The NZD traded at 82.70 Australian cents at 5pm in Wellington from 82.65c yesterday, having climbed as high as 82.85c.

John Key says there are benefits to a strong exchange rate, even as it creates headaches for exporters.

With the US vote out of the way the focus has turned to the HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index report from China, due later today.

The trade-weighted index advanced 6.8% this year.