The majority of the major Asian indices......>

STOCKS: The majority of the major Asian indices moved higher, following on from

Wall St.'s earnings-inspired gains and as reports emerged suggesting that Mike

Pompeo travelled to North Korea to meet with the country's leader Kim Jong Un.

- The Nikkei 225 added 1.3% as the JPY softened, with the Telecoms sector

leading the move higher as all of the major sectors operated in the green.

- Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.1%, as the energy sector led the way higher,

while consumer staples weighed. The mainland's CSI 300 lost 0.6% as telecoms

waivered, while banks benefitted from the PBoC's targeted RRR cut.

- Australia's ASX 200 added 0.2%, with consumer discretionary leading the way,

although telecoms names weighed.

- US index futures continued to edge higher, with the e-mini S&P adding 4

points, as the mini Dow added over 50 points.