The New Zealand dollar held its ground above US66c today, as the US dollar fell due to weak data.
By 5pm today the kiwi had edged up to US66.28c, from US66c at the local close yesterday.
On the Australian dollar cross rate the kiwi was buying A89.24c, from A89.56c at 5pm yesterday.
Local data out this week has added to New Zealand's gloomy economic picture.
Dwelling consents fell 11 per cent in January, business confidence continued to deteriorate and the January year trade deficit swelled to $7.1 billion.
Across the Tasman, Australian real gross domestic product rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.5 per cent in the December quarter, and 2.7 per cent over the year to December.
The US dollar fell across the board, after a measure of growth in US Midwest economic activity came in lower than expected.
Traders said the data dented market expectations that the Federal Reserve would boost its funds rate to 5 per cent by the middle of the year after an expected rise to 4.75 per cent in March.
Rates:
5pm today 5pm Tuesday
NZ dlr US66.28c US66.00c
NZ dlr/Aust dlr A89.24c A89.56c
NZ dlr/euro 0.5551 0.5565
NZ dlr/yen 76.68 76.84
NZ dlr/stg 37.77p 37.93p
NZ TWI 68.02 68.08
Australian dollar US74.28 US73.69c
Euro/US dollar US1.1942 US1.1855
US dollar/yen 115.69 116.42
- NZPA
<EM>Currency:</EM> Edging up on greenback
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