The major regional indices generally.........>

STOCKS: The major regional indices generally struggled during Wednesday's

Asia-Pacific session, despite the latest press reports pointing to a more

EU-friendly Italian budget proposal.

- The Nikkei 225 was pressured by the stronger JPY in early dealing, before the

Italian news flow alleviated most of the pressure, although the benchmark still

trades some 0.4% lower with the communications and financial sectors providing

the largest drag.

- Mainland Chinese markets remained closed for the holiday, although the Hang

Seng continued to struggle after losing over 2.0% on Tuesday. The index last

trades 0.3% lower.

- The ASX 200 was the exception to the rule, adding 0.3% as the heavyweight

materials and energy sectors pushed higher.

- The news report surrounding the Italian budget allowed U.S. index futures to

reverse their early losses and then some, trading higher on the day last.