The major regional equity markets (that......>

STOCKS: The major regional equity markets (that were open) ticked up alongside

U.S. equity futures during Asia-Pac hours, aided by the positive lead from Wall

St. & perhaps benefitting from no outright escalation of trade hostilities ahead

of the week-long Chinese holidays that got underway today.

- The Nikkei 225 was able to overcome some local issues, namely the imposition

of the well-documented sales tax hike, as well as a less than inspiring BoJ

Tankan survey.

- Elsewhere, the ASX 200 edged higher ahead of the RBA MonPol decision, with

most looking for a cut from the central bank. The energy and financial sectors

were the only major groups trading lower at writing.

- Nikkei 225 +0.7%, ASX 200 +0.4%.

- S&P 500 futures +11, DJIA futures +90, NASDAQ 100 futures +39.