Risk on trade in Asia has seen stocks rise...>

STOCKS: Risk on trade in Asia has seen stocks rise across the region, denoting

the best start to the year in 5 years. The Japanese market holiday and lack of

events on the economic calendar has meant quiet trade. Gains have been driven by

the Technology and Materials sectors after gains in these areas in US and Europe

yesterday.

- In Australia the ASX 200 is up 10 points at 6072, only 3/11 sectors are in the

green but the index is dragged higher by 1.33% gains in the Materials sector.

Iron ore is up 0.56% and has boosted shares in miners. 

- In China the Shanghai Comp is up 30 points at 3378, while in Hong Kong the

Hang Seng is up 112 points at 30627. Shares tied to the Xiongan region rose

after tentative signs that the FTZ will go ahead, while developers also rose

after positive data for the sector this week.

- As a side note, today is the first day of MiFID II regulations. The new rules

have had a limited impact in Asia-Pac trade, though volumes have been thin after

similarly quiet trade in Europe yesterday.