Westpac IQ

How are carbon markets evolving to meet ever-changing scope and looming net-zero deadlines? The views of some of Australia’s smartest thinkers are captured in the 2025 CMI-Westpac Carbon Market Report.

Here’s the latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from industry highlights to policy updates and innovation. Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?

Here’s the latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from industry highlights to policy updates. Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?

A brutal week for markets saw AUD/USD collapse almost 5% on Friday, the pair dipping below 0.6000 for the first time in 5 years. Markets are hostage to tariff headlines right now - retaliation from Europe, the potential for offsetting fiscal and monetary policy relief from China, and critically, gauging President Trump's resolve around sticking with severe tariffs. As of Monday afternoon the Administration remain defiant.

AUD/USD kept its head above water last week, running into support in the 0.6280 area consistently and probing into the 0.63s (high last week was 0.6331). These are small ranges though, and shouldn't come as too much of a surprise ahead of a potentially consequential week ahead that includes an RBA Board meeting, China PMIs, 2 April Liberation Day tariffs, US March non-farm payrolls and comments from Fed Chair Powell.