Japanese stocks went into the lunch break....>

STOCKS: Japanese stocks went into the lunch break in positive territory, the

Nikkei 225 up 136.22 points at 19,642.76. The index gapped higher at the open,

buoyed by a positive lead from US and European stocks as well as a weaker yen.

USD/JPY broke through the 110 barrier yesterday, last trading at 110.51 after

Trump urged Americans to unite to get tax reforms. Also spurring the bid in

Japanese stocks is the report from Japan Post Bank that they are set to purchase

Y100bln of stocks over the next few years. 10/11 sectors on the Nikkei 225 are

in the green, led higher by financials as yields rise across the board. 

- The ASX200 is up 35 points as Aussie bonds sell off, the index has been

supported by strong China PMI data and strong Australian Capex data which has

engendered positive expectations for the upcoming Australia GDP print (Sept 6).

Lower oil prices have capped gains on the ASX200, dragging on the energy sector.

- Hong Kong have taken a break from their recent gains, the Hang Seng is down

180 points, dragged lower by financials with ICBC down around 3% as analysts

note profit taking in the sector post earnings. Mainland China is also down, the

Shanghai Comp. down around 15 points.