The Nikkei 225 went into the lunch break.....>

STOCKS: The Nikkei 225 went into the lunch break in negative territory at

20270.97, down 59.22pts despite the USD/JPY being up 0.12 at 112.3 around 2

month highs, creeping up since Fed Yellen hinted further towards a rate hike

possibility for December and with the anticipation Pres. Trump could cut taxes

in the U.S. tax reform this week. Risk aversion seems to still be the tone for

Japanese equities however not forgetting the Nikkei 225 did reach its highest

levels since 2015 during September, so this downside could represent some

retreating recovery or winding down. The Nikkei may also be feeling as added

pressure from ex-dividend impact, more than half of companies on the topix

traded without the right to receive the next dividend.

- The Hang Seng is fairing a lot better than the Nikkei, last up around 150pts

on release of strong China Industrial Profits figures, up from 16.5% to 24%,

quarter end book re-balancing may also be a contributing factor.