Aussie dollar falls slightly after the RBA...>

AUSSIE: Aussie dollar falls slightly after the RBA Quarterly SOMP, in general

the RBA's forecasts show underlying inflation below the mid-point of the target

band until the end of the forecast period thus pointing to monetary policy being

on hold for longer. Based on forecasts alone, there appears to be still some

downside risks to the cash rate especially if things don't play out as the RBA

expects but continued patience from the RBA means a more likely scenario is of

the rate staying on hold for the rest of this year, and possibly longer. 

- Headline December Home Loans data was also slightly weaker at -2.3% (est. -1%,

prev. 1.6%) while Investment Lending also dropped. This ends a 2 month run of

stronger results in the figures.

- AUD/USD last down 5 pips on the session at 0.7775, dropping from 0.7785 in the

wake of the releases.

- Aussie bonds which were already up have firmed marginally, 3-Year future last

up 5 ticks at 97.87, 10-Year future up 1.5 ticks at 97.13.