The dollar closed marginally weaker today, encountering resistance at US$0.8900 for the second day running, as traders held their positions ahead of the US interest rate decision.

At the close the dollar was trading at US$0.8877/83, down marginally from yesterday''s close of US$0.8880/84. Dollar traded between a low of US$0.8872 and a high of US$0.8894 in the session.

Of the ASX 200 index shares, Aquarius Platinum led the gainers with a rise of 6.3% followed by increases in Alesco Corp Ltd of 4.3%, in Alumina Limited of 4%, in Newcrest Mining of 3.7%, and in Onesteel Limited of 3.5%.

Of the ASX 200 index stocks, Emeco Holdings L led the decliners with a fall of 24.5% followed by losses in Allco Finance Group of 10.5%, in Roc oil Company of 8.9%, in Riversdale Minin of 8.5% and in Tower Australia of 7.4%.