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

STOCKS: The majority of the major Asia-Pacific cash equity markets sit lower,

while U.S. equity index futures were pressured by speculation surrounding and

the ultimate level of the USD/CNY fix from the PBoC, which came in a whisker

below the psychological CNY7.00 level.

- JPY strength led to some weight being placed on the Nikkei.

- The ASX 200 was the outperformer, with the consumer names leading the way

higher, even as the heavyweight materials and energy sectors struggled.

- Nikkei 225 -0.7%, Hang Seng -0.6%, CSI 300 -0.1%, ASX 200 +0.6%.

- S&P 500 futures -17, DJIA futures -140, NASDAQ 100 futures -50.