The AUD/USD currency pair, also known as the “Aussie dollar,” is a popular playground for forex traders worldwide. This pairing reflects the exchange rate between the Australian dollar (AUD) and the US dollar (USD).
Unlike many established currencies, the AUD’s free-floating history is surprisingly young, only gaining independence in 1983. Before that, its value was hitched to other currencies like a financial barnacle. This limited the Australian dollar’s ability to fluctuate freely based on supply and demand.
Today, the AUD/USD is a wild ride, heavily influenced by global risk sentiment and, perhaps most surprisingly, the price of everyday things like… coal!
Australia’s vast resource exports, particularly iron ore and coal, create a unique link between their economy and global demand for these materials. When the world needs to build or fuel up, the Australian dollar tends to strengthen.
In addition to its correlation to commodity prices, AUD/USD offers a unique blend of volatility and liquidity. Price movements can be significant, attracting day traders and those employing short-term focused strategies.
The AUD/USD market is one of the most liquid globally, meaning it’s constantly active with high trading volume. This allows traders to enter and exit positions quickly and efficiently, 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Australia has relatively high-interest rates compared to many developed nations. This difference can be attractive for carry trade strategies, where traders borrow in a low-interest rate currency (like US dollar) and invest it in a high-interest rate currency (like Australian dollar) to pocket the interest rate differential.
Global risk sentiment: Optimism strengthens the Australian dollar, while economic downturns weaken it as investors seek safer assets.
Commodity rollercoaster: Australia’s economy fluctuates with commodity prices, boosting the AUD during high demand and weakening it during slumps.
The China wave: China’s economic growth impacts AUD/USD due to its demand for Australian exports, particularly iron ore and coal, strengthening the AUD during periods of strong demand.
Interest rate dance: Higher interest rates in Australia attract investors, potentially causing the AUD to appreciate against the USD.
Economic data releases: Significant economic data from both Australia and the US can trigger volatility in the AUD/USD pair, with positive data boosting the respective currency and negative data causing depreciation.
Market overlap (08:00 AM – 12:00 PM GMT): When both the Australian and US markets are open, activity surges, offering increased volatility and potentially better entry/exit points.
Economic data releases: Be ready for the data! Key releases from Australia and the US can trigger price swings, creating opportunities for short-term traders.
Trend following: For those who like to ride the wave, trend following utilises technical indicators like moving averages or trendlines to identify and capitalise on the prevailing direction of the AUD/USD price movement.
Range trading: This strategy thrives on predictability. By identifying established support and resistance levels, traders can buy AUD/USD at support and sell at resistance, aiming to profit from price fluctuations within a defined range.
Carry trade: This strategy targets the interest rate differential between Australia and the US. Traders borrow USD (lower interest rate) and invest it in AUD (higher interest rate), pocketing the interest rate differential if the exchange rate remains stable or appreciates slightly.
High liquidity: The AUD/USD market is one of the most liquid forex markets, allowing for easy entry and exit from trades with minimal slippage.
Volatility: The AUD/USD can experience periods of significant price movements, offering opportunities for traders with a higher risk tolerance.
Carry trade potential: The interest rate differential between AUD and USD can be attractive for carry trade strategies. Commodity correlation: AUD tracks commodity prices due to Australia’s exports. This can make AUD/USD an attractive option for traders looking to gain exposure to commodity prices.
24/5 market access: The forex market operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, allowing for flexible trading schedules.
Live forex charts: Track price movements and identify potential trading opportunities.
Economic calendar: Stay informed about upcoming economic data releases that can impact the AUD/USD.
Technical indicators: Utilise technical analysis tools to identify trends and potential entry/exit points.
Risk management tools: Employ stop-loss orders and proper position sizing to manage risk effectively.
Discover the exciting world of AUD/USD trading with VT Markets.
Our platform is designed for traders of all levels, making it easy to navigate and packed with tools you’ll love. Whether you’re on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader Plus, or our mobile app, we’ve got everything you need.
With leverage options of up to 500:1, you can maximise your potential while keeping your investments safe with our risk management tools. Our RAW ECN account offers super tight spreads, ensuring you get competitive prices for your AUD/USD trades.
Stay on top of the market with our daily analysis and economic calendar. Ready to dive in? Open a live account with VT Markets today and unlock the exciting opportunities of AUD/USD trading.
Open a live account
Open a live account if you haven't already got one.Fund your account
Make a deposit into your trading account.Claim your bonus!
Your bonus will be credited to your account right after your deposit arrives.