Japan’s 10-year government bond yield rose 2 basis points to 1.94% on Friday, supported by speculation that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates next week and continue tightening into 2026. Earlier this week, Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated the central bank is nearing its inflation target, signaling a potential near-term rate hike. Investors will also monitor Ueda’s post-meeting remarks for guidance on next year’s policy. Reports suggest that top officials in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet are unlikely to oppose a rate increase, citing concerns that a weak yen, largely due to delayed BOJ tightening, is driving higher import costs and inflation. Meanwhile, an auction of 20-year Japanese government bonds this week saw the strongest demand since 2020, with a bid-to-cover ratio of 4.1 versus 3.28 at the previous auction, as higher yields attracted investors.
