Rupiah Gains Against US Dollar in Friday

Jakarta (Antara) - The rupiah value rose in the opening trade on Friday extending gain against the US dollar in inter-bank transactions. The currency traded at the level of 12,160 per U.S. dollar gaining 14 points from the previous level of 12,174 per dollar. "Rupiah extended gain on positive economic data of 2013 growing beyond expectation," chief researcher of Trust Securities, Reza Priyambada said. He said the rupiah appreciation was also propped up by Bank Indonesia policy maintaining tight money policy. Externally positive sentiment came with decision of the European Central Bank to restrain from increasing financial stimulus putting pressure of the US dollar, he said. Ariston Tjendra of Monex Investindo Futures said the U.S. dollar tended to weaken ahead of the release of data of "non-farm payrolls" and U.S. unemployment rate. "Investors always follow 'non-farm payrolls' as it is used as a reference by the Fed in slashing its monetary stimulus," he said. He said the U.S. trade balance deficit widened in December, 2013 as a result of a decline in exports adding pressure on the U.S. dollar. (*)