Most of the major regional Asia-Pacific......>

STOCKS: Most of the major regional Asia-Pacific equity benchmarks traded higher

on Wednesday, taking their lead from Wall St., even as the latest round of

Chinese economic activity data disappointed.

- The Nikkei 225 lagged, struggling in the wake of earnings season. One

noteworthy news story was that Japan Display, an Apple supplier, is set to cut

~1,000 jobs, according to Nikkei sources. Taiwan tech giant Hon Hai posted

disappointing earnings after market on Tuesday, which also crimped sentiment for

the tech names.

- Also worth highlighting a RTRS sources piece which suggested that "President

Trump is expected to sign an executive order this week barring U.S. companies

from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security

risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China's Huawei." This was

later confirmed by an official.

- Nikkei 225 +0.2%, Hang Seng +0.7%, CSI 300 +1.4%, ASX 200 +0.6%.

- U.S. equity index futures also ticked higher.

- S&P 5000 futures +5, DJIA futures +33, NASDAQ 100 futures +20.