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Australian Employment Surges in June, Rate Hike Bets Rise

Bloomberg Markets •
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Australian employment surged in June, extending the previous month's gains and underscoring the ongoing strength in the nation's labor market. The better-than-expected jobs data has stoked bets on another interest-rate increase by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The June figures build on May's momentum, signaling that the economy continues to generate jobs at a robust pace despite tighter monetary policy. Economists had forecast a more modest gain, making the upside surprise significant for policy outlook.

Traders have increased pricing for a 25 basis-point hike at the RBA's next meeting, with money markets now seeing a higher probability of a move. The strong labor market remains a key pillar supporting the case for further tightening to anchor inflation expectations.

The data adds to evidence that Australia's economy is weathering global headwinds better than many peers, though officials will watch for signs of wage-price spirals as they weigh the next policy step.