Regional indices operated in mixed fashion...>

STOCKS: Regional indices operated in mixed fashion after US index futures

relinquished the bulk of their Monday morning bounce.

- The Nikkei 225 added 0.25% in the morning session with consumer staples &

health care names leading the way, as the energy sector dragged.

- The Hang Seng shed 1.7% as consumer discretionary names weighed, while the

utilities sector outperformed, ticking ever so slightly higher. The mainland CSI

300 lost 1.5%.

- Australia's ASX 200 added 0.3% as the energy & utilities sectors led the way,

while the consumer discretionary sector edged lower.

- US index futures pulled back from their early session highs with the e-mini

S&P 500 6.5 points higher & the mini Dow 65 points better off. Earnings seasons

remains at the fore for equity traders, with Bank of America due to report later

today.