950811

Asian dollar

deposits little

changed in

late trade

SINGAPORE: Asian dollar deposits were little changed in lacklustre trade, dealers said.

They said most traders were sidelined ahead of tonight's 1230 GMT release of the US July retail sales and consumer price index data.

Retail sales for July are forecast to show a gain of 0.2 percent compared with a 0.7 percent increase reported in June.

July consumer prices are expected to rise to 0.2 percent against June's 0.1 percent.

"The market was quiet and featureless in the morning due mainly to an absence of fresh incentives," a local dealer said.

"Most people are waiting for tonight's retail sales and consumer price figures for clues to market direction," he said.

In short dates, weekend eased 1/16 percentage point to 5-3/4 5-5/8 percent. Monday/Tuesday was unchanged from Thursday's 5-13/16 5-11/16 and week-fixed unchanged at 5-7/8 5-3/4 percent, respectively.

Among term rates, one-and three-months were unchanged from Thursday's common 5-15/16 5-13/16 percent, accordingly.

Six-months rose 1/16 point to 5-15/16 5-13/16 percent and twelve-months rose 1/16 point to 6 5-7/8 percent.-Reuter