Aust dollar sharply weaker, bonds slump to noon

AAP General News (Australia)
01-15-2001
Aust dollar sharply weaker, bonds slump to noon

SYDNEY, Jan 15 AAP - The Australian dollar was under pressure to noon from a resurgent
US dollar, particularly against the yen where the greenback was trading at 18-month highs.

The Australian currency broke through support at $US0.5545/50 and traded to its lows
at midday, almost one US cent below where it left the local market Friday.

It was also feeling the pinch against the yen as the euro/yen and euro/US dollar was sold.

At 1200 AEDT, the Australian dollar was at $US0.5532/37, from $US0.5614/19 at the close Friday.

"It has a …