WELLINGTON/SYDNEY: The New Zealand dollar rose across the board on Thursday after the nation's economy grew a faster-than-expected pace, in contrast with a lagging Aussie dollar as investors anxiously awaited manufacturing data from China.
China's flash PMI for September due at 0230 GMT. A further drop from August's 47.6 would only add to concerns about a hard landing there and undermine the Antipodeans. Aussie and kiwi are highly sensitive to news out of China, a key export market.
The New Zealand dollar bounces half a cent to a high of $0.8302, closer to a six-month peak of $0.8354 hit on Friday. Last at $0.8290. Resistance found at $0.8325 with support at $0.8240.
The kiwi notches solid gains on major cross rates, pushing up nearly 0.5 percent against the yen to 64.98 yen, and 0.4 percent on the euro which slips to NZ$1.5717.
Aussie lags at $1.0470, from $1.0486 early, still some way from a near six-month peak of $1.0625 last week.
Support seen around $1.0420, the 50-day MA, with solid base at $1.0400, the Sept 7 high. Resistance at around $1.0516, ahead of key resistance at the double top above $1.0600.
The Aussie also muted against the yen and euro. Last at 82.04, having jumped to 82.94 on Wednesday in reaction to a larger-than-expected easing from the Bank of Japan. Euro flat at A$1.2463, not far from a three-month peak of A$1.2552 hit this week.
The Aussie trails the stronger performing kiwi, with the cross rate dipping to NZ$1.2608 from NZ$1.2668, and back within sight of the five-month low of NZ$1.2585 touched on Tuesday.
New Zealand's GDP grew moderate 0.6 percent in Q2, double expectations, with record agricultural production and a lift in earthquake reconstruction driving growth. Interest rates still seen on hold given plenty of spare capacity, low inflation and a soft global outlook.
New Zealand government bonds nudge higher, with yields at longer end of the curve 3 basis points lower.
NZ interest rate futures were mostly unchanged. Market pricing trims chances of rate cut in October to 10 pct, with outlook for the next 12 months essentially flat.
Australian industry is experiencing a welcome pickup in activity after a long period of struggle, a private survey showed on Thursday and firms are hopeful the recovery will extend for a few months more.
Australian debt futures bounce after recent weakness. The three-year contract up 0.07 points to 97.450, while the 10-year contract gains 0.06 points to 96.810.
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