Japan’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 1.66% on Monday, rebounding from four-week lows as investors prepared for Tuesday’s leadership vote that will decide the country’s next prime minister. Sentiment was influenced by news that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party agreed to form a coalition government, paving the way for Sanae Takaichi to become Japan’s first female premier. The so-called “Takaichi trade,” fueled by expectations of higher fiscal spending and loose monetary policy, drove buying in equities and selling in domestic bonds and the yen. Investors also looked ahead to next week’s Bank of Japan meeting, where policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged. Additionally, demand for safe-haven bonds weakened amid improving risk sentiment and signs of easing US-China trade tensions.
