That pattern reflected demand for cyclical and technology-linked areas while investors remained cautious toward domestic consumption and property-related names. The poll reflected growing concern that a weak yen and higher oil prices will revive inflation pressure. The weak yen and higher oil prices are increasing import costs even as export values rise. U.S. stocks slipped overnight as higher oil prices and interest rates weighed on sentiment, even as some companies reported stronger earnings. Oil prices remained the biggest external risk.