Strong figures lift Australian dollar

The Australian dollar opened one US cent stronger thanks to a good run economic data from United States, China and Australia.

At 7am AEST (9am NZT) on Thursday, the local unit was trading at $US0.9111/15, up from Wednesday's close of $US0.9010/12.

Since 5pm AEST, the local currency traded between $US0.8988 and $US0.9114.

Overnight data from the US showed manufacturing expanded in August for the 13th straight month, lifting hopes of that the American economic recovery won't stall.

The Institute for Supply Management said its manufacturing index rose to 56.3 in August from 55.5 in July. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

The reassuring US data followed reports on Wednesday that showed that Chinese factory activity regained momentum and Australia's economy grew at its fastest pace in three years last quarter.

ANZ senior markets dealer Alex Sinton said it has been a good 24 hours for the Australian dollar.

"It started from the Chinese PMI yesterday and obviously the Australian June quarter GDP was a stunner," Mr Sinton said from Auckland.

"The US data overnight has helped keep the edge on things."

"It looks on it's way to perhaps knock out 92 (US cents).

"I'm not sure on the day it's got that steam, but you're going to get another good trade number so it can't be bad," Mr Sinton said.

Australian trade data due on Thursday is expected to show a surplus of A$3.1 billion ($3.9 billion).

Mr Sinton predicted the Australian dollar would trade between $US0.9070 and $US0.9150 on Thursday.

- AAP