Japan’s 10-year government bond yield held above 2.1%, hovering near its highest level since February 1999, after a solid 10-year bond auction underscored strong investor demand amid elevated yields. The bid-to-cover ratio came in at 3.3, compared with 3.59 at the previous sale and a 12-month average of 3.24. Earlier this week, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that the central bank will continue raising interest rates as long as economic activity and prices evolve in line with its forecasts. His remarks reinforced confidence that Japan is moving beyond its long-standing deflationary period toward a more sustainable, growth-driven economy. Ueda also said he expects the economy to sustain a virtuous cycle, with moderate, simultaneous increases in wages and prices. Meanwhile, investors continued to assess the implications of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s massive spending plans.
