AUD/USD Plunges as Australian Unemployment Surges to 2021 Highs

AUD/USD has tumbled sharply following the release of Australian employment data showing unemployment jumping to levels not seen since 2021. The deteriorating labor market conditions have sparked concerns about the Australian economy's resilience and potential Reserve Bank of Australia policy shifts. NZD/USD showed sympathy weakness, while AUD/NZD remained relatively stable as both Antipodean currencies faced pressure. The Dollar Index strengthened on the back of risk-off sentiment and flight to safety. The unemployment spike raises questions about the RBA's ability to maintain its hawkish stance, with markets now pricing in increased likelihood of rate cuts in 2025. Technical support at 0.6500 is being tested, with a break below potentially accelerating losses toward 0.6400. The employment shock represents a significant fundamental shift for the Australian dollar's outlook.