* Bullion hit all-time high of $2,431.29 per ounce on Friday * 10-year Treasury yields are close to a five-month high * Market prices in 68% chance of rate cut in September - CME (Recasts, adds analyst comment and updates prices, as of 0337 GMT) By Sherin Elizabeth Varghese April 17 (Reuters) - Gold prices were steady on Wednesday after...

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Asian shares were mixed on Wednesday as the world's most powerful central banker had a change of heart on U.S. rate cuts this year, pushing Treasury yields to new five-month highs and the dollar towering against other currencies. The beleaguered yen is plumbing fresh 34-year lows on an almost daily basis. It was last steady at 154.62...

* Both big manufacturers, services mood down * China economy also denting sentiment * Business confidence is key for BOJ's policy outlook path By Tetsushi Kajimoto TOKYO, April 17 (Reuters) - Business confidence at big Japanese manufacturers and services sector firms slid in April from the prior month, dragged down by cost-of-living pressures and shaky economic conditions in major market...

TOKYO, April 17 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average was on track for a third consecutive day of losses on Wednesday, as tensions in the Middle East continued to weigh on sentiment and investors took profit before Japan's earnings season kicks into high gear. Although the benchmark index started the day in positive territory, rebounding from Tuesday's eight-week low, caution...