NZ dollar gains in light holiday trading after US data misses expectations

NZ dollar gains in light holiday trading after US data misses expectations
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Dec. 22 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand dollar climbed above 68 US cents in light holiday trading after weaker-than-expected US data sapped demand for the greenback, while local figures yesterday supported the local economic outlook.  The kiwi rose to 68.06 US cents at 5pm in Wellington from 67.67 cents at 8am and 67.49 cents yesterday. The trade-weighted index increased to 74.02 from 73.56 yesterday.  Trading has slowed this week in the lead-up to the Christmas holiday, with the upcoming final reading for third-quarter...