The euro has remained the de facto haven currency as a risk-off theme continues in global financial markets. A drop in China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI to a six-year low of 47.1 in the prelim reading for August, down from a from 47.8 in July, fed concerns about China’s economic prospects. Beijing remained quiet, and equities dove once again, with the Shanghai Composite showing a 3.3% loss in mid PM session. A rise in Japan’s PMI to 51.9 in August from 51.2 had little impact. Gold prices hit new highs in posting the 10th gain out of the last past 12 trading days.