Asia-Pacific stocks started off the week.....>

STOCKS: Asia-Pacific stocks started off the week on the front foot with gains

seen across the board.

- The Hang Seng led the charge, up 1.28% at the time of writing to add to the

5-day winning streak seen last week. IT and real estate contributed the bulk of

the gains while utilities represented the only down sector on the day. The

mainland`s CSI 300 posted a similar performance, gaining 1.12%

- The Nikkei traded mixed, up just 0.30% although this masked a 2.6% rally in

the real estate sector and a 2.2% gain for consumer staples.

- Australia`s ASX 200 gained another 0.27%, continuing its rip higher from the

beginning of April which has seen the index rise 7% to test its January highs.

Gains were broad-based but led by energy and materials, although telcos shed

3.2% on the day. 

- US index futures also chalked up sizeable gains with the e-mini S&P adding 9.5

points and the mini-Dow adding 105 points.