NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Treasury prices were mostly lower on Tuesday, pushing yields up for a ninth straight day, as traders balance an upcoming auction of 5-year notes (UST5YR 2.19, +0.01, +0.46%) with U.S. economic data, Japan's continuing struggle to contain radiation from an earthquake-damaged nuclear plant, and comments from Federal Reserve officials focusing on normalizing their ultra-easy monetary policy. Yields on 10-year notes (UST10Y 3.45, +0.01, +0.32%) , which move inversely to prices, rose 1 basis point to 3.46%. "For rates, the upside continues to be the deteriorating situation at the stricken Japanese nuclear power plant as well as other geopolitical news around the globe," said strategists at Nomura Securities. "On the negative side, a weak auction could certainly put pressure on rates but the overriding theme is still likely to be the nonfarm payrolls number on Friday." Data Tuesday includes reports on home prices and consumer confidence. Also, the Fed will hold another buyback.
