The major regional equity benchmarks.........>

STOCKS: The major regional equity benchmarks operated in mixed territory after

the major Wall St. equity indices recovered from worst levels on Wednesday.

- A softer than expected official Chinese manufacturing PMI reading weighed on

sentiment, as the index moved further into contractionary territory, although

the NBS alluded to seasonal matters surrounding the LNY break. New export orders

weighed on the headline, while domestic new orders moved back into expansionary

territory.

- Hawkish China comments from U.S. TR Lighthizer, made Wednesday, also limited

risk appetite.

- Nikkei 225 -0.4%, Hang Seng +0.1%, CSI 300 -0.2%, ASX 200 +0.1%.

- U.S. equity index futures ticked lower.

- S&P 500 -3, DJIA -20, NASDAQ 100 -9.