The New Zealand dollar fell as global risk sentiment abated and ahead of figures expected to show the economy slowed in the third quarter.
The kiwi dollar fell to 83.62 US cents from 83.91 cents at 5pm in Wellington yesterday. The trade-weighted index fell to 74.56 from 74.75.
Gross domestic product probably rose 0.4 per cent in the three months ended September 30, from a 0.6 per cent pace in the second quarter, according to a Reuters survey of 13 economists.
Forecasts ranged from zero growth to 0.7 per cent. Shares weakened on Wall Street after US housing starts fell more than expected and fiscal cliff talks appeared to stumble. The euro gained after German business confidence rose for a second month.
"There is room for some more correction of the NZD/USD if the GDP figure is weaker than expectations, however in the bigger scheme of things we continue to see global sentiment as the main driver for the NZD," Bancorp Treasury Services said in its morning note. "In the lead-up to Xmas the fiscal cliff will be the calendar headline."