Main focus for AUD still to come - RBA announcement due at 2.30pn Sydney time, 0430GMT

The Reserve Bank of Australia monetary policy meeting announcement and Governor Lowe's statement are due Tuesday 3 August 2021.

Earlier preview posts:

• AUD to come under selling pressure if the RBA announces today that it delays tapering
• RBA monetary policy meeting Tuesday 03 August 2021 - preview
• RBA monetary policy meeting Tuesday 3 August 2021 - preview (This could be a big one)
• RBA monetary policy meeting Tuesday 3 August 2021 - preview
• RBA monetary policy meeting Tuesday 3 August 2021 - preview

Meanwhile, Sydney's COVID-19 wave lockdown continues and cases hover around 200 each day:

• Australia NSW new COVID-19 cases 199

Costs are mounting, of course, this an example:

• Australian airline Qantas is to lay off 2,500 staff

RBA Gov. Lowe: