AUD/USD surges on robust jobs data; PBOC questions US fiscal policy

AUD/USD jumped 0.8% to 0.6485 following Australia's stronger-than-expected employment report, marking the pair's largest single-day gain in three weeks. The Australian economy added 56,300 jobs in December, far exceeding the 15,000 forecast, while the unemployment rate held steady at 3.9%. The aussie's strength was amplified by broad risk-on sentiment as Japan's Nikkei rebounded from recent losses and JGB yields stabilized. Meanwhile, a PBOC adviser's public questioning of US fiscal sustainability added pressure on the greenback. Gold prices received additional support with Goldman Sachs raising their forecast to $5,400/oz, citing robust central bank and private demand. Technical indicators show AUD/USD breaking above the 0.6450 resistance level, with next targets at 0.6520 and 0.6550. The combination of domestic strength and dollar weakness suggests continued upside potential for the aussie in the near term.