The major regional equity indices have.......>

STOCKS: The major regional equity indices have traded higher in Asia-Pacific

hours, following the positive lead from Wall St., even with U.S. index futures

pulling back from highs after hours as the U.S. DoJ announced a wide spanning

probe into tech names.

- The major equity metrics benefitted from optimism surrounding an impending

meeting between U.S. & Chinese negotiators (leaked by sources in U.S. hours),

even with CNBC sources downplaying the chances of any notable positive

developments at the summit, which is set to take place next week.

- This backdrop allowed Chinese equities to outperform,

- Nikkei 225 +0.4%, Hang Seng +0.9%, CSI 300 +1.1%, ASX 200 +0.7%.

- S&P 500 futures -1, DJIA futures +9, NASDAQ 100 futures -17.