Measured comments from China's Xi.......>

EURO-DOLLAR: Measured comments from China's Xi helped to boost risk in Asian

markets, moved the earlier overnight news that US Trump's personal lawyer's

office had been raided by the FBI to the side. Eur/Usd retained its underlying

buoyant tone, seen Monday when rate was able to extend its recent recovery back

above $1.2300, from pre NY lows of $1.2262, to $1.2330. Rate had pulled back to

$1.2307 during the NY afternoon but was recovering into the close. This recovery

continued in Asia, aided by Xi comments, though cross plays provided some

counter. Rate touched a high of $1.2329, Asian traders mentioned 'mild' sell

interest placed from $1.2330 through to $1.2350, before it drifted back to

$1.2307. Recovery efforts have been capped at $1.2320 ahead of the European

open. Support remains at $1.2307 to $1.2300, a break to expose hourly support

between $1.2285/75. ECB speakers in view, Nuoy at 0830GMT but of more interest

will be ECB Nowotny at 0845GMT as he speaks on Monetary Normalisation; scenarios

and risks. Nowotny seen hawkish, often plays down Eur strength.