On Early Monday , Asian indices got muted start as jaded investors awaited real evidence on progress in the U.S.-China trade dispute, though sentiment found support from another record close on Wall Street. Doubts about Sino-U.S. trade talks emerged early last week, although optimism gradually returned as U.S. officials sounded more positive.
On Saturday, Chinese state media said the two sides had "constructive talks" on trade in a high-level phone call that included Vice Premier Liu He, U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Wall Street's main indexes closed at record levels on Friday as the S&P 500 scored its sixth straight week of gains. The Dow ended Friday up 0.8%, while the S&P 500 made 0.77% and the Nasdaq 0.73%. (N)
In Forex markets on Monday, the dollar was little changed against its main peers, the dollar was a shade softer at 97.954. and well within recent tight trading ranges. Indeed, volatility in the market has been the lowest in decades recently and shows no sign of shifting.
The dollar was steady on the yen at 108.72 , after bouncing on Friday. Chart support lies at 108.23 with stiff resistance at 109.48.
The euro, likewise, idled at $1.1054 having found support at $1.0987 last week. Investors are awaiting the first major speech by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde due on Friday for clues on future policy.
Sterling nudged up to $1.2916 as more polls showed the Tories well ahead in the election race.
The dollar and bonds are likely to be sensitive to minutes of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting, set to be released on Wednesday.
Spot gold was flat at $1,468.45 per ounce as it tracks every passing twitch in risk appetite.
Oil prices were supported after Brent touched a seven-week high on Friday. In early trade, Brent crude futures firmed 2 cents to $63.32, while U.S. crude added 3 cents to $57.75 a barrel.
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