AUD/USD last deals at $0.6897, virtually.....>

AUSSIE: AUD/USD last deals at $0.6897, virtually unchanged on the day. The local

calendar is virtually empty today, which means that the focus will be on China's

monthly activity data & Q4 GDP.

- After a bounce off the 50% retracement of the Oct 2 - Dec 31 bull mkt at

$0.6852 seen earlier this month, bulls expect the rate to build a base above the

38.2% retracement of that move at $0.6894. The 200-DMA intersecting at $0.6887

supports their case. A break above Thursday's high of $0.6934 would open up the

Jan 7 high of $0.6943. A drop below $0.6894/87 would expose the aforementioned

fibo level at $0.6852 & three earlier lows clustered just shy of it.

- To recap, the rate made gains in Thursday's European hours before the release

of stronger than exp. U.S. retail sales, Philly Fed Suvey & initial jobless

claims triggered a fresh round of sales. As a result, AUD/USD finished a handful

of pips below neutral levels.

- The Australian docket next week is headlined by the key labour market report,

due Thursday. Westpac Consumer Confidence Survey and skilled vacancies

(Wednesday), as well as preliminary readings of CBA PMIs (Friday) are also due.