In Asian Equity Markets indices were broadly positive on Wednesday as the U.S. seeks to restart trade talks with China. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was among the biggest gainers, rising by 0.99 percent in the morning, while South Korea’s Kospi also rose by 0.14 percent. The Greater China markets were also up in the early hours of trading, as Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index bounced back strongly after being in bear territory for much of the week, rising by 1.92 percent in the morning.

In Currency Markets the US dollar came under pressure and the Chinese yuan held gains on Thursday after a report that Washington was seeking a new round of trade talks with Beijing reduced safe-haven demand for the U.S. currency. The euro and the pound stood firm ahead of policy decisions by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England scheduled later in the day. The Australian dollar, seen as a liquid proxy of China-related trades as well as a barometer of risk sentiment, was steady at $0.7174 after jumping 0.7 percent overnight.

In Commodities Markets oil prices fell on Thursday, reversing some of the strong gains from the previous session, as economic concerns raised doubts about ongoing fuel demand growth. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $69.91 per barrel, down 46 cents, or 0.6 percent, from their last settlement. Brent crude futures fell 38 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $79.36 a barrel. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday reduced its forecast for 2019 global oil demand growth, pointing to economic risks.

In US Equity Markets the Dow and S&P 500 ended slightly higher on Wednesday after news of a fresh round of U.S.-China trade talks, while the Nasdaq fell following a decline in Apple as it unveiled larger iPhones but made just minor changes to its offerings. Apple shares were down 1.2 percent. The company also unveiled health-oriented watches based on the design of current models. Trade-sensitive stocks rose, including Boeing, up 2.4 percent. The S&P 500 gained 0.04 percent, to 2,888.92 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.23 percent, to 7,954.23.

In Bond Markets U.S. Treasury yields were steady on Wednesday afternoon following strong demand at auction for $23 billion in new supply of 10-year notes offsetting expectations that Thursday morning’s consumer price data release will show swelling inflation. The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday sold $23 billion of 10-year government notes. The two-year yield, which reflects market expectations of Fed interest rate hikes, hit a fresh decade high for the fourth consecutive day, topping out at 2.7522 percent.