[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac stocks took impetus from the gains on Wall St amid peace talk hopes

APAC Stocks: Positive

• Asia-Pac stocks are mostly higher as the region takes its cue from the rally on Wall St amid continued hopes regarding US-Iran talks, while President Trump suggested talks could occur during the next two days.

ASX 200: +0.1%

• Eked mild gains, but with the upside capped as strength in tech, gold miners and health care is offset by losses in energy and some defensive sectors, while trade is also contained by a lack of data or fresh drivers.

Nikkei 225: +0.8%

• Rallied to above the 58,000 level, with the positive risk sentiment facilitated by the recent decline in oil prices and the much stronger-than-expected machinery orders.

Hang Seng & Shanghai Comp: Hang Seng +0.9% / Shanghai Comp +0.3%

• Chinese markets are higher with the gains in Hong Kong led by tech strength, while Chinese oil majors lagged after oil prices declined. Furthermore, the PBoC continued its meagre daily liquidity operations, but announced yesterday to conduct CNY 500bln of 183-day outright reverse repos for today.

US Equity Futures: Flat

• Paused overnight around yesterday's best levels amid peace talk hopes.

European Equity Futures -0.2%

• Indicate a slightly lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.2% after the cash market closed with gains of 1.4% on Tuesday.