RBA: Inflation Persistence Needs To Abate, Only One Cut Assumed In Forecasts
The RBA left rates at 3.6% as was widely expected but it revised up its trimmed mean forecasts to a peak of 3.2% in both Q4 2025 and Q2 2026 up from 2.6% in August. The main change to the statement was also around the “materially higher” Q3 inflation print and “recent evidence of more persistent inflation” but risks were said to be “in both directions”. The Board didn’t seem concerned about softness in the September labour market data. While inflation is assessed as “persistent” and expected to be above the top of the band, rates are likely on hold.
- Underlying inflation is projected to return to the band by Q4 2026 but the 2.5% mid-point is no longer in the forecast but as Governor Bullock previously said the further out a forecast is, the greater the uncertainty. Headline was revised up 0.3pp to 3.3% for Q4 and 0.6pp to 3.7% in Q2 2026 and is within the band in 2027.
- Inflation returns to the band using a higher rate assumption that has only one 25bp cut for H1 2026 down from 75bp assumed in August. Another sign that for now policy is on hold at “a little restrictive”.
- In September, labour market conditions were overall “stable”, whereas this month they appeared “a little tight” at the statement end, despite the 0.2pp rise in the last unemployment read. It also noted that surveys and liaison suggest “a significant share of firms are experiencing difficulty sourcing labour”. While the unemployment rate path was revised up 0.1pp to 4.4%, the Board doesn’t sound concerned.
- The growth outlook is little changed with Q4 2025 revised up 0.3pp to 2% but the rest of the path similar to August. Q4 consumption is 0.3pp higher at 2.1% supported by a lower savings rate and slightly stronger wage growth but higher inflation reduces real disposable income gains.
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USDCAD TECHS: Fresh Cycle High
- RES 4: 1.4111 High Apr 10
- RES 3: 1.4045 3.0% Upper Bollinger Band
- RES 2: 1.4019 38.2% retracement of the Feb 3 - Jun 16 bear leg
- RES 1: 1.3989 200-dma
- PRICE: 1.3953 @ 16:02 BST Oct 3
- SUP 1: 1.3897/3825 Low Sep 30 / 50-day EMA
- SUP 2: 1.3727 Low Aug 29 and a bear trigger
- SUP 3: 1.3689 Low Jul 28
- SUP 4: 1.3637 Low Jul 25
A bull cycle in USDCAD remains intact and yesterday’s break above the late September’s high, firms the bullish theme. This move higher also maintains the bullish price sequence of higher highs and higher lows. Note too that moving average studies are in a bull-mode position, highlighting a dominant uptrend. Sights are on 1.4019, a Fibonacci retracement point. On the downside, first key support lies at 1.3825, the 50-day EMA.
AUDUSD TECHS: Support Remains Intact For Now
- RES 4: 0.6763 1.382 proj of the Jun 23 - Jul 24 - Aug 21 price swing
- RES 3: 0.6726 1.236 proj of the Jun 23 - Jul 24 - Aug 21 price swing
- RES 2: 0.6660/6707 High Sep 18 / 17 and key resistance
- RES 1: 0.6629 High Sep 30 & Oct 01
- PRICE: 0.6603 @ 16:01 BST Oct 3
- SUP 1: 0.6527/21 61.8% of the Aug 21 - Sep 17 bull leg / Low Sep 26
- SUP 2: 0.6484 76.4% retracement of the Aug 21 - Sep 17 bull leg
- SUP 3: 0.6463/6415 Low Aug 27 / Low Aug 21 / 22 and a bear trigger
- SUP 4: 0.6373 Low Jun 23
The AUDUSD uptrend remains intact and recent weakness appears to have been a correction. Support to watch lies at the 50-day EMA, at 0.6558. A clear break of this average would signal scope for a deeper retracement and expose 0.6527 once again, a Fibonacci retracement. For bulls, a stronger reversal higher would refocus attention on 0.6707, the Sep 17 high. Initial resistance to watch is 0.6629, the Sep 30 and Oct 1 high.
US TSYS/SUPPLY: September's Coupon Auctions Were Generally Solid (2/2)
September’s coupon auctions were generally solid, with three lines trading through, two coming out on the screws and two tailing slightly.
- Looking through the lens of MNI’s Relative Strength Indicator (RSI), five lines saw positive readings while two saw negative readings.
- The 3-year sale was the strongest auction of the month according to MNI’s RSI. The 3-year line traded through 0.7bps, the largest stop through in seven months. Meanwhile, the primary dealer take-up was just 8.4%, the lowest on record (data going back to 2003).
- The weakest sale of the month was the last – the 7-year line. This line saw the second consecutive 0.5bp tail, with the 12.0% primary dealer take-up above August’s 9.8% and July’s record low 4.1%.
September Auction Review:
- 2Y Note on-the-screws: 3.571% vs. 3.571% WI.
- 2Y FRN: 0.200% high margin vs. 0.195% prior
- 3Y Note trade-through: 3.485% vs. 3.492% WI.
- 5Y Note tail: 3.710% vs 3.709% WI.
- 7Y Note tail: 3.953% vs. 3.948% WI.
- 10Y Note trade-through: 4.033% vs. 4.047% WI.
- 10Y TIPS: 1.734% high yield vs. 1.985% prior
- 20Y Bond trade-through: 4.613% vs 4.615% WI.
- 30Y Bond on-the-screws: 4.651% vs. 4.651% WI.
