Japan's Nikkei index hit a record peak with Sanae Takaichi to be sworn in as prime minister. Photo: AP PHOTO

Stocks have edged up, taking comfort from a possible easing in trade tensions between the US and China and an ebbing of nerves over credit risks in the banking sector, which in turn nudged gold lower.

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In Asia, the near-certainty of Sanae Takaichi becoming Japan's next prime minister briefly sent Tokyo's Nikkei to a record high and dented the yen.

US President Donald Trump said he expected to reach a fair trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping when the two meet next wee

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