The Aussie found itself on the defensive as...>

FOREX: The Aussie found itself on the defensive as headline NAB biz. confidence

index slid, even as the accompanying biz. conditions gauge slightly improved.

Meanwhile, the G10 pile was topped by NZD, fairly strong from off and likely

aided by flows across the Tasman Sea. AUD/NZD is testing the psychological

NZ$1.0500 figure after dipping through its 100-DMA.

- In Asian FX, HKD took a hit as Hong Kong Chief Executive Lam said that the

extradition bill is "dead." Elsewhere, KRW regained some poise after yesterday's

slump noted amid the Japan-South Korea trade spat. Japanese Trade Min Seko said

today that Japan is open to talks with Seoul but not to withdrawing export

controls, while regional press suggested that talks may commence this week.

- MXN softened a touch in the wake of a ruling by the U.S. Commerce Dep that it

will impose an up to 74.01% duty on imports of Mexican structural steel.

- Canadian housing mkt data, Italian retail sales and Swiss unemployment will be

released today. Fed Chair Powell and his deputy Quarles will speak on stress

testing, while their Fed colleagues Bullard & Bostic will appear at a

conference. Remarks from ECB's Visco, Villeroy and Lane are also expected.