Australian dollar surges after strong data supports steady rate outlook

SYDNEY, March 6 (Reuters) - The Australian dollar AUD=D4 leapt half a cent on Thursday after strong retail sales and trade data supported the case for a steady interest rate outlook. News Search ID:nS9N0KH011

The Aussie jumped to $0.9030, from $0.8983 in early trade, after stops above $0.9000 were tripped. Resistance was found around $0.9040, ahead of key chart barriers at the February peak of $0.9081.

(Reporting by Cecile Lefort; Editing by Paul Tait)

((Cecile.Lefort@thomsonreuters.com)(+61 2 9373-1234)(Reuters Messaging: cecile.lefort.thomsonreuters@reuters.net))

Keywords: MARKETS AUSTRALIA/FOREX