Investing.com - The Aussie held earlier gains as the central bank kept rates on hold and amid a slew of regional manufacturing data that focused on a mixed picture in China.
AUD/USD traded at 0.7271, up 0.62%, while USD/JPY changed hands at 122.81, down 0.24%.
The Reserve Bank of Australia, as expected, kept its benchmark cash rate at a record low 2%, but again said inflation levels offer scope for further easing if needed.
The China official manufacturing PMI for November fell to 49.6, compared to 49.8 seen and the same level the previous month, while the Caixin manufacturing PMI rose to 48.6, compared to 48.3 expected and the same level for the previous month.
In Japan, capital spending jumped 11.2%, compared to a 2.3% gain seen in the third quarter year-on-year
Also in Australia, the AIG manufacturing index for November reached 52.5, a jump from 50.2 last month. As well, official data showed building approvals up 3.9%, compared to a 2.3% decline seen, while the current account deficit widened to A$18.1 billion, compared to a deficit of A$16.5 billion expected. Private house approvals in Australia fell 2.1%.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, fell 0.16% to 100.11.
Overnight, the dollar remained broadly supported at eight-month highs against the other major currencies on Monday, after the release of mixed U.S. data as mounting hopes for a December rate hike by the Federal Reserve continued to support.