Sydney Open Briefing: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
The Sydney session opens with a mixed global equity picture and notable moves in gold and the New Zealand dollar. XAUUSD advanced 0.89%, while the JP225 gained 0.79% and USTEC rose 0.65%. Conversely, US30 declined 0.24%. NZDUSD saw a 0.40% decline. The overall risk meter stands at +0.02, indicating a slight risk-on sentiment. The Australian dollar shows strength, up 0.34% in the last 24 hours, alongside the US dollar and New Zealand dollar, both up 0.19%.
Ahead of the session, France’s Jobseekers Total for EUR was released at Tue 23:00 UTC, with a consensus of 3104.4K against a previous 3081.7K. Focus quickly shifts to Australia with RBA Gov Bullock Speaks at Wed 00:15 UTC. This is followed by high-impact Australian inflation data at Wed 00:30 UTC, including Trimmed Mean CPI m/m, with a consensus of 0.3% from a previous 0.2%, and CPI y/y, expected at 4.2% from 4.0%. CPI m/m is also due, with a consensus of 0.7% against a previous 0.4%.
Shortly after, the RBNZ Interest Rate Decision is scheduled for Wed 01:00 UTC, with the consensus rate at 3.00% from a previous 2.75%. The accompanying RBNZ Rate Statement will be released concurrently, followed by the RBNZ Press Conference at Wed 02:00 UTC. Retail positioning data indicates a crowd shift on XAUUSD, with the book moving 13pt toward short in 24 hours. On USDCAD, the book went from 57% short to 51% long in 24 hours. Retail books disagree by 28 points on XAUUSD.
Traders will closely monitor the RBNZ’s rate decision and the Australian inflation figures for directional cues.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | XAUUSD +0.89%, JP225 +0.79%, USTEC +0.65% |
| Currency strength, 24h | AUD strongest at +0.34%, EUR weakest at -0.31% |
| Risk meter | +0.02 (balanced) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23:00 UTC | EUR | France Jobseekers Total | Medium | 3104.4K |
| 00:15 UTC | AUD | RBA Gov Bullock Speaks | Medium | – |
| 00:30 UTC | AUD | Trimmed Mean CPI m/m | High | 0.3% |
| 00:30 UTC | AUD | CPI y/y | High | 4.2% |
| 00:30 UTC | AUD | CPI m/m | High | 0.7% |
| 01:00 UTC | NZD | RBNZ Interest Rate Decision | High | 3.00% |
| 01:00 UTC | NZD | RBNZ Rate Statement | High | – |
| 02:00 UTC | NZD | RBNZ Press 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.