Australian bonds bounce ahead of February retail sales, RBA policy decision

The Australian bonds rebounded Thursday as investors await to watch the country’s retail sales during the month of February as well as the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) monetary policy decision, scheduled to be held next week.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves inversely to its price, slumped 3-1/2 basis points to 2.70 percent, the yield on 15-year note also plunged 3-1/2 basis points to 3.08 percent and the yield on short-term 2-year also traded 1 basis point lower at 1.75 percent by 04:40 GMT.

After three straight weeks of falls, consumer confidence rose 1.6 percent in the week ending March 26. The four week average continued to fall, however, and is now back to early 2016 levels and close to its long run average.

The pickup in confidence was broadly based with four out five sub-indices posting gains. Households’ views of the 12-month economic outlook rose 2.7 percent last week, after a 3.3 percent fall the previous week. Consumers were also more confident regarding future economic conditions, with the index rising a solid 2.8 percent.

Meanwhile, the ASX 200 index traded 2.00 percent up at 5,883.50 by 05:10GMT, while at 05:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly AUD Strength Index remained slightly bullish at 85.05 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex