Asia Recap: AUD appreciates further on strong Aus data

FXStreet (Bali) - The Australian Dollar strengthened over half a cent during the Asian session following much stronger-than-expected economic data in Australia.

AUD/USD, which has been displaying a steady bullish tone all week long, extended its gains through 0.90 as both retail sales and trade balance came surprisingly upbeat, allowing a session high of 0.9031 before a pullback towards the 0.90/0.9010 area.

USD/JPY built up on recent gains, with the exchange rate approaching the key 102.70 resistance area, underpinned by the Nikkei 225, which saw gains accelerated post the lunch break at +1.5%.

The NZD/USD continues to show its resilience to move away from a 7-week high around 0.8420. Meanwhile, the rest of G10 currencies offered little moves ahead of ECB, BoE monetary policy decisions.

Main headlines in Asia

NPC makes RMB band widening a policy objective - Nomura

Fed's Fisher: Increasing signs QE has overstayed its welcome

Very strong Australian retail sales and trade data

Head of China government think-tank cautious on the economy - Nomura

Motivations behind PBOC to depreciate CNY - JPMorgan

Australian data much stronger than expected - RBS

Fed’s Williams expects first rate hike mid-2015