The ongoing EU fiscal saga (with an........>

EQUITIES: The ongoing EU fiscal saga (with an elongated EuCo gathering that is

still in motion) has weighed on broader risk sentiment, even with an apparent

narrowing in differences re: grant demands between the Frugals and the broader

consensus EU group. Elsewhere, continued U.S. COVID-19 worry, alongside flare

ups in the likes of Hong Kong and Spain kept risk in check/offered, even with

positive COVID-19 vaccine developments expected later on Monday. Sino-UK

tensions continue to swirl, with Hong Kong & Xinjiang matters front and centre,

in addition to relations surrounding the tech name, TikTok.

- Mainland China was the exception to the broader rule, with some insurers

benefitting from increased quotas re: equity investment (albeit based on meeting

certain requirements). The Hang Seng recovered from worst levels, alongside the

uptick in mainland equities, offsetting the worry surrounding the city state.

- Nikkei 225 -0.2%, Hang Seng +0.1%, CSI 300 +2.5%, ASX 200 -0.4%.

- S&P 500 futures -10, DJIA futures -84, NASDAQ futures -41.