The Australian currency was lower at Tuesday noon, even with a strong set of local economic data released today.

During the local session, the Australian Bureau of Statistics published retail trade figures showing a rise 0.7 per cent in July. This is above the market forecast of 0.4 per cent.

Building approvals also ascended, up 2.3 per cent, contrary to market prediction of 0.7 per cent in June.

The Aussie increased beyond 89.50 US cents from 89.31c prior to the announcement of economic figures but did not rally.

At midday AEST, the domestic currency changed hands at $US0.8928/34, down from Monday's finish of $US0.8979/82.

Since 7am AEST, the Australian dollar exchanged between $US0.8911 and $US0.8957.

Weakness in the Asian region weighed on the local unit, according to Royal Bank of Scotland foreign exchange strategist Greg Gibbs.

He said strength in yen is dragging the Aussie lower.

"There's a bit of weakness in other Asian currencies and equities in the region dragging the Aussie down, or preventing it from rallying."

Mr Gibbs said the market would await manufacturing data from the US and China tomorrow and US payrolls on Friday.

He expects the Aussie to trade between $US0.8920 and $US0.8950 for the rest of the day.