Despite the Typhoon in Hong Kong.............>

STOCKS: Despite the Typhoon in Hong Kong threatening the region in the afternoon

session, Japanese stocks went into the lunch break in positive territory with

the Nikkei 225 currently up 89pts at 19473.17 but was earlier on in the session

up over 100pts.

- 10 of 11 sectors are in the green, the biggest positive contribution was the

energy industry, lead by advances in oil and gas as strong manufacturing data

emerged. 

- The Hang Seng Index is stagnant as the exchange has been closed due to typhoon

Hato, sources say it's 'carnage' over there.

- USD/JPY is again below 110 at 109.22 but it's highest since the 17th of

August. An MNI analyst said 'as with yesterday, there are rumours of BOJ

purchasing ETF's today which should keep USDJPY supported.' The NZD dropped off

after the government cut economic growth and budget surplus forecasts.

- The ASX is down 24pts, again contributing to the move is energy as AGL Energy

Limited is down 23pts. Iron Ore for Qingdao delivery is down 2pts.

- The above feeding from positive US and European sessions.