Haven assets in focus with Gaza offensive loomingThe greenback and yen were steady in early trading in Asia as the US sought to head off a widening of the Middle East conflict, with the exchange of fire growing more intense on Israel’s border with Lebanon.
Australian stocks slipped at Monday’s open with equity futures in Japan and Hong Kong also pointing to losses, after US shares fell and bonds surged on Friday as traders sought out safety amid the looming prospect of a ground offensive in Gaza. Oil and gold held most of Friday’s rallies.