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

STOCKS: The major Asia-Pacific equity indices trade in mixed fashion ahead of a

long holiday weekend in China & Hong Kong.

- Australian equites underperformed as the post-budget optimism faded, the

losses were fairly broad based on a sectoral basis, and came on the back of a

7-day winning streak for the index.

- The Hang Seng lacked follow through above the psychological 30,000 level, and

faded back below, while mainland Chinese equity metrics (the CSI 300 & Shanghai

Comp) consolidated the recent move above their own psychological resistance

levels.

- Nikkei 225 +0.3%, Hang Seng -0.7%, CSI 300 +0.5%, ASX 200 -0.9%.

- U.S. equity index futures are mixed, after Wall St. rallied on trade optimism

on Wednesday, which outweighed some softer than expected domestic data.

- S&P 500 -3, DJIA +8, NASDAQ 100 -11.