Trump gains lead over Clinton in new poll

Republican nominee Donald Trump has for the first time gained a slim lead over Democratic contender Hillary Clinton, with less than a week for the US polling day.

The latest ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll, produced for ABC by Langer Research Associates, showed on Tuesday that 46 per cent of likely voters support Trump, with 45 per cent for Clinton. 

While vote preferences have held essentially steady, the latest poll marks the ebbing away of the strong enthusiasm that the former secretary of state enjoyed.

Disclose findings on Trump's Russia ties: Clinton camp to FBI

Trump enjoys a 0.7 percentage point lead over Clinton. 

In the share of voters who are very enthusiastic about their choice, Trump now leads Clinton by 8 points. 

But, compared to past elections it is low for both of them -- 53 percent for Trump, 45 percent for Clinton.

Strong enthusiasm for Clinton has lost 7 points since the start of tracking. 

According to ABC online, this is possibly an after-effect of the renewed controversy over her use of a private email server while secretary of state.