Markets mostly rose in Asia on Tuesday as investors gear up for a much-anticipated earnings season and the release of key US inflation data later in the day.
After a recent run-up in equities that saw the S&P 500 and Dow end last week at record highs, traders are taking a breather as they await the next buying catalyst.
A forecast-busting reading on US producer price inflation last week gave markets a taste of what to expect over the next few months as the global economy emerges from last year’s crisis and vaccinations allow people to slowly return to their pre-pandemic habits.
The release of consumer price data is being closely followed. There are growing fears that reopening will send prices surging this year and force central banks to tighten the ultra-loose monetary policies — including rock-bottom interest rates — that have helped fire a year-long equity rally.
The Federal Reserve has repeatedly pledged not to change tack until inflation is elevated for some time and unemployment is under control.
Those worries have sent benchmark 10-year Treasury yields — a gauge of future…
