The major regional stock indices.............>

STOCKS: The major regional stock indices benefitted from a marginal recovery in

risk appetite in early dealing, as USD/JPY briefly topped Y112.00, although most

of the major indices operate off of best levels last.

- The Nikkei added 0.6% in the morning session, with the real estate and energy

sectors leading the way higher.

- In China the CSI 300 last trades 0.3% higher, although it is worth noting that

the Shanghai Comp has erased its early gains, while the Chinext continues to

struggle as uncertainty clouds the outlook for the space.

- The ASX last trades 0.5% higher, with the heavyweight materials sector leading

the way.

- U.S. index futures also ticked higher.