Headlines citing White House spokeswoman's....>

FOREX: Headlines citing White House spokeswoman's interview with Fox News

inspired a round of risk-on flows earlier in the session, as she noted that the

U.S. is "very optimistic" on reaching a trade agreement w/China. The impact

dissipated even before White House advisor Navarro said that "there is no

agreement at this time to remove any of the existing tariffs." 

- AUD underperforms its G10 peers, it has been offered after the release of the

RBA's most recent SoMP, which saw a downgrade to the 2020 growth forecast, talk

of slow wage growth keeping domestic inflation pressures in check, and a mention

of "other policy options" being considered. Mostly better than expected housing

finance figures published at the same time have failed to rescue the Aussie.

- KRW has firmed up in a delayed reaction to yesterday's headlines re:

U.S.-China tariff roll-back, which revived risk appetite.

- Focus turns to Chinese & German trade data, Canadian unemployment, housing

starts & building permits, French industrial output and U.S. Uni of Mich.

Survey. Central bank Fed's Daly, BoC's Beaudry Norges Bank's Matsen. Riksbank

may decide on the appointment of a new Exec Board member.