Archived IMT (2010.02.02)

Aussie falls across the board after the RBA shocked markets by leaving interest rates unchanged at 3.75% unchanged for the first time after 3 consecutive rate hikes last year. Most notably, the RBA cited Chinas tightening moves to cool the economy as a potential risk for the region and the world economy. Asian markets pushed higher on the news, but market players may start raising questions about the possibility that the RBA is worried about excessive tightening from Beijing and its impact on the global demand. AUDJPY tumbled about 80 pips from 81.15 and is at risk of retesting 79.10, while AUDUSD is off by half a cent to 0.8770s. In such situations, a high yielding currency such as the Aussie is most vulnerable to risk aversion especially when a negative news event is released such todays RBA decision. GBP traders await UK Jan construction PMI (9:30 GMT). Upside surprise will be needed to lift cable towards 1.6030s, otherwise the risls remain for a retest of 1.5955-60. Watch gold's resistance at 1123.