The disappointing euro zone PMI's restrained the euro, while the better Chinese data boosted commodity- exposed currencies including the Australian dollar.

Trade- exposed currencies led the early gains, with the Australian dollar notching a four-month peak, while the dollar slipped against the yuan.

Commodities- exposed currencies including the Norwegian crown and South African rand rallied particularly strongly, both up more than 2% on the day.

Trade- exposed currencies led the early gains, with the Australian dollar notching a four-month peak, while the dollar dropped to one-month lows against the yuan.