news (Dow Jones)

8:24 (Dow Jones) USD/CAD is 0.4% lower heading into the North American open, changing hands around C$0.9858, helped by a global glut of PMI data that did little to spark new anxieties. China's index even topped expectations, rising 0.5 points to 51.0. CAD appears on firm footing as we head into a steam of 8:30 am data from both sides of the border -- with the much-anticipated initial jobless claims report, and personal income and consumption data due in the US, and Q4 current account balance data, and industrial and raw materials price indices due in Canada. Positive reports could send USD/CAD lower, but support lies around Wednesday's low of C$0.9845. Resistance, meanwhile, comes in just before the C$0.99 handle. (karen.johnson@dowjones.com)