The Australian and New Zealand dollars declined against their most major counterparts in early Asian trading on Friday as most regional stocks fell ahead of crucial jobs data from the U.S. later in the global day.
Among major indices, Japan's Nikkei 225 index eased 0.2 percent thus far, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.3 percent and South Korea's Kospi Composite dropped 0.6 percent.
China's non-manufacturing PMI released in early deals also weakened the Aussie and kiwi as the index fell in January.
China's non-manufacturing sector expanded in January, but at a slower pace compared to the previous month, a survey by China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) showed.
The non-manufacturing business activity index fell to 52.9 in January from 56 in December. However, the reading above 50 indicated expansion of the sector.
Meanwhile, the new orders index fell below the neutral-50 mark, falling by 2 points to 48.5, suggesting a decline in the number of new work received in January.
The Australian dollar slipped to a 2-day low of 1.0678 against the US dollar and the next downside target level for the aussie is seen at 1.065. At Thursday's close, the aussie-greenback pair was quoted at 1.0714.
Against the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar fell to a 2-day low of 1.0684, compared to yesterday's close of 1.0710. On the downside, 1.067 is seen as the next target level for the aussie.
The Australian dollar that closed yesterday's trading at 81.67 against the Japanese yen declined to 81.38. The near term support level for the aussie-yen pair is seen at 80.6.
The New Zealand dollar also edged down, hitting 2-day lows of 63.24 against the yen and 0.8298 against the US dollar. The next downside target level for the kiwi is seen at 0.824 against the greenback and 62.6 against the yen. The kiwi-greenback and the kiwi-yen pairs were worth 0.8335 and 63.54, respectively at yesterday's close.
Against the Australian dollar, the NZ dollar dipped to a 2-day low of 1.2890 with 1.290 seen as the next downside target level. At yesterday's close, the aussie-kiwi pair was quoted at 1.2859.
The New Zealand dollar fell to 1.5823 against the euro and if the kiwi slides further, it may likely target the 1.584 level. The euro-kiwi pair ended yesterday's trading at 1.5780.
Looking ahead, final services PMI report for January from major European economies and the Eurozone December retail sales are slated for release in the European session.
Jobs data from Canada and the U.S. are expected at 7 am and 8:30 am ET, respectively.
The U.S. factory orders for December and the ISM non-manufacturing index for January are due at 10 am ET.
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