The major regional equity markets mostly.....>

STOCKS: The major regional equity markets mostly traded lower during

Asia-Pacific hours as worry surrounding the health of the global economy

hampered their performance. The exception was Australia's ASX 200 which

outperformed, as the utility and real estate sectors led the way higher.

- A stronger JPY weighed on the Nikkei 225, while a disappointing round of

Chinese PMI data from Caixin, continued focus on the recent unrest in Hong Kong

and tighter liquidity in both China & HK applied some light pressure to mainland

& HK shares.

- U.S. equity index futures also edged lower.

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

- S&P 500 futures -4, DJIA futures -35, NASDAQ 100 futures -9.