Group 1 - US stock index futures experienced a slight decline due to traders assessing the impact of increased H-1B visa application fees on the tech industry [1] - The announcement by President Trump to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000 annually has caused concern among companies in California that rely on this visa to recruit skilled talent [1] - The Indian IT industry, valued at $280 billion, may face significant pressure from this new policy [1] Group 2 - Australian Federal Bank strategist Joseph Capurso believes that the dovish repricing of the cash rate by the Reserve Bank of Australia will be limited due to an optimistic outlook on the Australian economy [2] - Traders are closely monitoring a series of economic data, including European economic activity and inflation indicators favored by the Federal Reserve [2] - Oil prices saw a slight increase as Trump called for European nations to stop purchasing Russian oil to end the Russia-Ukraine war [2]

Group 1 - The Australian dollar (AUD) against the US dollar (USD) has risen to around 0.65, with a current quote of 0.6547, up 0.12% from the previous close of 0.6539 [1] - Australia's July Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.8% year-on-year, significantly higher than June's 1.9% and market expectations of 2.3%, marking the highest level since July 2024 [1] - Following the CPI data release, market expectations for the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) interest rate cuts have shifted, with the probability of a rate cut in September decreasing from 30% to 22%, while the probability for November increased to 61% [1] Group 2 - The AUD/USD remains within a familiar price range, with the first significant resistance level at 0.6625, the peak from July 24, 2025 [2] - If the price breaks above 0.6625, the next key level to watch is 0.6687, the peak from November 2024, with a psychological target of 0.7000 beyond that [2] - Current support is at 0.6414, and if this level is breached, the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) at 0.6384 will come into focus, followed by the June low of 0.6372 [2]

Group 1 - The Australian dollar (AUD) has appreciated against the US dollar (USD), currently trading around 0.6515, up 0.39% from the previous close of 0.6490 [1] - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to announce a rate cut, with market pricing showing an 84.6% probability of a rate decrease and a total of three cuts anticipated within the year [1] - Manufacturing PMI for June fell to 50.6, slightly below expectations, but remains above the expansion threshold, indicating that manufacturing activity has not yet contracted [1] Group 2 - The AUD/USD pair experienced a significant decline, breaking below the psychological level of 0.6500, reaching a near two-week low [2] - The loss of bullish momentum and the breach of the 10-day and 20-day moving averages have weakened the technical structure on the daily chart [2] - Key support levels are identified at 0.6455 and 0.6413, with a potential for further declines if these levels are breached, indicating a strong bearish signal [2]

Group 1 - The Australian dollar (AUD) has depreciated against the US dollar (USD), currently trading around 0.65, with a drop of 0.50% from the previous close of 0.6550 [1] - Economists predict that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will lower interest rates more than previously expected due to inflation and economic slowdown, with a forecast of five rate cuts this year [2] - A survey of 37 economists indicates that 31 expect the RBA to cut the overnight cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.60% at the upcoming meeting [2] Group 2 - The RBA's outlook has shifted to a more dovish stance since May, suggesting further easing measures may be necessary to support economic growth and maintain a strong labor market [2] - The Australian economy is projected to grow by 1.6% this year and 2.3% in 2026, which is lower than previous forecasts made in April [2] - Technical analysis shows that the AUD/USD pair is maintaining a bullish trend within an upward channel, supported by a relative strength index (RSI) above 50 and staying above the 9-day exponential moving average (EMA) [3]

Core Viewpoint - Westpac has brought forward its expectations for an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia to July [1] Group 1 - Westpac's revised forecast indicates a shift in monetary policy outlook for Australia [1] - The anticipation of a rate cut reflects changing economic conditions and potential impacts on consumer spending [1]