Risk sentiment took a hit from the...........>

STOCKS: Risk sentiment took a hit from the uncertainty caused by the Italian

elections, alongside tougher trade rhetoric out of the US.

- The softer risk backdrop & stronger JPY weighed on the Nikkei 225 which last

traded 0.7% lower, with exporting names falling afoul of the stronger currency.

- Hong Kong & Chinese indices traded higher in early dealing as China's National

People's Congress got underway, however, the removal of language around upside

potential for growth in this year's statement pushed the space lower, as it

added weight to financials & stocks related to the property sector. The Hang

Seng last traded 1.3% lower while the CSI 300 was 0.1% lower at the lunchbreak.

- The ASX 200 traded 0.5% lower, as utilities & materials names weighed.

- US index futures also fell, with the mini S&P 500 12 points lower, and the

mini Dow shedding nearly 100 points.