Japan’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 2% on Friday, approaching levels not seen in nearly two decades after the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate to the highest level since 1995. The central bank hikes rates by 25 basis points to 0.75% as it gradually moves away from ultra-loose monetary policy, while inflation has remained above target for an extended period. Headline inflation in November eased slightly to 2.9% from 3% in October but remained above the BOJ’s 2% target for the 44th consecutive month. Core inflation held steady at 3%. The BOJ also projected that companies are likely to continue delivering steady wage increases in 2026 amid improving corporate profits. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a proponent of looser monetary policy, reportedly told a business lobby on Wednesday that Japan should focus on proactive fiscal spending rather than excessive tightening to support growth and strengthen tax revenues.
