The Australian dollar and the nation's mining companies were boosted on Monday following stronger-than-expected Chinese trade data.
China exports in September rose 15.3 percent from a year ago, and China's imports rose 7 percent, after being tipped to only rise 2 percent.
China's demand for iron ore in September was up 13.1 percent from August, while coal imports were up 12.2 per cent.
The Australian dollar rose from a low of 86.5 U.S. cents to a peak of 87.5 U.S. cents, before easing back to 87.32 U.S. cents.
Iron ore miner Fortescue Metals rose nearly 6 percent, Rio Tinto was up 1.9 percent, and BHP Billiton was 0.9 percent by 1:37 p.m. (AEDT).
Exports jump 15.3 pct in September, outlook divided
2014-10-13China‘s exports jump 15.3 pct in September
2014-10-13China reports decent exports and record high surplus again
2014-09-09China‘s surplus hits record high in Aug with exports up 9.4 pct
2014-09-08China‘s exports expand 9.4 pct in August
2014-09-08China‘s exports up in July, imports fall
2014-08-08China‘s exports rise 7.2 pct while imports advance 5.5 pct
2014-07-10
