Equity indices moved higher following an.....>

STOCKS: Equity indices moved higher following an announcement that US President

Trump is set to meet with North Korean leader Kim.

- The Nikkei 225 traded 2.0% higher at one point, but has moved back from best

levels and last trades 0.8% higher, as the USDJPY backed away from 107.00. The

BoJ stood pat as expected, and markets now await Kuroda's presser. Utilities was

the only sector that traded lower, while real estate & energy led the way.

- The Hang Seng also trades up around 0.9% with industrial names leading the way

& utilities once again lagging. The index has been supported by positive

earnings reports & the broader risk on tone.

- China's CSI 300 traded 0.3% higher as PBoC Gov. Zhou noted that the economy

will likely rely on less stimulus going forwards. Of note China Resources Beer

surged following a report of a deal in the works with Heineken.

- Australia's ASX 200 traded 0.3% higher, although the Metals & Energy sectors

lagged once again, while industrials led the gains.

- The S&P 500 e-mini was unchanged, backing off of the North Korea-inspired

highs, while the mini Dow posted very modest gains.