Back On A Positive Footing

Regional equity sentiment has improved as the session progressed. Most of the major indices are tracking higher, while US futures haven't deviated too far away from flat, with eminis holding close to 3942 for now.

• Familiar themes still look to be in play. The HSI is up +1.3%, with the tech index +1.40%. In NY trade the Golden Dragon index rose over 1.7%. Signs of less regulatory overhang continue to benefit the tech related space.
• Mainland shares are also up, but only by a modest 0.15% for the CSI 300.
• Japan shares continue to recover, the Nikkei 225 up 1% at this stage. Positive earnings news supported in the electronics sector.
• The Kospi (+0.65%) has outperformed the Taiex (-0.35%), with offshore investors adding +$131.2mn to local Korean shares.
• The ASX200 is up nearly 15, as commodity prices (led by iron ore and copper) continue to gain on China recovery hopes.
• Indonesian stocks remain underperformers, down a further 0.5%.