Risk returned overnight after the release....>

DOLLAR: Risk returned overnight after the release of strong AU Retail

Sales/Trade data with added support from the FT story that reported US & China

are drawing closer to a trade agreement. AUD sits top of the pile at the

European crossover, while the USD has registered modest losses across the board.

- The DXY rallied to 97.51 yesterday, before drifting at the close. The

downtrend extended through Asia to hold at the base of its 97.16-32 range. Bulls

need to recover 97.50, before putting the focus back on the triple-top

resistance area at 97.71. Bears look for a close below 97, opening the 50%

retracement of 95.74-97.51 & 100-dma at 96.63/57.

- Gold remains in consolidation mode tied to a narrow 1290.25-1293.80. Downside

focus remains on the 100-dma & Mar 7 low at $1282.80/1280.94. Bulls need to

clear $1300 to reignite the uptrend toward the 55-dma & 50% fibo of

$1324.99-1285.33 at $1306.21/1305.16.

- Risk-on flows supported crude in Asia-Pac hours, WTI & Crude hold at the peak

of their respective ranges. Last $62.81/69.79.

- US ADP(1230GMT), Svcs PMI(1345GMT) & ISM Non-mfg(1400GMT) due up today.