HONG KONG (April 10): Asian stocks are set for a cautious start on Monday as increased geopolitical risks combined with expensive valuations prompt investors to shun risky assets in favor of safe-haven bets such as government debt. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan is likely to edge lower at open after falling 0.4 percent on Friday. Yields on 10-year U.S. Treasuries closed at 2.37 percent on Friday after briefly breaking a significant chart barrier at 2.30 percent for the first time this year. It has rallied nearly 5 percent over the past month. Oil prices held firm at $52.50 per barrel, on risks that the Syria conflict may spread more widely within the oil-rich Middle East region.

Source: The Edge Markets April 09, 2017 23:15 UTC