Posted by Market expectations for tomorrow’s RBA meeting are very low – at close on Monday the OIS market had ~4.5bp of cuts priced in, and I would say that’s too much ‘insurance’ …
Looking further out, however, things are changing.
The biggest change is the sudden drop in export prices. In AUD prices, the RBA’s Index of Commodity prices fell by 4.3% in August, despite the 2.1% decline in the AUDUSD exchange rate.
Due to the fact that Australian export prices are much more volatile than import prices, any terms of trade forecast is basically an export price forecast — note the similarity between the RBA’s terms of trade chart (from the Q3 SOMP) and their commodity price index.
It’s fairly clear just from comparing these two charts that the terms of trade are falling more quickly than the RBA expected. That constitutes a real tightening of monetary conditions, and it is something that the RBA will want to respond to if it is sustained.
Look for the RBA to inch up their dovishness in the September statement, probably by noting the sharp decline in commodity prices (who knew the $100 Iron Ore floor was a trap-door?) …
It still seems most likely that the Bank will await the Q3 CPI data before easing further – but 50bps of easing in Q4 (most probably 25bps in each of Nov and Dec) is starting to look very likely.
The market has ~58bps priced to Dec — given the elevated risks offshore, I expect that the short end can and will price in more.
ricardian ambivalence 
Very interesting. FWIW prices have retreated more quickly than I would have wagered, given I see no respite until 2013 (ideally!). Concerns remain in terms of ‘perfect storm’ scenarios. But what the heck, it’s been goooood. Uncertainties prevail.
I have never subscribed to the view that the mining boom was something that happened somewhere else — and just as it boosted things generally on the way up, i expect that it is going to be a drag on the way down.
Be interesting to watch Adelaide dwelling prices for an ‘Olympic Dam drop’.
Here are some miners leaving town :)
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-sa-west+lakes-111095135
(bought in 2008 for 2.8m with no furniture; now listed at 2.5 and still dreaming)
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-sa-eastwood-107151001
(bought 19/11/2007 for $2,150,000 now asking $1,650,000 and still dreaming too).
Ouch
Are you still long AUD then?
No current position, but no i am not a buyer at these levels. Would get long mid 90s … But i am worried that this time it will not bounce.