AUD/USD last trades at $0.6914, 10 pips......>

AUSSIE: AUD/USD last trades at $0.6914, 10 pips higher on the day. Weekend

comments from U.S. Pres Trump & Commerce Sec Ross, suggesting that Washington

and Beijing are close to finalising phase one of their trade agreement, has lent

some support from the off.

- Friday saw the pair finish in the green amid a broader recovery in risk

appetite, triggered by a better than forecast Chinese Caixin m'fing PMI print. A

sell-off into Europe was followed by another downtick driven by a strong U.S.

NFP report, but disappointment provided by U.S. ISM m'fing inspired recovery.

- Bulls look for a push above the 61.8% retracement of the Jul 19 - Oct 2

slide/Oct 31 high at $0.6925/30. This would open the 200-DMA at $0.6954. A

retreat under the Sep 12 high of $0.6895 would expose the $0.6851 100-DMA.

- Over the weekend the local press suggested that Australian Treasurer

Frydenberg and RBA Gov Lowe may issue an updated Statement on the Conduct of

Monetary Policy, when the central bank announces its MonPol decision on Tuesday.

- On the data front, the Australian docket includes retail sales (today) and

trade balance (Thursday). On Friday, the RBA will publish their latest SoMP.