Risk-off was the overriding theme in Asia,...>

DOLLAR: Risk-off was the overriding theme in Asia, weighed by Asia equities and

investors seeking clarity over US-China trade talks. JPY & CHF sit top of G10 at

the European crossover, with the dollar moderately weaker across the board.

- The DXY touched post-jobs data highs of 97.46 on Friday, before paring light

gains ahead of the NY close. The downtrend extended through Asia and holds

toward the base of its narrow 97.23-39 range. Topside focus remains on a break

of the Apr 2 high at 97.51, above here brings the triple-top resistance area

into view at 97.71. Bears need a break of the 97 level to open a move toward the

50% retracement of 95.76-97.51 & 100-dma at 96.64/59.

- The weaker dollar theme has seen gold recover $5 on the session to $1297.08.

Consolidation above the $1300 level is required, opening the 50% fibo of

$1324.63-1280.95 at $1302.79, ahead of the 55-dma at $1306.61.

- Brent & WTI remain at elevated levels at or near multi-year highs.

- US Factory Orders & Durable Goods due up at 1400GMT today. February's US

factory orders excluding transport declined 0.2% in January, whereas new orders

increased by 0.1% but are expected to fall by 0.6% in February.