Japan’s 10-year government bond yield fell to around 2.26% on Thursday, declining for a second consecutive session as investors continued to weigh the country’s fiscal outlook, while the Bank of Japan began a two-day policy meeting. The benchmark yield had surged to 27-year highs earlier this week after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election and pledged looser fiscal measures, including a proposal to eliminate the 8% sales tax on food. Yields have since eased following Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama’s call for calm among market participants. Meanwhile, the BOJ is widely expected to maintain its policy rate at 0.75% on Friday after December’s rate hike. On the data front, Japan’s exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in December to a record level, supported by steady demand from China despite ongoing diplomatic tensions. Full-year exports also increased in 2025, even as shipments to the US fell for the first time since the pandemic amid challenging trade policies.
