Australian labour market report injected a...>

AUSSIE: Australian labour market report injected a modicum of volatility into

AUD crosses as participants assessed the numbers. The unemployment rate edged

higher to 5.3% from 5.1% vs. exp. of 5.2% as a surprise marginal uptick in

participation rate offset the impact of a slightly better than expected

employment growth. The rise in employment was driven by full-time jobs, but

underemployment & underutilisation crept higher. The Australian Bureau of

Statistics downplayed the impact from the recent bushfires.

- AUD/USD slipped off earlier highs and now sits at $0.6681, 7 pips above

neutral levels. A familiar technical picture remains in play.

- AUD/JPY trades at Y74.27, 8 pips worse off. It probed the water below the

200-DMA, but retraced the move and rests upon that level at typing. A convincing

break here would open up the Feb 18 low of Y73.19.

- AUD/NZD trades flat at NZ$1.0452. Bulls keep an eye on the Feb 11 high of

NZ$1.0506, a clearance of the level would five them a fresh impetus. Bears look

for a break below the 50-DMA at NZ$1.0406, which would expose the Feb 10 low of

NZ$1.0390.