$A could sink to $US0.57
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WEEKEND ECONOMIST: How bad will it get?
The Australian dollar could fall as low as $US0.57 according to a respected currency strategist.
In a report by The Age, BNP Paribas global head of currency strategy Hans Redeker said doubt surrounding the time of recovery for Asian economies could push the Australian dollar down further over the next six months.
The Australian dollar is currently trading around $US0.655.
Because of Australia's large mining sector, the local currency is substantially influenced by commodity prices.
When the Australian dollar was pushing past $US0.90, Mr Redeker was one of the few commentators forecasting a rapid decline in its value, while the majority of analysts predicted the local unit to reach parity with the US dollar, as quickly expanding Asian economies showed no sign of abating.
The local currency went on to hit $US0.9827, a level not seen in over a quarter of a century, before quickly retreating as commodity prices dived on slowing demand from Asia.
While his estimates were negative for the Australian dollar against the greenback over the next six months, Mr Redeker predicted the euro to weaken substantially in the next quarter to the benefit of the Australian currency.