Sydney Open Briefing: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Sydney opens with a cautious tone following declines in major indices and commodities. XAUUSD and DE40 both fell -0.75%, while JP225 was down -0.20%. GBPUSD also saw a -0.18% decline. The USD was the strongest currency over the past 24 hours, gaining +0.31%, while the NZD was the weakest, down -0.18%. The risk meter stands at +0.17.
Recent data included a 52-Week Bill Auction (USD) at 3.98%. The GDT Price Index (NZD) came in at 0.9% against a 1.4% consensus, a -35.7% surprise. In the US, Dallas Fed Services Business Activity was 4.2 and Dallas Fed Services Revenues was 6.6, both above consensus. However, ISM Manufacturing New Orders (USD) registered 53.7, below the 58.7 consensus. Positioning shifts saw the crowd flip on USDCAD from 54% short to 51% long, and on EURGBP from 53% long to 52% short. The crowd also shifted 10pt toward long on USDJPY. A Federal Reserve speech scored +0.65 on the hawkish side.
Looking ahead, the session features the Ai Group Industry Index (AUD) at 23:00 UTC. At 01:30 UTC, Australia GDP q/q (AUD) is expected at 0.3%, alongside GDP y/y (AUD) with a consensus of -21.5%. BoJ Board Member Takata Speech (JPY) is also scheduled. The focus for the session will likely be on the series of RBNZ events starting at 02:00 UTC, including the Interest Rate Decision (NZD), where a hike to 2.75% from 2.50% is anticipated. The RBNZ Press Conference follows at 03:00 UTC.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | XAUUSD -0.75%, DE40 -0.75%, JP225 -0.20% |
| Currency strength, 24h | USD strongest at +0.31%, NZD weakest at -0.18% |
| Risk meter | +0.17 (mildly risk-on) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23:00 UTC | AUD | Ai Group Industry Index | Medium | – |
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | Australia GDP q/q | High | 0.3% |
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | GDP y/y | Medium | -21.5% |
| 01:30 UTC | JPY | BoJ Board Member Takata Speech | Medium | – |
| 02:00 UTC | NZD | RBNZ Rate Statement | High | – |
| 02:00 UTC | NZD | RBNZ Monetary Policy Statement | High | – |
| 02:00 UTC | NZD | RBNZ Interest Rate Decision | High | 2.75% |
| 03:00 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.