Stocks in Asia-Pac are mostly red, thin......>

STOCKS: Stocks in Asia-Pac are mostly red, thin news flow and cautious trade

keeping volumes subdued in Asia. MNI sources note that the expected Fed hike

this week could result in flows out of Asia into the US.

- In Japan the Nikkei 225 moved higher at the open, bouyed by a weaker yen as

USD/JPY continued its advance to 113.49. These gains were shortlived though and

the index dropped into the lunch break and continued its descent in the

afternoon session. 7/11 sectors are in the red on the Nikkei, Consumer Staples

and Telecommunications lead the way lower.

- In Australia the ASX200 is up 10 points at 6009, the index is supported by a

weaker AUD after weak home price and business confidence data. 6/11 sectors are

in the green, Energy is one of the best performers on the back of the rise in

oil prices.

- The indices in China are in the red, the Shanghai Comp is down 19 points at

3303, in Hong Kong the Hang Seng is down 132 points at 28832. Markets await

details from the annual economic planning conference taking place in Beijing.