KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand dollar paused for breath today after a strong overnight rally as markets awaited key economic data out of the US tonight.
The kiwi dollar held just below eight-and-a-half month highs against the US dollar, keeping pace with the neighbouring Aussie currency.
It closed near the top of its range at US67.44c, compared with US67.14c yesterday.
Overnight the New Zealand currency was buoyed by the European Central Bank's decision to leave interest rates unchanged.
With Japan out of the market due to a public holiday, investors awaited US payroll data which was expected to confirm an increase in jobs.
Dealers said that if it indicated a weakening US economy, the kiwi could push above US68c.
If the kiwi slipped, its key support level was US67.20c, with US66.50c the next rung down.
Locally, market watchers are looking towards Monday's third quarter wages data and jobs data on Thursday.
Rates:
5pm today 5pm Thursday
NZ dlr/US dlr US67.44c US67.14c
NZ dlr/Aust dlr A87.09c A86.92c
NZ dlr/euro 0.5278 0.5264
NZ dlr/yen 78.99 78.74
NZ dlr/stg 35.34p 35.21p
NZ TWI 67.22 67.01
Australian dollar US77.42c US77.24c
Euro/US dollar 1.2779 1.2752
US dollar/yen 117.13 117.27
- NZPA