The Australian dollar has gained support from hotter-than-expected inflation, which has strengthened expectations for further Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate increases and improved the currency’s appeal in carry trades, according to Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH). TD Securities separately says persistent services inflation and robust wage growth are shifting the balance of risks toward additional tightening. Higher expected Australian interest rates could support the AUD, particularly against currencies whose central banks are taking a more dovish approach, although global risk sentiment and commodity prices remain important drivers. Traders will monitor RBA communications, the monthly CPI indicator, employment data and the central bank’s next policy decision in early March 2025. A more hawkish stance could lift Australian bond yields and AUD volatility, while also affecting borrowing costs, consumer spending and equity valuations.