Australian Dollar: Fresh Highs Meet a Hawkish Warsh
It was a "good week" for the Australian dollar, the currency climbing to fresh leg highs of 0.7208 against the US dollar Friday night and reaching multi-year highs against several major currencies. However, the move came unstuck later Friday after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, reinforcing the Federal Reserve's commitment to returning inflation to target. Looking ahead, markets face a busy week, including Australia Q2 GDP and the RBNZ meeting (Wed), speeches from RBA Assistant Governor Brad Jones and Fed Governor Christopher Waller (Thur), and US non-farm payrolls (Fri).
Australian Dollar: Fresh Highs Meet a Hawkish Warsh
It was a "good week" for the Australian dollar, the currency climbing to fresh leg highs of 0.7208 against the US dollar Friday night and reaching multi-year highs against several major currencies. Stronger-than-expected July inflation data triggered a hawkish repricing of RBA expectations, helping drive the Australian dollar higher.
However, the move came unstuck later Friday after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, reinforcing the Federal Reserve's commitment to returning inflation to target. The resulting rebound in the US dollar saw AUD/USD fall back to 0.7156, unwinding the week's CPI-driven gains. Still, for the week, the Australian dollar was the only G10 currency to clock a gain against the US dollar.
While the Australian dollar's broader eight-week uptrend remains intact, the next phase may rely more heavily on domestic interest rate expectations and strength against other currencies, rather than broad-based US dollar weakness.
Looking ahead, markets face a busy week, including Australia Q2 GDP and the RBNZ meeting (Wed), speeches from RBA Assistant Governor Brad Jones and Fed Governor Christopher Waller (Thur), and US non-farm payrolls (Fri).
Stronger inflation boosts RBA rate expectations
July inflation surprised on the upside, with headline CPI rising 1.0% over the month and trimmed mean inflation increasing 0.5%, both above market expectations. The strength was concentrated in services and durable goods, suggesting domestic inflation pressures remain more persistent than hoped. While some of the increase may reflect post-financial-year price resets and stronger wage outcomes, inflation pressures also broadened across the economy.
Combined with last week's hawkish RBA meeting minutes, the result prompted markets to increase expectations of another rate hike. Investors are now pricing around a 50% chance of a hike in September and a full hike by November.
While Westpac's Economics team continues to view a November hike as a risk rather than its base case, softer labour market and wage growth outcomes are unlikely to prevent the RBA maintaining a hawkish tone in the near term.
Last week's investment indicators provided a mixed lead-in to this week's GDP release. Construction activity and business investment both softened, driven largely by weaker mining activity and a pullback in machinery and equipment spending. However, much of the weakness reflected project-specific factors, including softer data centre investment. Underlying investment remains resilient and forward spending plans continue to point to solid growth.
Jackson Hole revives US rate hike expectations
The annual benchmark revision to US employment data painted a slightly weaker picture of the labour market than previously reported. Using a broader survey that captures almost all US employment, the BLS revised payroll growth lower by 79k jobs in the year to March 2026, compared with expectations for an increase of 183k. Private sector payrolls accounted for most of the downgrade, falling by 178k jobs.
That softer labour market signal was quickly overshadowed by Fed Chair Warsh's Jackson Hole speech. Warsh struck a distinctly hawkish tone, emphasising the Fed's commitment to its 2% inflation target and signalling policymakers remain prepared to act if inflation fails to slow sufficiently.
Markets responded by increasing the probability of a September Fed rate hike to around 60%. Meanwhile, July core PCE inflation rose 0.2% over the month, matching expectations and helping keep another hike firmly on the table.
The US dollar rallied, gold prices fell nearly 3%, and the broad US dollar weakness that had supported the Australian dollar and other risk assets in recent months came to an abrupt halt.
US-Canada trade tensions lift AUD/CAD
US-Canada trade tensions escalated last week. After negotiations broke down on 22 August, President Trump announced a new 50% tariff on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel from next year. Canada quickly retaliated, with PM Mark Carney unveiling up to 50% tariffs on C$27.6 billion (US$19.9 billion) of US goods, describing the measures as a "dollar-for-dollar" response to the US action.
AUD/CAD rallied to 0.9981, its highest level since February 2021 and within touching distance of parity. However, renewed tensions in the Middle East and the stronger US dollar following Jackson Hole have since trimmed some of those gains, with the cross beginning the week around 0.9950.
