Japan’s 10-year government bond yield held around 2.27% on Wednesday after minutes from the Bank of Japan’s December policy meeting indicated that board members favored continuing rate hikes if economic and price trends align with forecasts. The central bank raised its policy rate to a 30-year high of 0.75% in December, then kept rates unchanged and revised inflation projections higher in January. Meanwhile, investors contended with rising political uncertainty as the campaign for the lower house snap election got underway. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s approval ratings dipped slightly, and her push to consolidate power and pursue higher spending has stoked concerns about Japan’s fiscal outlook.
Today Markets
