Equity
Asian shares hovered near a four-month peak on Tuesday, supported by hopes that Sino-U.S. trade talks were making positive progress and expectations of policy stimulus from central banks.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was little changed in early trade, staying near Wednesday’s four-month peak while Japan’s Nikkei was almost flat.
Currency
The euro changed hands at $1.1311, off Friday’s three-month low of $1.1234.
A run of soft European economic data, including Germany’s GDP figures, has weighed on the common currency.
Comments from European Central Bank’s Olli Rehn on Sunday have fanned speculation the European Central Bank would launch another round of Targeted Long-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO) to support bank lending.
The dollar stood at 110.59 yen, stepping back from Thursday’s seven-week peak of 111.13.
Sterling traded at $1.2919, with an eye on Brexit talks between Britain and the European Union.
Oil
Oil prices held firm at three-month highs owing to a growing belief among investors that OPEC’s supply cuts will prevent a build-up in unused fuel.
Brent futures rose to as high as $66.83 on Monday, hitting their highest levels since mid-November.
U.S. crude futures rose 0.5 percent in early Tuesday trade to $55.86.
