AUD/USD fluctuates around neutral levels,....>

AUSSIE: AUD/USD fluctuates around neutral levels, last trades at $0.6818.

- The rate climbed Friday amid the perception that the U.S. and China are

getting closer to finalising their initial trade agreement. Enthusiasm was

revived by (mostly) positive comments from White House advisor Navarro and a

phone call between top level trade reps from the U.S. and China. Despite a

pullback into the London morning, the rate bounced and continued to post gains

through the rest of the day.

- In the local news, Beijing blocked a pair of Australian lawmakers from

visiting China until they "repent" over their criticisms of the country.

- On the topside, a break above the trendline support-turned-resistance/100-DMA

at $0.6836/40 would bring the Oct 22 at $0.6883 into play. Conversely, bears

look for a dip through $0.6770, the 61.8% retracement of the Oct bull mkt, which

limited the Nov 14 sell-off (inspired by the Aussie labour mkt report).

- Looking ahead, RBA Asst Gov Kent speaks on Tuesday, the same day when the

central bank publishes the minutes from its Nov MonPol meeting. Skilled

vacancies hit on Thursday, while flash CBA PMI data is due on Friday.