Sydney Open Briefing: Thursday, September 24, 2026
The Sydney session opens with a generally subdued tone following declines in major equity indices. The JP225 closed -0.71%, the US500 was down -0.67%, the USTEC fell -0.59%, and the US30 declined -0.52%. Gold, XAUUSD, also saw a -0.50% move lower. The US Dollar showed strength over the past 24 hours, up +0.68%, while the Australian Dollar was weaker by -0.52% and the New Zealand Dollar by -0.44%, with NZDUSD moving -0.38%. The risk meter currently stands at +0.12, indicating a slight risk-on sentiment, though market moves suggest caution.
Earlier, the South African Reserve Bank announced its Prime Rate at 10.75% and its Interest Rate Decision at 7.25%. Looking ahead for the Sydney session, high-impact Australian employment data is due at Thu 01:30 UTC. The Unemployment Rate (AUD, High) is expected at 4.5%, matching the previous 4.5%. Australia Employment Change (AUD, High) is forecast at 22.5K, a shift from the previous -15.8K. Also, Full-Time Employment Change (AUD, Medium) previously registered 16.3K.
Later in the session, attention will turn to European central banks. The SNB Policy Rate (CHF, High) is scheduled for Thu 07:30 UTC, with the SNB Interest Rate Decision (CHF, High) at Thu 08:00 UTC expected at 0.00%, matching the previous 0.00%. The SNB Press Conference (CHF, High) and SNB News Conference (CHF, High) follow at Thu 08:00 UTC and Thu 08:30 UTC. The Norges Bank Press Conference (NOK, High) is also set for Thu 08:30 UTC.
Regarding positioning shifts, the book on US30 moved 8pt toward long over 24 hours, while the book on USDX moved 8pt toward short. Retail books on EURUSD show a 20 points disagreement. The book on EURGBP shifted 8pt toward short in 24 hours.
Traders will closely watch the Australian employment figures for immediate direction.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | JP225 -0.71%, US500 -0.67%, USTEC -0.59% |
| Currency strength, 24h | USD strongest at +0.68%, AUD weakest at -0.52% |
| Risk meter | +0.12 (mildly risk-on) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | Unemployment Rate | High | 4.5% |
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | Australia Employment Change | High | 22.5K |
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | Full-Time Employment Change | Medium | – |
| 07:30 UTC | CHF | SNB Policy Rate | High | – |
| 08:00 UTC | CHF | SNB Press Conference | High | – |
| 08:00 UTC | CHF | SNB Interest Rate Decision | High | 0.00% |
| 08:30 UTC | NOK | Norges Bank Press Conference | High | – |
| 08:30 UTC | CHF | SNB News Conference | High | – |
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.