The major Asia-Pacific equity benchmarks.....>

STOCKS: The major Asia-Pacific equity benchmarks operated in mixed territory

overnight. They struggled in early trade on the back of the Chinese statement

re: the latest round of U.S.-China trade talks, with markets inferring that

little progress was made at the 3-day meeting. Although this was perhaps more of

a case of buying the rumour and selling fact, as little in the way of major

positive developments were noted.

- The risk off flows lacked any real follow through in the equity space, with

the major regional indices recovering from session lows, with a more cautious

Fed perhaps adding some counterbalance to the early flows.

- The Nikkei 225 -1.1%, hampered by JPY strength, CSI 300 +0.3%, Hang Seng +0.3%

ASX 200 -0.1%.

- U.S. equity index futures remain lower on the day.

- S&P 500 -10, DJJIA -67, NASDAQ 100 -26.