Stocks in Asia are mostly higher, risk on....>

STOCKS: Stocks in Asia are mostly higher, risk on trade has been engendered by a

technical sell off in bonds as UST yields hit 2.633% in the 10-Year sector after

breaking the March 2017 high.

- In Japan the Nikkei 225 is up 36 points at 23,798. The index opened slightly

higher and moved in a narrow range in Asia. Positive sentiment is being driven

by earnings optimism in Japan, also some dip buying after a plunge in the

afternoon session yesterday as the Topex retreated from the highest levels since

1991, the sell off spilling over into the Nikkei 225.

- Australia is bucking the postive trend in Asia, the ASX200 last down 12 points

at 6,003. 5/11 sectors are in the red led lower by Telecoms, the sector down

1.28%. Energy shares are also weighing on the index with WTI down around $1/bbl

at $63.15. Miners also dragging the index lower as iron ore prices slipped.

- In China the Shanghai Comp is up 12 points at 3,847, in Hong Kong the Hang

Seng is up 30 points at 32,152. Strong data from China yesterday has helped

boost stocks, but gains are limited by the negative lead from US stocks.

- The MSCI Asia-Pac index is on track for the 6th consecutive week.