The major Asia-Pac equity indices lodged.....>

STOCKS: The major Asia-Pac equity indices lodged tentative gains in the main

during early Thursday trade, clinging to hopes re: trade matters after U.S.

President Trump pointed to the potential for a China trade deal happening

"sooner than you think" on Wednesday, although Trade Rep Lighthizer was a little

more cautious. Impeachment goings on continue to do the rounds, potentially

adding some light pressure to U.S. equity index futures, but it is fair to say

that most expect the Republican owned Senate to stand with Trump, even with a

majority of the House now in favour of impeachment.

- Japanese equites also benefitted from the initial signing off of a partial

trade deal between the U.S. & Japan.

- The ASX 200 bucked the trend as the utilities and communication sectors

underperformed their counterparts.

- Nikkei 225 +0.2%, Hang Seng +0.3%, CSI 300 unch. ASX 200 -0.3%.

- S&P 500 futures -2, DJIA futures -11, NASDAQ n100 futures -10.