The Australian dollar was mixed today despite extremely positive employment data. Other macroeconomic reports released in Australia during the Thursday’s trading session were less stellar.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that employment grew by 25,700 in March from the previous month after rising by 10,700 in February. Analysts had expected a smaller increase by 15,200. The increase was result of a gain in full-time employment by 48,300, while part-time employment decreased by 22,600. The unemployment rate remained steady at 5.0%.
The business confidence index reported by Australia National Bank dropped from +1 to -1 in the first quarter of 2019. The business conditions index declined as well, falling from +9 to +4.
The Commonwealth Bank Flash Manufacturing PMI slipped to 51.0 in April from 52.0 in March, continuing indicate expansion but with slower pace. The Commonwealth Bank Flash Services PMI rose 50.5 from 49.3, meaning that the sector turned from contraction to expansion.
AUD/USD slumped from 0.7177 to 0.7142 as of 18:25 GMT today. EUR/AUD slipped from 1.5737 to 1.5719. AUD/JPY declined from 80.42 to 79.39.
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