The Australian dollar fell sharply in overnight trade and was more than one U.S. cent lower on Thursday than it was on Wednesday.
On Thursday it fell to 81.07 U.S. cents from Wednesday's 82.13 U.S. cents level.
Analysts put the heavy drop down to the Bank Of Canada's surprising move to cut basis point rates.
At one point the Australian dollar dipped to 80.78 U.S. cents before slightly lifting.