The Australian dollar is slightly lower, as traders speculate over the likelihood the United States central bank will wind down its economic stimulus program.

Australia's dollar has received its fair share of whacking lately and perhaps it's time to give the currency a bit of a break, currency strategists say.

Australian dollar gains at noon. 8 hours ago. Markets · Currency · Australian Dollar. Local currency recovers from falls on profit taking in early trade ahead of Bernanke speech.

Strong bull markets in stocks have historically coincided with Australian Dollar strength, and indeed the 2009 lows in the S&P occurred almost exactly as the AUDUSD established a lasting bottom.

THE Australian dollar is lower after the release of weak consumer sentiment figures. At 12pm AEST today, the local unit was trading at 97.90 US cents, down from 98.17 cents yesterday.

The Australian dollar has surged past 98 US cents as the American currency takes a breather from its rally ahead of an economically-busy week.

The Australian dollar was little changed on the release of the minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia's May board meeting.

Predictions of a further drop in the Australian dollar have been welcomed by Hunter exporters who have struggled to remain competitive in global markets.

THE Australian dollar lost ground after commodity prices fell in overnight trade and as traders await tonight's testimony to Congress by US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

Australian dollar lifts on Wall St rally. 20 May, 7:38 AM. Markets · Currency · Australian Dollar. Local currency slightly higher after US stocks closed week at record highs.