Broader markets are seemingly breathing a....>

STOCKS: Broader markets are seemingly breathing a sigh of relief after the U.S.

China trade spat failed to escalate further over the weekend, with Asia-Pacific

equities broadly higher, as the major fixed income benchmarks edge lower and the

yuan firms. 

- It is also worth noting that the uptick in risk appetite has taken place

despite U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissing North Korea's accusation

of a "gangster-like mindset" in denuclearization talks, saying the two nations

had productive conversations that will continue in the days ahead.

- The Nikkei 225, Hang Seng & CSI 300 added over 1.0% a piece, although the ASX

200 lagged, adding a meagre 0.2% as the energy sector weighed.

- US index futures also moved higher, tracking the global risk backdrop.