The Australian dollar held a tight range on Friday after failing to make a sustainable rally through 70 US cents offshore despite US data that cast doubt on the outlook for Federal Reserve policy beyond next week.
With a slim local data calendar, the Aussie was further buffeted by movements in the USD, rather than taking its fortunes in its own hands, a theme that will likely continue next week.
The AUD was $0.6985/90 compared with $0.6943/48 late here on Thursday and after a fleeting visit to $0.7007 offshore.
The Aussie's rally to just under 70.50 cents earlier in the weak also lacked follow-through, undermined by support for its neighbouring New Zealand dollar on its improving yield advantage.
While below 70 cents, some analysts see a risk of the Aussie retreating towards this month's low of around 68.50 cents, which would be a 12-week low.