Asia-Pacific stocks have rounded off a.......>

STOCKS: Asia-Pacific stocks have rounded off a largely positive week on the

front foot as the USD's run higher abated to a degree.

- The Nikkei 225 added 1.0%, Telecoms led the way higher, while the energy

sector was the only major sector trading lower.

- The Hang Seng added 1.4%, as consumer discretionary names led the rally, while

energy once again lagged. Chinese mainland shares were the overall laggard with

the CSI 300 printing modest losses.

- The ASX 200 added 0.15% although the sector performance was a little more

mixed. Consumer discretionary led the advance, while utilities added the most

weight, with financials also trading lower.

- US Index futures also lodged small gains, with the e-mini S&P 4 points higher,

while the mini-Dow added 50 points.