日本国债与日元何时何故将迎来拐点？

Core Viewpoint - UBS's latest global strategy report highlights that the recent sharp rise in Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields has significantly exceeded what can be explained by fiscal fundamentals, primarily driven by a re-evaluation of inflation expectations. The report anticipates that inflation will cool to around 1.5% by mid-year, which will be a key turning point for JGB and yen trends [1][6][11]. Group 1: Market Signals - The volatility in JGB yields is not indicative of a systemic risk event similar to the UK's 2022 "Truss crisis," as the Japanese stock market remains resilient, suggesting investors should avoid panic selling in interest-sensitive sectors [1][20]. - With the attractiveness of JGB yields increasing, a significant repatriation of domestic funds from overseas bond markets is expected after the new fiscal year starts in April, leading to a reallocation towards Japanese government bonds [1][21]. - A decline in inflation will drive up real interest rates, providing support for the yen, as real rates have a more significant impact on exchange rates compared to nominal interest differentials [1][9][10]. Group 2: Fiscal Fundamentals - Despite concerns about Japan's fiscal situation, recent data shows a clear disconnect between the volatility in JGB yields and actual fiscal fundamentals. Japan's public debt as a percentage of GDP has decreased by 11 percentage points since 2023, while the average for developed economies has increased by 2 percentage points [2][5]. - Japan's fiscal deficit is projected to be around 2% of GDP by 2026, significantly lower than the developed economies' average of 4.9%. Additionally, Japan's government interest payments account for only 1.3% of GDP, compared to 3.3% for developed economies [2][5]. Group 3: Inflation and Interest Rates - The surge in JGB yields is primarily driven by market inflation expectations rather than fiscal deficit pressures. Current inflation in Japan is mainly influenced by structural factors such as food prices, while underlying service sector inflation remains around 1% [6][11]. - If inflation cools as expected, it will more effectively enhance real yields than the Bank of Japan's interest rate policies, thereby providing crucial support for both JGBs and the yen [9][16]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The traditional correlation between the yen and nominal interest rate differentials has weakened, with real interest rate differentials now serving as the core anchor for pricing. The theoretical value of USD/JPY based on real interest differentials aligns closely with current market rates [13][16]. - Japan's external position remains robust, with a net international investment position of +92% of GDP, contrasting sharply with the UK's -2.6% during its crisis. Japan also maintains a current account surplus of 4.8% of GDP, providing a stronger buffer against market volatility [17][20]. Group 5: Investment Trends - The primary risk to the market is not foreign investors selling JGBs but rather the potential large-scale repatriation of domestic funds from overseas bond markets, as JGB yields have surpassed globally hedged bond yields [21]. - The Japanese stock market shows significant structural differentiation, with a few stocks contributing to the majority of the Nikkei 225 index's gains, indicating a concentrated market driven by foreign investors and corporate buybacks, while domestic investors remain net sellers [21].