Feb 17 • 21:00 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Live: ASX to rise ahead of wages data, Australian dollar hits 19-month high against British pound

The ASX is expected to rise amid positive market conditions, as the Australian dollar appreciates against the British pound following rising UK unemployment rates.

In the latest market updates, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is anticipated to open higher following a positive showing from Wall Street, with ASX futures up by 0.5% to 8,942 points. This optimism is reflected in the performance of the Australian dollar, which has reached a 19-month peak against the British pound. This rise comes as UK unemployment rates climb to a five-year high, impacting currency valuations on the forex market.

With the Australian Bureau of Statistics gearing up to release average wage increase figures, all eyes are on how this data will influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's approach to interest rates. Analysts are keenly observing the interplay between inflation expectations and wage growth, as these elements play a crucial role in the central bank's monetary policy decisions. The Reserve Bank's reaction to wage increase trends could potentially steer future economic direction in Australia, particularly in terms of managing interest rates.

As markets continue to react to global economic signals, the rising Australian dollar presents both opportunities and challenges for local exporters while also setting the stage for domestic economic implications. Investors are advised to stay tuned for live updates as the trading day progresses, marking the significance of these financial indicators in shaping market expectations for the upcoming period.

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