China’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 1.81% on Monday, recovering from a nearly seven-month low touched last week amid inflationary shocks from surging oil prices due to the escalating Middle East conflict. The move was reinforced by stronger-than-expected domestic inflation data, with consumer prices rising 1.3% year-on-year in February, the fastest increase in three years, well above forecasts and January’s 0.2% gain. The rise was largely driven by stronger spending during the extended Lunar New Year holiday, while higher energy costs also contributed to price pressures. Oil climbed above $100 after the US-Israeli war with Iran entered its second week with no resolution in sight. Several major crude producers in the Middle East have cut output as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain halted, raising inflation risks and threatening global growth. However, China, the world’s largest energy importer, is partly cushioned by its substantial oil reserves.
