What promises to be a busy week has begun off slowly. The US dollar has been largely confined to its pre-weekend ranges against most of the major currencies. Equity markets are mostly firmer following the new record highs on Wall Street. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index eked out a small gain (0.1%), with losses in Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore offsetting gains elsewhere. European markets are stronger, with the Dow Jones Stoxx 600 up nearly 0.7% after having slipped lower in the previous two sessions. The only industry sector that is lower is energy, and Brent is trading 0.5% lower though holding above $45 a barrel. ... (full story)