In Asian Equity Markets Chinese markets gained in early trade, with the Shanghai composite rising around 0.6 percent. The Shenzhen composite advanced 0.940 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index also gained 0.43 percent. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.12 percent and the Topix was 0.17 percent higher in morning trade, as shares of index heavyweight Fast Retailing gained 0.4 percent. South Korea’s Kospi, on the other hand, recovered from its earlier losses to rise slightly. The ASX 200 in Australia rose 0.4 percent in afternoon trade as most sectors saw gains.

In Currency Markets the U.S. dollar was steady against its peers on Tuesday, lacking strong direction as U.S. markets were shut for a holiday the previous day, while the euro’s latest bounce faded as the focus drifted back to the economy and European Central Bank policy. The euro was down 0.1 percent at $1.1298 . It edged up 0.16 percent overnight, pulling away from a three-month low of $1.1234. The Australian dollar was down 0.2 percent at $0.7116 following the release of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) policy meeting minutes on Tuesday.

In Commodities Markets brent crude oil prices eased away from 2019 highs on Tuesday on caution that economic growth may dent fuel demand this year, although supply cuts led by producer cartel OPEC still meant markets were relatively tight.  International Brent crude oil futures were at $66.08 per barrel, down 42 cents, or 0.6 percent from their last close. Gold rose to a near 10-month high of $1,327.40 per ounce. The precious metals market was slightly more lively, with palladium jumping to a record high of $1,458.5 per ounce as stricter emissions standards are seen increasing demand for the metal.

In US Equity Markets trading activity was closed on Monday due to President’s day holiday.

In Bond Markets trading activity was closed on Monday due to President’s day holiday.