SINGAPORE (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 12, 2006--Asia-Pacific financial markets will remain generally strong in 2007, but higher financing costs, increased corporate borrowing and a frenzy of M&As will fuel market volatility and add to the risks faced by investors. That is the conclusion of the "Asia-Pacific Markets Outlook 2007" published today by Standard&Poor's, the leading provider of independent investment research, ratings, and indices. The Asia-Pacific Markets Outlook 2007 combines Standard&Poor's expectations for equity markets, credit quality, and economic performance across the region. According to the report, the positive economic and market conditions that underpinned Asia-Pacific markets in 2006 will persist in 2007, despite the U.S. economic slowdown, and this will encourage greater corporate leverage, deepen the
