12.12.202504:14:23UTC+00Japan 10-Year Yield Edges Higher

Japan's 10-year government bond yield increased by 2 basis points to reach 1.94% on Friday. This movement is bolstered by speculation that the Bank of Japan might raise interest rates in the upcoming week and potentially maintain a tightening stance through 2026. Earlier in the week, Governor Kazuo Ueda suggested that the central bank is close to achieving its inflation target, hinting at a rate hike in the near future. Investors are poised to analyze Ueda’s comments following the meeting for insights into next year’s monetary policy direction. Reports indicate that senior officials in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration are unlikely to resist a rate increase, given concerns that a depreciating yen—primarily due to the Bank of Japan's delayed tightening measures—is exacerbating import costs and inflation. Additionally, a recent auction of 20-year Japanese government bonds experienced strong demand, marking the highest bid-to-cover ratio since 2020, at 4.1 compared to 3.28 in the prior auction, as higher yields appealed to investors.