0208 GMT — Asian currencies consolidate against USD in the morning session ahead of U.S. October CPI data due out later today and retail sales due Wednesday. Weaker-than-expected figures would cause USD to weaken, and support buying of Asian currencies, SMBC’s Global Markets and Treasury Dept. says in a research report. Some U.S. indicators have already suggested that the country’s economic growth has been slowing, SMBC adds. USD/KRW rises 0.3% to 1,323.57; AUD/USD is little changed at 0.6376; USD/JPY is steady at 151.75. ([email protected])