The first half of today's Asia-Pacific........>

FOREX: The first half of today's Asia-Pacific session saw warm rhetoric around

Sino-U.S. trade relations boost risk appetite, which has allowed the Antipodeans

to remain buoyant. U.S. President Trump pointed to a summit with Chinese

President Xi, as he reported "substantial progress" in trade talks with Beijing

and announced an extension of the Chinese tariff deadline. Meanwhile, China also

indicated progress on a number of issues. While AUD has drawn more support on

the back of trade-related headlines, NZD has also been propped up by a stronger

than exp. domestic retail sales print.

- CNH has also been strong, with USD/CNH ~230 pips lower at writing.

- JPY has underperformed, weighed on by the aforementioned risk-on theme. Yen

weakness has allowed the Nikkei 225 to gain ~0.6% thus far.

- Focus on this data-light Monday turns to remarks from Fed Vice Chair Clarida

and Riksbank's Ingves, while BoE Gov Carney is set to speak alongside FCA's

Bailey.