Equity markets traded in mixed fashion.......>

STOCKS: Equity markets traded in mixed fashion during Asia-Pacific hours, with

regional holidays eyed and a lack of any real fundamental catalyst apparent,

while another tumble for crude oil prices provided some headwinds.

- The broader focus still falls on COVID-19 matters, U.S. earnings season and

the health of North Korean leader Kim.

- Chinese stocks flicked between positive and negative territory, although the

prospect of looser regulatory standards re: IPOs on the tech-heavy ChiNext board

left some investors with a case of cold feet. Immediate focus for the space

falls on a deluge of local earnings releases.

- U.S. equity index futures edged lower, ahead of earnings from the likes of 3M,

Merck, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Starbucks & Alphabet, scheduled for later today.

- Nikkei 225 +0.2%, Hang Seng +0.8%, CSI 300 +0.8%, ASX 200 -0.2%.

- S&P 500 futures -11, DJIA futures -57, NASDAQ 100 futures -24.