Friday's US employment figures in focus

from MoneyTrading.com.au

The Australian dollar was higher against both the U.S. dollar and yen Tuesday, bolstered by strong overnight buying as gains in metals prices and a surge on Wall Street spurred fresh appetite for risk. We are caution ahead of the release of US employment figures to be released on Friday.

We are long on AUD against USD & EUR.

US Dollar weaker Broadly On Positive Global Data

From MoneyTrading.com.au

The dollar's end-of-year strength continued to fizzle on Monday, the first day of active trading for 2010, as strong global manufacturing data painted a rosier economic picture, leading investors to buy riskier assets.

The dollar declined against the euro, yen and most of its major rivals, dropping sharply against commodity-linked currencies, such as the Australian dollar, as stocks and commodities posted big gains into the afternoon session.

Gold was up nearly 2%, while silver was up 3.5%.

Australian Dollar Supported By China Manufacturing despite local wakness

MoneyTrading.com.au - Wish you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year

Australian stocks are taking some comfort Monday from continued evidence of the strength of China's economy, beginning 2010 on a positive note despite a weak lead from the U.S. and a contraction in local manufacturing.

Australian manufacturing activity fell slightly in December, snapping a run of four consecutive monthly rises, suggesting a strong Australian dollar, recent interest rate rises and a weak global economy had a weak impact on activity.

The Australian Industry Group/PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index fell 2.7 points in December to 48.5, below the 50-point level that separates contraction from expansion.