A fresh round of US tariffs proposals........>

STOCKS: A fresh round of US tariffs proposals targeting China weighed on risk

sentiment, in early Asia-Pacific dealing before stocks moved away from session

lows.

- The Nikkei 225 managed to reverse the early losses & went into the lunch break

ever-so slightly higher with the energy & consumer staples sectors leading the

recovery, as IT underperformed.

- The Hang Seng was playing catch up after yesterday's market holiday, adding

1.0%, with IT names leading the rally, as consumer staples ebbed lower.

- Chinese mainland markets remain closed, as the country observes a market

holiday.

- Australia's ASX 200 managed modest gains as energy names led the recovery,

while utilities & health care lagged.

- US index futures were lower, but back from worst levels, as the e-mini S&P

lost 25 points & the mini Dow lost ~260 points.