Overview: Risk appetites have returned today after taking yesterday off. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index advanced every day last week, slipped yesterday, and jumped back today. Most of the national benchmarks advanced at least 1.5%, and the Nikkei led the way with a 3% rally to reach its best level since mid-March. European markets reopened after the long weekend. Last week's four-day rally is being extended today by almost 1% in the European morning. US shares are firm, and the S&P 500 looks set to recoup most of yesterday's decline. Benchmark yields are mostly higher.