Trading FOREX

A cross-currency swap is a type of FX instrument used by institutions and banks to gain better access to foreign debt markets. Find out more about this swap and why it’s used.

The spread in forex is the main way traders are charged for opening and closing positions. Learn more about the spread and how it’s calculated.

Leverage is a key part of forex trading due to large position sizes and small market daily movements. Take a look at our guide to leverage in forex, including how to calculate your risk.

Before diving headfirst into currency trading, it’s important to understand how forex trading works. This beginners’ guide to forex trading has real-life examples for you to look at and tips for trading success.

The focus this morning for local markets has been on the RBA Board meeting minutes for September and for possible clues it contained as to the Board’s view around the pace of future interest rate hikes.

With the dust still settling on last night’s red-hot U.S inflation data, attention locally will turn to an Antipodean doubleheader tomorrow in the shape of Q2 NZ GDP and the Australian August labour force report.

This morning saw the release of Australian Business and Consumer Confidence data, framed against surging prices and a fourth consecutive 50bp rate hike from the RBA last week.

Last week the ECB hiked rates by 75bp, taking the deposit rate to 0.75%.

The AUDUSD screamed 3% higher last week to close at a nine-week high after U.S inflation surprised to the downside, boosting equities and risk-sensitive currency pairs, including the AUDUSD.

At its monthly meeting this afternoon, the Reserve Bank Board raised its official cash rate for a third consecutive time by 50bp from 1.35% to 1.85%.

June quarter Australian inflation data has surged to 6.1%, but below consensus expectations easing fears of a supersized 75bp rate hike when the RBA meets next week.

With Asian markets in a more cautious mood after being wrongfooted by the overnight sell-off on Wall Street, the focus this morning has been on the RBA Board meetings for July.

Good news today for the Australian economy as the employment report for June stunned with across-the-board strength.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is widely expected to raise the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points taking the cash rate to 2.50%. It will be the RBNZ’s third straight 50bp hike in a row, in a tightening cycle that started back in October.

RBA Preview and what next for the AUDUSD

Following last week's mega moves by central banks, the calendar this week allows central bankers to finetune some of those shifts, starting with a plethora of communique from the RBA this morning.

The main job for traders this week will be to continue to digest the implications of last week’s historic moves by key central banks.