日本长期国债收益率缘何连创新高

Group 1 - Japan's 20-year government bond auction on May 20 had a subscription rate of only 2.5 times, the lowest since August 2012, indicating a lack of investor interest [1] - The tail difference in the auction reached 1.14 yen, the highest level since 1987, reflecting poor bidding conditions [1] - The rising yields on Japanese government bonds are linked to increasing yields on U.S. government bonds, influenced by international trends such as the U.S. government's "equivalent tariffs" [1][2] Group 2 - Domestic long-term bond investors in Japan are primarily banks, life insurance companies, pension funds, and foreign investors, with life insurance companies and pension funds being the main long-term holders [2] - Life insurance companies are not increasing their purchases of long-term bonds due to regulatory requirements to strengthen capital by 2025, while banks have been selling long-term bonds to avoid paper losses [2] - Foreign investors have become the main buyers of Japan's long-term bonds, with a net inflow of 2.3 trillion yen in April, marking a historical high for three consecutive months [4] Group 3 - The Japanese government's budget plan for fiscal year 2025 anticipated increased tax revenue and reduced spending, but uncertainties from U.S. tariff policies have clouded economic forecasts [3] - Political pressures from upcoming elections may lead to proposals for tax cuts without adequate revenue guarantees, risking fiscal instability similar to the "Truss shock" in the UK [3] - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has indicated that the rise in long-term bond yields is not abnormal and has not taken measures to counteract it, which may further undermine confidence in long-term bonds [4][5] Group 4 - The BOJ's plan to reduce long-term bond purchases and the expectation of interest rate hikes contribute to domestic financial institutions' reluctance to invest in long-term bonds [4][5] - Despite the challenges, foreign investors view the depreciation of the yen and rising bond yields as an attractive investment opportunity [4] - The sustainability of Japan's fiscal situation is at risk due to the lack of domestic investors, making it difficult for the government to issue bonds [5] Group 5 - To address the investor shortage, the BOJ may need to signal a pause in interest rate hikes, which could depend on the yen's appreciation or significant rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [6] - The Japanese government should focus on ensuring fiscal revenue and developing sound fiscal policies to reduce reliance on bond issuance, aiming to bring bond yields back to rational levels [6]