April data shows unemployment above forecasts and the first monthly drop in employment since early 2024, pressuring the AUD.
Australia’s unemployment rate increased to 4.5% in April from 3.9% in March, exceeding the 4.3% consensus forecast. The labor market shed 18.6K jobs, reversing a revised 23.3K gain in March and missing expectations of a 17.5K rise.
Full-time employment fell by 10.7K, while part-time roles declined 7.9K. The participation rate dipped to 66.7% from 66.8%. Female employment recorded its first drop since August 2025, with full-time positions down 19K and part-time down 13K.
The Australian Dollar weakened immediately, with AUD/USD trading 0.27% lower at 0.7131.