Royal Bank of Canada(US:RY) 智通财经网·2025-09-17 06:43Core Viewpoint - BlueBay Asset Management has established a long position in the Japanese yen, betting on a political transition in Japan and a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan in October, which could strengthen the yen [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - BlueBay's Chief Investment Officer, Mark Dowding, has taken a position in USD/JPY just below 150, anticipating a high likelihood of action in October [1]. - The firm expects the USD/JPY exchange rate to drop to around 140 in the short term, with a reasonable mid-term rate close to 135 [2]. Group 2: Political Context - Japanese Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), with investors believing he is more supportive of interest rate hikes compared to his rival, Sanae Takaichi [1]. - The LDP, Japan's largest ruling party, will hold its leadership election on October 4, following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after a poor showing in the July elections [1]. Group 3: Market Sentiment - Despite political turmoil, there is speculation that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates again this year, with traders increasing bets on further tightening of monetary policy [2]. - Current overnight index swap trading indicates a 60% probability of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan before the end of the year [2]. Group 4: Bond Market Insights - The uncertainty in Japan's political and fiscal landscape has led to a rise in ultra-long bond yields, with the 30-year bond yield reaching a historical high of 3.285% earlier this month [2]. - BlueBay currently holds a long position in 30-year Japanese government bonds and may consider shifting to a long position in long-term bonds if Koizumi wins the LDP leadership and the Bank of Japan raises rates [2].