The Australian dollar appreciated to around $0.669 on Friday, trading near 14-month highs to kick off the new year positively as investors await next week’s monthly inflation data, which could influence the RBA’s policy stance following its hint at a possible rate hike this year. The central bank’s December meeting minutes showed policymakers are prepared to tighten policy if inflation does not ease as anticipated. Attention will also focus on the Q4 CPI report due January 28, as a stronger-than-expected core inflation print could prompt a move at the RBA’s February 3 meeting. Additionally, sentiment was supported by latest data showing December’s manufacturing activity remained at its highest in three months. The Aussie was further aided by a broadly weaker US dollar amid concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence under the Trump administration. The Australian dollar ended the year 2025 on a strong note, gaining nearly 8%, its strongest yearly performance since 2020.
