NZ dollar gains as local data stokes optimism in thin trading

NZ dollar gains as local data stokes optimism in thin trading
By Paul McBeth Aug. 15 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar extended its gains to the top of its recent range as local data stoked optimism about the pace of the country’s recovery. Summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere kept trading volumes thin. The kiwi rose to 80.56 US cents at 5pm in Wellington from 80.31 cents at 8am and 79.82 cents yesterday. The trade-weighted index advanced to 75.80 from 75.36 yesterday. New Zealand’s manufacturing sector continued to expand in July and consumer confidence stayed at elevated levels, accord...