Curve a touch steeper, in sympathy.....>

AUSSIE BONDS: Curve a touch steeper, in sympathy with the moves in the Tsy curve

overnight, with YM -1.0 and XM -3.0.

- Sino-Aussie tensions continue to garner attention, although knock-on effects

for the market remain limited at best. The latest Global Times opinion piece on

the matter noted "if Australia provokes China further, China will fight it to

the end to defend its core interests. These include issues regarding the South

China Sea, Hong Kong and international investigations into the origins of the

novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, some Australian sectors such as education, mining

and agriculture all desire improved ties with China. That being said, the

possibility of a comprehensive confrontation is low." Elsewhere, the Sydney

Morning Herald noted that "Australia is set to offer Tiananmen-style visas to

Hong Kong residents currently in Australia, as federal cabinet considers tearing

up an extradition treaty with the Chinese territory."

- Bills run -1 to +1 through the reds.

- Housing finance data headlines the local docket today.