The major USD crosses are respecting..........>

FOREX: The major USD crosses are respecting Thursday's ranges thus far, with the

AUD underperforming at the margin.

- Little of note on the regional docket in Asia-Pac hours, so the broader risk

backdrop/flows will likely drive price action.

- Worth recapping developments in the Middle East: RTRS ran the following in the

NY/Asia crossover: "Three Katyusha rockets fell on Baghdad International

Airport. The rockets landed near the air cargo terminal, burning two vehicles

and injuring several citizens." No one has claimed responsibility, and there

were reports of U.S. helicopters flying over the airport. The PMF, an umbrella

body for militia groups that was involved in the recent goings on at the U.S.

Embassy in Baghdad, has confirmed that one of its officials was killed in the

strike.

- This comes after U.S. Defence Sec. Esper. spoke on matters in the region on

Thursday, warning that "if we get word of attacks or some type indication, we

will take pre-emptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect

American lives."