The majority of the major Asia-Pacific.......>

STOCKS: The majority of the major Asia-Pacific equity markets followed the

positive lead of their global counterparts, after the latter benefitted from a

wider than expected headline Chinese trade surplus, in addition to Chinese

credit/lending data that also topped exp., back on Friday.

- The Nikkei 225 has hit levels not seen since December, while the Shanghai

Composite outperformed before fading a touch (this comes after Chinese stocks

struggled last week). The aforementioned data releases supported China's

financial sector and also allowed the Hang Seng to move into bull market

territory. Warmer trade tones, and source reports surrounding U.S.-China trade

matters also helped to support the space.

- The ASX 200 struggled with the health care and utilities sectors providing the

largest drags on the benchmark.

- Nikkei 225 +1.5%, Hang Seng +0.6%, CSI 300 +1.5%, ASX 200 -0.1%.

- U.S. equity index futures operate around unchanged levels.

- S&P 500 -2, DJIA +11, NASDAQ 100 -6.