Big miss in Australian jobs data

FXstreet.com (Barcelona) - The Australian jobs report just came surprisingly lower-than-expected, losing 36,100 jobs in March vs -5,000 job losses expected. The Australia unemployment rate stood at 5.6% in March - highest since November 2009 - vs. 5.4% in February (expectations were for 5.4%). The participation rate stood at 65.1 vs. 65.3% prior and 65.2% expected.

On the positive side, the February number, which came at an outstanding 71,500, was revised up to 74,000. Full time employment was reduced in 7,400, while part-time jobs suffered the most, as one would expect.