Market sentiment notably soured during Asia-Pacific trade despite an agreement on a much-needed US fiscal aid package, as investors mulled news of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK and the lack of progress in Brexit negotiations. Australia’s ASX 200 slipped lower, alongside the risk-sensitive AUD, as multiple states implemented border restrictions with New South Wales in light of a fresh Covid-19 outbreak in Greater Sydney. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.18% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped 0.25%. In FX markets, the haven-associated US Dollar and Japanese Yen largely outperformed, while GBP plunged ... (full story)