USD-JPY edged out a fresh high, at 110.71, which is the loftiest level seen since Friday, in what has been directionally-limited trading in forex and global equity markets so far today. The MSCI Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan) stock index is fractionally lower, although near the four-month highs seen last Wednesday. Market participants are waiting for clarity on the U.S.-China trade situation, with hopes generally high that the two sides will reach a compromise at this week’s round of discussions, which will commence today in Washington DC.