Elsewhere, AUD/JPY rose to a new multi-decade high of 114.96 before easing back towards 114.50. AUD/EUR also gained ground, rising around 0.85% to trade near 0.6182.
A key week for growth and jobs
Attention now turns to Australian Q2 GDP data on Wednesday. Markets expect growth of 0.3% q/q and 1.9% y/y, while Westpac forecasts a slightly softer 0.2% quarterly increase. Although economic growth remains subdued, investment spending continues to provide support and points to a gradual improvement in activity.
In the US, Friday's non-farm payrolls report will be closely watched. While Warsh's comments strengthened the Fed's inflation-fighting credentials, signs of a cooling labour market mean a weak payrolls result could challenge expectations for further rate hikes. A reasonably strong sequence of payrolls prints at the start of the year gave way to a stalling picture by mid-year. As of July, the three month average pace had slowed to 20k. A print on the weaker side of this trend can undercut Fed pricing, but against that, supply constraints around low immigration mean the labour market is not actually loosening much. Consensus in the range is 55k
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is widely expected to raise rates by 25bp this week. According to Westpac's NZ economists, while economic recovery remains fragile and significant risks abound on further hikes, core inflation remains too high. It's unclear whether supply shocks will dissipate either quickly or sustainably. Hence, it’s likely that higher interest rates will be required through 2027.
RBA Assistant Governors Brad Jones, and Sarah Hunter are both set to speak this week, though neither topics are conducive to comments around the policy rate - we'll see.
Fed Governor Christopher Waller is the pick of a busy Fed speaking roster, being a centrist and influential member of the Board of Governors. If he strikes a similarly hawkish tone to Warsh, the US dollar could see another round of buying.
Monday
- UK markets closed for Bank Holiday
Tuesday
- Australia Q2 Net Exports of GDP, Jul Building Approvals
- China Aug RatingDog Manf. PMI
- Eurozone Aug CPI (Prelim.)
- US Aug ISM Manf, Jul JOLTS Job Openings
Wednesday
- Australia Q2 GDP
- RBNZ Policy Rate Meeting
- UK PM Burnham to do his first Prime Minister's Questions in parliament
- Bank of Canada Policy Rate Meeting
- US Fed Beige Book
Thursday
- Australia Jul Trade Balance
- RBA's Brad Jones speaks
- China Aug RatingDog Services PMI
- Eurozone Jul PPI
- US Aug ISM Services PMI
- Fedspeak; Waller, Hammack, Goolsbee
Friday
- US Aug Nonfarm Payrolls, Unemployment Rate
Stay informed with Westpac IQ
Get the latest reports straight to your inbox.
Related articles
Browse topics
Disclaimer
©2026 Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 (including where acting under any of its Westpac, St George, Bank of Melbourne or BankSA brands, collectively, “Westpac”). References to the “Westpac Group” are to Westpac and its subsidiaries and includes the directors, employees and representatives of Westpac and its subsidiaries.
Things you should know
We respect your privacy: You can view the New Zealand Privacy Policy here, or the Australian Group Privacy Statement here. Each time someone visits our site, data is captured so that we can accurately evaluate the quality of our content and make improvements for you. We may at times use technology to capture data about you to help us to better understand you and your needs, including potentially for the purposes of assessing your individual reading habits and interests to allow us to provide suggestions regarding other reading material which may be suitable for you.
This information, unless specifically indicated otherwise, is under copyright of the Westpac Group. None of the material, nor its contents, nor any copy of it, may be altered in any way, transmitted to, copied of distributed to any other party without the prior written permission of the Westpac Group.
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by Westpac and is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended to reflect any recommendation or financial advice and investment decisions should not be based on it. This information does not constitute an offer, a solicitation of an offer, or an inducement to subscribe for, purchase or sell any financial instrument or to enter into a legally binding contract. To the extent that this information contains any general advice, it has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and before acting on it you should consider the appropriateness of the advice. Certain types of transactions, including those involving futures, options and high yield securities give rise to substantial risk and are not suitable for all investors. We recommend that you seek your own independent legal or financial advice before proceeding with any investment decision.
