Australian dollar close to 6-1/2-year high

The Australian dollar edged to a fresh six and a half year high in Friday afternoon trade as the US dollar continued to struggle after the European Central Bank appeared little worried about the strength of the euro.
The Aussie struck a high of 77.60 US cents late in the day, creeping past an earlier peak of 77.58 cents, and overcoming mild disappointment over November trade balance data showing exports had failed to maintain a recent improving trend.