China Seeks To Broaden Iphone Ban, Nasdaq Futures Lower

Regional equities are mostly tracking lower in Asia Pac markets, which is line with losses seen in US and EU bourses through Wednesday trade. Only a few markets in South East Asia (SEA) are tracking higher at this stage. US futures are lower, Eminis last near 4463, down -0.18%. Nasdaq futures are slightly weaker, down 0.26% at this stage.

• Headlines have crossed that China is seeking to broaden the iPhone ban to state firms and agencies. This is likely weighing on tech sentiment.
• Elsewhere. China property related stocks have been volatile. The CSI 300 real estate sub index got above 5200 in early trade, but now sits back at 5145.55, down -0.30% at the break. This sub-index has largely gone sideways in recent weeks. China banks will cut mortgage rates on existing loans for first buyers from September 25th, although this move was already touted.
• The broader CSI 300 is down -0.86% at the break, the index back below the 3800 level.
• The HSI is off by 0.95% at the break. The tech sub-index is down 1.48%, tracking lower for the 3rd straight session.
• Japan stocks are modestly lower at this stage, the Topix off -0.15%. Tech sensitive markets like Taiwan (Taiex -0.40%) and South Korea (Kospi -0.70%) are down, in line with weakness in tech indices in Wednesday US trade and the above mentioned US futures backdrop.
• The ASX 200 remains a weaker performer, down over 1.3%, with weakness evident in the materials sector. Metal prices have softened in recent sessions.
• In SEA Thai stocks are firmer, +0.45%, but the Philippines bourse is weaker at -1.10%.