Mainland Chinese equities continued to.....>

EQUITIES: Mainland Chinese equities continued to lead the way higher in Asia-Pac

hours, fuelled by ever-growing margin financing (which has reached levels not

seen since 2015) and what some are deeming irrational exuberance (based on

comments from the country's swelling retail trading community). Still,

policymakers seemingly continue to guide the market higher through state media

commentary pieces, while warning of some of the risks evident. On the margin

front, OTC financing worries have reared their head, with the top regulatory

body outlining over 250 illegal financing parties.

- Further afield, Australian equities looked through the latest escalation in

Sino-Aussie tension surrounding Hong Kong, as the materials and energy sectors

helped the index push on.

- E-minis held tight ranges.

- Nikkei 225 +0.7%, Hang Seng +0.4%, CSI 300 +1.1%, ASX 200 +1.0%.

- S&P 500 futures unch., DJIA futures -3, NASDAQ 100 futures +8.