1.   Also supporting bonds is the expectation the Bank of Japan will keep interest rates near historic lows.

2.   Analysts also said shaky Tokyo stocks helped support bonds.

3.   An overnight strengthening of the yen will also support bonds, he said.

4.   Between higher interest rates and a stronger dollar, U.S. government securities attract foreign capital, supporting bonds by increasing demand.

5.   Bonds were supported by a steady peseta.

6.   Bonds were supported by a stronger peseta.

7.   Bonds were also supported by short covering and by signs that the Federal Reserve was buying securities.

8.   Bonds were also supported by weak stocks, traders said.

9.   A brighter outlook for European interest rates supported bonds which in turn provided a platform for equity gains.

10.   A declining stock market can support bonds by prompting investors to shift funds into bonds from equities in search of more stable returns.