Sydney Open Briefing: Monday, August 24, 2026
Sydney opens with a slightly risk-on tone, indicated by the Risk Meter at +0.17. Overnight trading saw notable shifts. USDCAD gained +0.36%. NZDUSD and AUDUSD both declined, by -0.16% and -0.15% respectively, despite AUD being the strongest currency over 24 hours at +0.69% and NZD also showing strength at +0.42%. This suggests broader USD weakness, which was -0.23% over 24 hours, was a factor. GBP pairs also saw declines, with GBPUSD down -0.13% and GBPJPY down -0.13%. USDCHF moved -0.04%. These movements set the initial context for the session.
The session has already seen the release of Retail Sales y/y (NZD) data. This medium impact event had a consensus forecast of 4.5%, matching the previous figure of 4.5%. Traders will be assessing the impact of this data on the New Zealand dollar.
Looking ahead within the Sydney session, the next scheduled data point is CPI y/y (SGD). This medium impact release is due at Mon 05:00 UTC. The market consensus is 1.9%, consistent with the previous reading of 1.9%. The overall data calendar for this session appears relatively light.
Traders will likely focus on the upcoming CPI y/y (SGD) release as the primary event for the remainder of the session.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | USDCAD +0.36%, NZDUSD -0.16%, AUDUSD -0.15% |
| Currency strength, 24h | AUD strongest at +0.69%, CHF weakest at -0.34% |
| Risk meter | +0.17 (mildly risk-on) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22:45 UTC | NZD | Retail Sales y/y | Medium | 4.5% |
| 05:00 UTC | SGD | CPI y/y | Medium | 1.9% |
Times are UTC. This brief describes measured market state and the published schedule. It is not financial advice and nothing in it is a trade recommendation.