 7,000M and down from the previous surplus of 6,792M. Exports increased by 1.1% MoM, slowing from November's 4.2% rise, while imports surged 5.9% MoM, up from 1.4% in the prior month.
Traders closely watch the ongoing trade war between the United States (US) and China, Australia's key trading partner. China retaliated against the new 10% US tariff that took effect on Tuesday. However, Trump stated on Monday afternoon that he would likely speak with China within the next 24 hours. He also warned, "If we can't reach a deal with China, the tariffs will be very, very substantial."
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the US Dollar's value against six major currencies, remains under subdued near 107.50 at the time of writing. The weaker US Services Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) could have weighed on the Greenback.
The US ISM Services PMI eased to 52.8 in January from 54.0 (revised from 54.1) in December. This reading came in below the market consensus of 54.3.
Traders brace for Friday's US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data, which is expected to shape the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy direction.
Source : FXStreet
