AUD/USD remains on the defensive below 0.6700, Chinese CPI, US PPI eyed

• AUD/USD attracts some sellers amid the rebound of USD.
• US headline CPI for December rose 0.3% MoM vs. 0.1% prior; the Core CPI figure grew 0.3% MoM.
• Australian Trade Balance jumped to 11.437M in November.
• Chinese CPI and US PPI reports will be in the spotlight on Friday.

The AUD/USD pair remains on the defensive during the early Asian session on Friday. The pair edges lower on the stronger-than-expected December US inflation figures. Investors await China’s inflation and Trade Data on Friday for fresh impetus. AUD/USD currently trades around 0.6688, up 0.03% on the day.

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed on Thursday that the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December rose 0.3% MoM from 0.1% in the previous reading, above the market consensus of 0.2%. The Core CPI figure grew 0.3% MoM while the annual rate climbed 3.9% YoY versus 4.0% prior, better than the 3.8% estimated.

The upbeat US CPI data and labor market data last week prompted investors to question the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) plan to cut interest rates in the second quarter. This, in turn, boosts the US Dollar (USD) and acts as a headwind for the AUD/USD pair.

On the Aussie front, the Australian Trade Balance jumped to 11.437M in November. Meanwhile, Goods and Services Exports came in at 1.7% on a monthly basis versus 0.4% prior, and Imports fell 7.9% in December MoM versus a 1.9% drop prior.

Apart from this, China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI) and Trade Balance will be released on Friday. If the report shows a better outcome, this could boost the China-proxy Australian Dollar.

Moving on, attention will shift to the US Producer Price Index (PPI) for December, which is projected to show an increase of 0.1% MoM and 1.3%, respectively. The annual Core PPI is estimated to ease to 1.9% YoY versus 2.0% prior. These figures could give a clear direction to the AUD/USD pair.