Japan’s 10-year government bond yield rose nearly 5 basis points to around 2.15% on Thursday, following strong demand at a 30-year government bond auction, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified market uncertainty. The 30-year JGB yield climbed to roughly 3.4%, rebounding from a three-month low of 3.25% reached last month.
The Japanese economy remains caught between sluggish growth and elevated inflation, much of it stemming from external shocks. This backdrop is prompting traders to reassess their expectations for the Bank of Japan’s rate trajectory. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda warned that the conflict in the Middle East could have a significant impact on Japan’s economy, reinforcing the likelihood that interest rates will be kept on hold for an extended period.
At the same time, BOJ board member Ryozo Himino emphasized that the central bank stands ready to adjust policy as needed amid market volatility. He suggested that interest rates could gradually move toward a neutral level if underlying inflation shows a sustained rise toward the BOJ’s target.