This information may contain material provided by third parties. While such material is published with the necessary permission none of Westpac or its related entities accepts any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any such material. Although we have made every effort to ensure this information is free from error, none of Westpac or its related entities warrants the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of this information, or otherwise endorses it in any way. Except where contrary to law, Westpac Group intend by this notice to exclude liability for this information. This information is subject to change without notice and none of Westpac or its related entities is under any obligation to update this information or correct any inaccuracy which may become apparent at a later date. This information may contain or incorporate by reference forward-looking statements. The words “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “predict”, “continue”, “assume”, “positioned”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “shall”, “risk” and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, nor are forecasts of future performance. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the assumptions on which any forecasts are based are reasonable, the forecasts may be affected by incorrect assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. The ultimate outcomes may differ substantially from any forecasts.
Conflicts of Interest: In the normal course of offering banking products and services to its clients, the Westpac Group may act in several capacities (including issuer, market maker, underwriter, distributor, swap counterparty and calculation agent) simultaneously with respect to a financial instrument, giving rise to potential conflicts of interest which may impact the performance of a financial instrument. The Westpac Group may at any time transact or hold a position (including hedging and trading positions) for its own account or the account of a client in any financial instrument which may impact the performance of that financial instrument.
Author(s) disclaimer and declaration: The author(s) confirms that (a) no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to any views or (if applicable) recommendations expressed in this material; (b) this material accurately reflects his/her personal views about the financial products, companies or issuers (if applicable) and is based on sources reasonably believed to be reliable and accurate; (c) to the best of the author’s knowledge, they are not in receipt of inside information and this material does not contain inside information; and (d) no other part of the Westpac Group has made any attempt to influence this material.
Further important information regarding sustainability-related content: This material may contain statements relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics. These are subject to known and unknown risks, and there are significant uncertainties, limitations, risks and assumptions in the metrics, modelling, data, scenarios, reporting and analysis on which the statements rely. In particular, these areas are rapidly evolving and maturing, and there are variations in approaches and common standards and practice, as well as uncertainty around future related policy and legislation. Some material may include information derived from publicly available sources that have not been independently verified. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information. There is a risk that the analysis, estimates, judgements, assumptions, views, models, scenarios or projections used may turn out to be incorrect. These risks may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The ESG-related statements in this material do not constitute advice, nor are they guarantees or predictions of future performance, and Westpac gives no representation, warranty or assurance (including as to the quality, accuracy or completeness of the statements). You should seek your own independent advice.
Additional country disclosures:
Australia: Westpac holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (No. 233714). You can access Westpac’s Financial Services Guide here or request a copy from your Westpac point of contact. To the extent that this information contains any general advice, it has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and before acting on it you should consider the appropriateness of the advice.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, Westpac Institutional Bank refers to the brand under which products and services are provided by either Westpac (NZ division) or Westpac New Zealand Limited (company number 1763882), the New Zealand incorporated subsidiary of Westpac ("WNZL"). Any product or service made available by WNZL does not represent an offer from Westpac or any of its subsidiaries (other than WNZL). Neither Westpac nor its other subsidiaries guarantee or otherwise support the performance of WNZL in respect of any such product. WNZL is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of Australian prudential standards. The current disclosure statements for the New Zealand branch of Westpac and WNZL can be obtained at the internet address www.westpac.co.nz.
Singapore: This material has been prepared and issued for distribution in Singapore to institutional investors, accredited investors and expert investors (as defined in the applicable Singapore laws and regulations) only. Recipients of this material in Singapore should contact Westpac Singapore Branch in respect of any matters arising from, or in connection with, this material. Westpac Singapore Branch holds a wholesale banking licence and is subject to supervision by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Fiji: Unless otherwise specified, the products and services for Westpac Fiji are available from www.westpac.com.fj © Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. This information does not take your personal circumstances into account and before acting on it you should consider the appropriateness of the information for your financial situation. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 is incorporated in NSW Australia and registered as a branch in Fiji. The liability of its members is limited.
Papua New Guinea: Unless otherwise specified, the products and services for Westpac PNG are available from www.westpac.com.pg © Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. This information does not take your personal circumstances into account and before acting on it you should consider the appropriateness of the information for your financial situation. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 is incorporated in NSW Australia. Westpac is represented in Papua New Guinea by Westpac Bank - PNG - Limited. The liability of its members is limited.
