Renewed optimism re: Sino-U.S. trade..........>

FOREX: Renewed optimism re: Sino-U.S. trade relations, triggered in the NY/Asia

crossover by a BBG report suggesting that U.S. Pres Trump is increasingly

willing to strike a deal with Beijing to bolster the stock market, set the tone

for today's Asia-Pac session. Risk-on flows dragged JPY to the bottom of the G10

pile & USD/JPY is testing Y109.00 at writing. The Nikkei 225 advanced steadily,

last +~1.3%, while U.S. equities are set to open on the front foot. 

- The Antipodeans outperformed, drawing support from developments re: global

trade, but Aussie's gains were somewhat capped by a soft building approvals

print. AUD/NZD hovers just above the NZ$1.0600 figure as a result. 

- CAD gained alongside oil, with WTI breaking above $50 in early Asia-Pac trade

and staying there since. USD/CAD's bearish momentum continues to gain traction. 

- USD was fragile as the U.S. gov't shutdown standoff continued, but DXY failed

to fall below 95.68, where it bottomed yesterday. 

- FOMC meeting minutes & the BoC rate decision headline today's docket.

Elsewhere, Fed's Bostic, Evans & Rosengren, as well as BoE Gov Carney will

speak. Focus will also fall on the Riksbank's Dec meeting minutes.