The Nikkei 225 was supported by the softer...>

STOCKS: The Nikkei 225 was supported by the softer JPY which allowed the index

to buck the broader trend on the back of the elongated holiday weekend, adding

0.2% in the morning session.

- Hong Kong was closed for a market holiday, dampening liquidity in the region.

- The CSI 300 fell afoul of the negative from Wall St. & the latest barbs from

the U.S. trade war as the market returned from an extended weekend. Traders also

highlighted property developers, which came under pressure on the back of

reports that China is discussing a plan to end the pre-sale system which has

been a critical funding source for the space.

- Wall St.'s negative lead also weighed on the ASX 200, which shed 0.1%, in

spite of a strong showing for the energy sector, as financial and consumer

related stocks led the index lower.

- U.S. index futures registered modest losses.