Asia's major indices traded in mixed.........>

STOCKS: Asia's major indices traded in mixed fashion on Wednesday, with little

in the way of fresh catalysts apparent.

- The Nikkei 225 finished the morning session 0.2% worse off, as the health care

sector led the way lower, while telecoms & energy names outperformed.

- China-related stocks outperformed as the Hang Seng added 0.8% while the

mainland CSI 300 added 0.5% after PBoC Gov. Yi revealed that the HK-Shanghai

stock quota will be increased from the start of May.

- Australia's ASX 200 shed 0.3% as the heavyweight mining, industrial and

financial sectors lagged.

- US index futures gave back some of Tuesday's gains, with the e-mini S&P 12

points lower and the mini Dow 70 points lower.