Japan’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 1.94% on Friday, reaching its highest levels since 2007 amid speculation that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates later this month. Key members of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government reportedly would not oppose the central bank if it decides to hike rates in December, although some senior officials remain cautious about the timing. Markets are pricing in a move this month, with 1–2 more rate increases expected next year. Expectations were reinforced after BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda expressed confidence in Japan’s economic outlook and said the central bank would carefully weigh the pros and cons of a rate hike and act as appropriate. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama also stated this week that she expects the central bank to conduct policy appropriately toward achieving its 2% inflation target using its own specific methods.
