SYDNEY (FWN) - The Australian dollar was slightly higher in quiet late afternoon trade, after moving between a high of 0.5202 usd and a low of 0.5178 during the day, dealers said. They said the October trade surplus of 275 mln aud compared to the market median forecast of 100 mln did not impact the local unit. CommSec chief economist Craig James said: "The Australian dollar is a currency that keeps the market guessing. No sooner does the Aussie appear settled in a trading range when a new factor appears on the horizon to alter the status quo." The Australian dollar has held between the 0.5100-0.5250 usd range for almost four weeks. "On domestic factors, we believe the Australian dollar has scope to reach the 0.5300-0.5400 usd area in the next few weeks. The main area of concern is the fall-out from the demise of US energy giant, Enron. "If ripple effects create a new shock for the US economy, this will temper global optimism and thus the appetite for a global growth barometer such as the Australian dollar," he said.