U.S.: Westpac operates in the United States of America as a federally licensed branch, regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Westpac is also registered with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a Swap Dealer, but is neither registered as, or affiliated with, a Futures Commission Merchant registered with the US CFTC. The services and products referenced above are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Westpac Capital Markets, LLC (‘WCM’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westpac, is a broker-dealer registered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘the Exchange Act’) and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (‘FINRA’). In accordance with APRA's Prudential Standard 222 'Association with Related Entities', Westpac does not stand behind WCM other than as provided for in certain legal agreements between Westpac and WCM and obligations of WCM do not represent liabilities of Westpac.
This communication is provided for distribution to U.S. institutional investors in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 15a-6 under the Exchange Act and is not subject to all of the independence and disclosure standards applicable to debt research reports prepared for retail investors in the United States. WCM is the U.S. distributor of this communication and accepts responsibility for the contents of this communication. Transactions by U.S. customers of any securities referenced herein should be effected through WCM. All disclaimers set out with respect to Westpac apply equally to WCM. If you would like to speak to someone regarding any security mentioned herein, please contact WCM on +1 212 389 1269. Investing in any non-U.S. securities or related financial instruments mentioned in this communication may present certain risks. The securities of non-U.S. issuers may not be registered with, or be subject to the regulations of, the SEC in the United States. Information on such non-U.S. securities or related financial instruments may be limited. Non-U.S. companies may not be subject to audit and reporting standards and regulatory requirements comparable to those in effect in the United States. The value of any investment or income from any securities or related derivative instruments denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars is subject to exchange rate fluctuations that may have a positive or adverse effect on the value of or income from such securities or related derivative instruments.
The author of this communication is employed by Westpac and is not registered or qualified as a research analyst, representative, or associated person of WCM or any other U.S. broker-dealer under the rules of FINRA, any other U.S. self-regulatory organisation, or the laws, rules or regulations of any State. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the views expressed herein are solely those of the author and may differ from the information, views or analysis expressed by Westpac and/or its affiliates.
UK: The London branch of Westpac is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and limited regulation by the PRA (Financial Services Register number: 124586). The London branch of Westpac is registered at Companies House as a branch established in the United Kingdom (Branch No. BR000106). Details about the extent of the regulation of Westpac’s London branch by the PRA are available from us on request.
This communication is not being made to or distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. Rather, this communication is being made only to and is directed at (a) those persons falling within the definition of Investment Professionals (set out in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”)); (b) those persons falling within the definition of high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc. (set out in Article 49(2)of the Order; (c) other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated in accordance with the Order or (d) any persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this communication or any of its contents. In the same way, the information contained in this communication is intended for “eligible counterparties” and “professional clients” as defined by the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and is not intended for “retail clients”. Westpac expressly prohibits you from passing on the information in this communication to any third party.
European Economic Area (“EEA”): This material may be distributed to you by either: (i) Westpac directly, or (ii) Westpac Europe GmbH (“WEG”) under a sub-licensing arrangement. WEG has not edited or otherwise modified the content of this material. WEG is authorised in Germany by the Federal Financial Supervision Authority (‘BaFin’) and subject to its regulation. WEG’s supervisory authorities are BaFin and the German Federal Bank (‘Deutsche Bundesbank’). WEG is registered with the commercial register (‘Handelsregister’) of the local court of Frankfurt am Main under registration number HRB 118483. In accordance with APRA’s Prudential Standard 222 ‘Association with Related Entities’, Westpac does not stand behind WEG other than as provided for in certain legal agreements (a risk transfer, sub-participation and collateral agreement) between Westpac and WEG and obligations of WEG do not represent liabilities of Westpac. Any product or service made available by WEG does not represent an offer from Westpac or any of its subsidiaries (other than WEG). All disclaimers set out with respect to Westpac apply equally to WEG.
This communication is not intended for distribution to, or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
This communication contains general commentary, research, and market colour. The communication does not constitute investment advice. The material may contain an ‘investment recommendation’ and/or ‘information recommending or suggesting an investment’, both as defined in Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (including as applicable in the United Kingdom) (“MAR”). In accordance with the relevant provisions of MAR, reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the material has been objectively presented and that interests or conflicts of interest of the sender concerning the financial instruments to which that information relates have been disclosed.
Investment recommendations must be read alongside the specific disclosure which accompanies them and the general disclosure which can be found here. Such disclosure fulfils certain additional information requirements of MAR and associated delegated legislation and by accepting this communication you acknowledge that you are aware of the existence of such additional disclosure and its contents.
To the extent this communication comprises an investment recommendation it is classified as non-independent research. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and therefore constitutes a marketing communication. Further, this communication is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.