Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government has announced a significant bond issuance plan to fund a new economic stimulus package, raising concerns about fiscal discipline and market reactions to rising bond yields [1][4]. Group 1: Bond Issuance Plan - The Japanese cabinet approved an additional budget of 18.3 trillion yen, with 11.7 trillion yen to be covered by new bond issuance [1]. - The government plans to increase the issuance of 2-year and 5-year government bonds by 300 billion yen each, and significantly raise the issuance of short-term treasury bills by 6.3 trillion yen [1][3]. - The total bond issuance for the fiscal year will reach 40.3 trillion yen, a decrease of approximately 4.3% from the previous year's 42.1 trillion yen [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Concerns about Japan's fiscal discipline have led to a rise in long-term bond yields to their highest levels in over two decades [4]. - The demand for 2-year government bonds was weak during the recent auction, with yields climbing to 0.97%, the highest since 2008 [1][5]. - The bid-to-cover ratio for the auction was 3.53, lower than the previous auction and the 12-month average, indicating reduced investor demand [5]. Group 3: Economic Context - The issuance strategy focuses on short-term debt to minimize market impact, as the demand for ultra-long-term bonds has been declining [3]. - The market is reacting to expectations of a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan, with traders estimating a 57% chance of action in the coming month [5][7]. - Recent economic data, including stable inflation and unexpected increases in industrial output, are supporting the case for a rate hike [7].

Group 1 - The USD/JPY exchange rate rose approximately 0.50% to around 156.50, continuing the recent depreciation of the yen, driven by hawkish expectations from the Federal Reserve [1] - Japanese Finance Minister Kato warned of potential intervention in the foreign exchange market to address excessive volatility and the rapid depreciation of the yen, indicating growing concerns from the Japanese government [1] - Japan's consumer price index (CPI) and core CPI both increased by 3.0% year-on-year in October, with the core CPI excluding fresh food and energy rising to 3.1%, suggesting inflation remains significantly above the Bank of Japan's 2% target [2] Group 2 - The U.S. added 119,000 non-farm jobs in September, significantly exceeding market expectations of 50,000, while the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4%, alleviating concerns about a slowdown in the labor market [2] - The hawkish outlook from the Federal Reserve has led to the largest weekly gain for the dollar since late May, limiting the downside potential for the USD/JPY pair [2] - Technical analysis indicates that the USD/JPY is in a slightly overbought state, with support expected around 157.00 and critical support at 156.00, while immediate resistance is at 158.00 [3]

Market Overview - The Korean stock market opened significantly higher today, recovering from its largest single-day drop since August, with an initial increase of over 2% before narrowing to a 1.09% gain [4][5] - The Seoul Composite Index reached 4048.19, up by 43.77 points [5] - Key stocks such as LG Energy, Korea Electric Power, and LG Electronics showed notable gains [6] Economic Indicators - South Korea's trade surplus expanded to $14.245 billion in September, with a current account surplus of $13.467 billion [6] - Japan's Nikkei 225 index also saw a rise of over 2%, currently reported at 50964.96 points [8] Company Performance - Nintendo's stock surged by over 6%, reaching a new high in over 11 weeks, following the release of its Q3 financial results for FY 2025-2026, which exceeded market expectations [9][10] - Nintendo reported Q3 revenue of 527.2 billion yen, significantly above the expected 461.76 billion yen, marking a year-on-year growth of over 90% [11] Wage Trends - Japan's nominal wages increased by 1.9% year-on-year in September, aligning with economists' expectations, while real cash earnings fell by 1.4% for the ninth consecutive month [12][13] - The Bank of Japan is closely monitoring wage trends as a key factor for future interest rate decisions, with the next policy meeting scheduled for December 19 [13]

