Aussie and Kiwi dollar slide ahead of US jobs report

The Australian and New Zealand dollars slipped on Jan. 9 as investors positioned themselves ahead of the US non-farm payrolls report, the first clear economic read following the recent government shutdown.

Market participants are closely watching the data, which could influence the scale of monetary policy easing the Federal Reserve may pursue this year.

Attention is also on a looming US Supreme Court decision regarding former President Donald Trump’s use of emergency tariff powers.

The Australian dollar held steady at $0.6698 after easing 0.3% overnight, marking a second day of declines from a 15-month peak of $0.6766.

The US dollar hit a one-month high against major currencies as investors braced for payroll data.

Economists forecast an increase of 60,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate likely dipping to 4.5% from 4.6%.

A strong report could challenge expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, while weaker numbers might boost speculation of further easing.

In contrast, market expectations for the Reserve Bank of Australia's February meeting have shifted, pricing only a 24% chance of a rate hike, while the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is widely anticipated to maintain its 2.25% policy rate through the first half of 2026.