Japan’s 10-year government bond yield steadied around 2%, as investors continue to expect possible interest rate hikes from the Bank of Japan despite Tokyo’s inflation coming in below expectations. The capital’s annual inflation eased to an over one-year low of 2% in December, mainly due to moderating price pressures in both food and energy. Tokyo’s inflation is seen as a leading indicator of nationwide trends and is closely watched by policymakers. Last week, the BOJ raised its policy rate to 0.75%, a level not seen since 1995. Meanwhile, Japan plans to reduce government bond sales in the fiscal year starting in April, focusing on super-long-term debt. Total auction issuance to institutional investors will fall ¥3.8 trillion to ¥168.5 trillion ($1.1 trillion), with 20-, 30-, and 40-year bonds dropping ¥7.2 trillion to ¥17.4 trillion, the lowest for ultra-long debt since 2009. Issuance of 10-year bonds will remain unchanged, while sales of two- and five-year debt will rise.