Group 1 - Global markets are experiencing synchronized declines, with significant adjustments in East Asian markets, particularly Japan down 1.7% and South Korea down 2.2% [3] - The primary trigger for this global downturn is linked to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, with concerns about inflation potentially leading to a pause in rate cuts or even speculation about a return to a rate hike cycle [3] - If the Fed pauses rate cuts or raises rates, it would tighten liquidity, which is crucial for maintaining or advancing current high stock market levels [3] Group 2 - The overall market reaction indicates a chain impact on various asset classes, with stock markets responding first, a strong dollar approaching the 100 mark, and precious metals like gold and silver facing pressure [3] - U.S. Treasury yields are rising, indicating a reverse correlation with bond prices, which are also under pressure [3]

Core Viewpoint - The USD/JPY exchange rate is experiencing fluctuations, currently trading around 153.8000, with a slight decline of 0.19% as the market digests previous gains and awaits further signals regarding interest rate changes in Japan [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The USD/JPY opened at 154.1100 and closed the previous trading day at 154.1200, indicating a slight downward movement after reaching an eight-month high due to increased demand for safe-haven assets [1]. - The Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its current policy has created uncertainty regarding the timing of future interest rate hikes, which may limit the appreciation of the yen [1]. - The market is currently cautious, preferring to wait for more information about potential interest rate hikes in December or early next year, especially in light of the new Prime Minister's expected aggressive fiscal spending plans [1]. Group 2: Technical Analysis - The USD/JPY remains below the monthly high resistance zone of 153.25-153.30, with a potential for bearish trading if it breaks below the 152.00 level [2]. - A significant drop below 152.00 could lead to further declines towards the key support levels of 151.10-151.00, confirming a bearish trend [2]. - Conversely, if the USD/JPY can break through the 153.25-153.30 resistance zone, it may attempt to reclaim the 154.00 level, with potential extensions towards 154.50 and 154.75-154.80 [2].

Group 1 - The core CPI in Tokyo for October increased by 2.8% year-on-year, remaining above the Bank of Japan's inflation target of 2%, which sustains market expectations for a potential interest rate hike in the short term [1] - The Tokyo core CPI, excluding volatile fresh food prices, was higher than market expectations of 2.6%, with a previous value of 2.5% [1] - The Tokyo CPI year-on-year, which excludes both fresh food and energy prices, was reported at 2.8%, also exceeding the September figure of 2.5% [1] Group 2 - Despite consumer inflation being above the 2% target for over three years, the Governor of the Bank of Japan emphasized the need for caution in considering further interest rate hikes due to uncertainties surrounding the impact of U.S. tariff policies on the Japanese economy [1]

Group 1 - The Japanese yen has depreciated against the US dollar for seven consecutive days, reaching a two-week low, with the latest USD/JPY rate at 153.0100, up 0.10% [1] - Japan's service industry inflation rose again in September, with the Producer Price Index accelerating from 2.7% in August to 3.0%, reinforcing expectations for a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) [1] - The new Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, is seen as a successor to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic policies, raising concerns about Japan's fiscal health and limiting aggressive bullish bets on the yen [1] Group 2 - Investors are cautious ahead of key meetings from the Federal Reserve (Fed) and BoJ, with short-term focus on resistance at 153.25 and support at 152.65 [2] - From a technical perspective, a sustained buy above the 153.25-153.30 range could trigger further bullish momentum for USD/JPY, potentially targeting levels up to 155.00 [3] - Immediate support is noted at the 152.65 level, with a potential drop below this level leading to further declines towards 152.00 and possibly 151.10-151.00 [3]

Market Overview - On October 20, the Japanese stock market experienced a significant surge, with the Nikkei 225 index rising over 1600 points, marking its first-ever breach of the 49000-point threshold, closing at 49185.5 points, a 3.37% increase from the previous trading day [2][4] - The rise in the stock market is attributed to the expected political stability following the anticipated victory of Fumio Kishida in the upcoming prime ministerial election, as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party are set to sign a coalition agreement [1][4] Political Developments - The coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party indicates that Fumio Kishida is likely to win the prime ministerial election on October 21, reducing political uncertainty in Japan [1][4] - Kishida is viewed as a proponent of "Abenomics," advocating for expansionary fiscal policies aimed at doubling Japan's economic size within ten years through tax cuts, economic stimulus, and government investment [5] Economic Policies - Kishida emphasizes the importance of demand-driven growth supported by rising wages and corporate profits, suggesting that current inflation is primarily due to rising raw material costs rather than domestic economic growth [5] - Analysts believe Kishida's victory may lead to a more accommodative monetary policy, potentially delaying interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) until the new government's policies are clearer [5][7] Sector Performance - The semiconductor sector saw significant gains, with Kioxia Holdings rising nearly 9%, and other companies like LASERTEC and Tokyo Electron also experiencing substantial increases [4] - Financial stocks performed well, with Mizuho Financial Group up over 6%, and other banks like Chiba Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group rising over 4% [4] Central Bank Insights - BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that the decision on interest rate hikes will consider various data, including information gathered during his time in Washington [6] - Ueda noted that while global and U.S. economies show resilience, the impact of U.S. tariff policies on Japan's economy will be a critical factor in the BOJ's decision-making process [6][7] - Some BOJ policymakers have expressed the need to be cautious about rising prices and are prepared to raise the benchmark interest rate, with discussions around the timing of such a move being influenced by political uncertainties [8]

Market Performance - The Japanese stock market experienced a significant surge, with the Nikkei 225 index rising over 1600 points, marking a historic high by surpassing 49000 points, with a daily increase of over 3% [1][3] - As of the afternoon close, the Nikkei 225 index stood at 49185.5 points, reflecting a 3.37% increase from the previous trading day [3] Political Developments - The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party are set to sign a coalition agreement, indicating that Fumio Kishida is likely to win the prime ministerial election on October 21 [1][6] - Analysts suggest that the reduction of political uncertainty has positively impacted the Japanese stock market, with expectations that Kishida will implement low-interest rates and increased government spending [1][6] Sector Performance - The semiconductor sector saw collective gains, with Kioxia Holdings rising nearly 9%, LASERTEC up over 5%, and Tokyo Electron increasing by over 4% [5] - Financial stocks also performed well, with Mizuho Financial Group rising over 6%, and Chiba Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group both up over 4% [5] - Electrical machinery stocks showed strength, with Yaskawa Electric up over 7%, Fanuc increasing by over 6%, and Fuji Electric rising nearly 4% [5] Economic Policy Outlook - Kishida is viewed as a proponent of "Abenomics," advocating for expansionary fiscal policies aimed at doubling Japan's economic scale within ten years, which includes tax cuts, economic stimulus, and government investment [6] - Kishida emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the central bank to ensure demand-driven growth supported by rising wages and corporate profits [6] Monetary Policy Implications - Market participants believe Kishida's victory may introduce uncertainty regarding monetary policy, potentially delaying interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan until new government policies are clearer [7] - The Bank of Japan Governor has indicated that various data will be considered before deciding on interest rate changes, emphasizing the importance of global economic conditions [9][10]

Group 1 - The U.S. Treasury Secretary revealed that the Trump administration is strengthening control over key strategic sectors to counter China's economic initiatives, marking a shift from the "free market" ideology [2] - The U.S. stock market experienced a decline due to concerns over bank bad debts and escalating trade tensions with China, alongside a government shutdown entering its third week [2] - Japanese central bank officials indicated that inflation targets may be reached sooner than expected, increasing expectations for interest rate hikes [2] Group 2 - On October 16, multiple A-share companies reported share reductions, with no companies announcing increases, indicating potential market impacts [3] - NIO faced a lawsuit for securities fraud, leading to a significant drop in its stock price, which affected the broader automotive sector [3] - Indonesia confirmed the procurement of Chinese J-10 fighter jets as part of its military modernization efforts [3] Group 3 - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced a special action plan aimed at enhancing computing power, with long-term investment opportunities anticipated in the sector [4] - Fuyao Glass announced a leadership change with Cao Dewang resigning as chairman, while the company reported revenue and net profit growth, leading to a slight increase in stock price [5] - Gold prices reached a new high, driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and geopolitical risks, with a significant year-to-date increase of over 60% [5]