Core Viewpoint - Japanese super-long-term government bonds rebounded amid pre-election volatility, reversing earlier sell-off concerns related to potential increased government spending due to the upcoming Senate elections [1] Group 1: Market Reaction - On Wednesday, prices of Japanese super-long-term government bonds increased, with the 30-year bond yield dropping by 10 basis points to 3.06% and the 40-year yield also decreasing by 10 basis points to 3.38% [1] - The 30-year yield had previously surged to its highest level since 1999 on Tuesday, indicating significant market fluctuations [1] Group 2: Investor Sentiment - Katsutoshi Inadome, a senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, noted that investors likely engaged in buying to counteract the severe sell-off observed the previous day [1] - Michael Brown, a senior research strategist at Pepperstone, commented on the ongoing political tension as elections approach, suggesting that the market has largely released its sell-off sentiment and may remain cautious until election results are announced [1]

Group 1 - The Japanese Ministry of Finance announced a significant reduction in the issuance of ultra-long-term government bonds, cutting the total issuance of 20-year, 30-year, and 40-year bonds by 3.2 trillion yen (approximately 22 billion USD) by March next year, which is double the previously reported draft plan [1] - This decision comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have increased international oil prices and heightened inflation concerns [1] - The Tokyo bond market showed signs of volatility, with the 10-year government bond yield rising by 2 basis points to 1.415%, leading to a decline in bond prices [1] Group 2 - Analysts noted that the combination of rising oil prices and auction pressures creates a dual challenge, but the revised issuance plan clarifies the supply-demand dynamics for ultra-long-term bonds [2] - The proactive announcement of the adjustment by the Ministry of Finance aims to prevent a repeat of the market turmoil experienced in May, paving the way for the upcoming bond auctions [2] - There are structural contradictions in the adjustment, as the Ministry chose to aggressively cut the issuance of 20-year bonds despite similar supply issues with 30-year bonds, suggesting potential for further adjustments in the future [2] Group 3 - Japan is currently facing a significant rise in the consumer price index, and the upcoming summer elections may lead to increased fiscal expansion demands, raising questions about whether the bond issuance strategy can mitigate these macro pressures [2] - The Bank of Japan recently announced a slowdown in its bond purchase reduction pace, indicating a policy coordination with the Ministry of Finance [2] - The effectiveness of this "supply-side reform" in stabilizing the bond market will depend on geopolitical developments affecting inflation expectations and investor acceptance of ultra-long-term government bonds [2]

Group 1 - Japan plans to reduce the issuance of ultra-long-term Japanese government bonds by 3.2 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2025 [1] - The issuance amount for 20-year bonds will be decreased by 200 billion yen per auction [1] - The issuance amount for 30-year bonds will be decreased by 100 billion yen per auction [1] - The issuance amount for 40-year bonds will be decreased by 100 billion yen per auction [1]

Core Viewpoint - The demand for Japanese government bonds is under scrutiny as the first ultra-long bond issuance follows a weak auction last week, leading to record-high yields [1][4]. Group 1: Bond Market Dynamics - The recent auction of 20-year bonds saw the weakest demand in over a decade, causing yields to surge to record levels [1]. - The upcoming issuance of 40-year bonds is pressured by rising long-term borrowing costs in major economies, including the U.S. [1]. - The yield on 30-year and 40-year bonds has reached their highest levels since issuance due to instability in ultra-long bonds [1]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment and Market Reactions - Rising yields have diminished investor interest, with few willing to actively bid in upcoming auctions [4]. - The 10-year government bond yield was approximately 1.52%, having reached its highest level since 2008 earlier in March [4]. - Concerns over Japan's fiscal situation have been raised, with the Prime Minister warning that it is worse than Greece's [4]. Group 3: Institutional Responses - Major life insurance companies have reported unrealized losses of about $600 million on domestic bond holdings for the latest fiscal year [4]. - The Bank of Japan is preparing to review its bond purchase plan, responding to concerns from major life insurers and pension funds regarding rising yields [4]. - Sun Life Insurance plans to increase its domestic bond holdings but may delay some investments due to liquidity and price volatility concerns [5]. Group 4: Auction Expectations - Some market participants are optimistic that a strong result from the 40-year bond auction could halt the recent rise in yields [5]. - Factors such as high yield levels, reduced issuance, and investor-friendly auction formats may contribute to a successful auction outcome [5].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's bond market is facing a structural crisis despite a temporary technical rebound in long-term bond yields, particularly the 30-year and 40-year bonds, which saw a decline of 7 basis points to 3.029% [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The recent sell-off has pushed the yields of 30-year and 40-year bonds to their highest levels since issuance, indicating a significant market stress [4][5]. - The upcoming auction of 40-year bonds is critical; weak demand could lead to further yield increases and exacerbate the selling cycle, while strong demand may provide temporary stability [4][5]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Imbalance - There is a pronounced steepening of the yield curve in Japan, exacerbated by the central bank's significant reduction in bond purchases, with traditional buyers like life insurance companies failing to fill the gap [5]. - Japanese life insurance companies reported a more than doubling of domestic bond investment losses in the last fiscal year, highlighting the growing supply-demand imbalance [5]. Group 3: Policy and Market Sentiment - The Bank of Japan's Governor has not indicated any plans to intervene in the bond market, contributing to increased market volatility and uncertainty [5]. - The outcome of the 40-year bond auction is seen as a crucial test of market demand, with potential implications for future market stability [5].

Group 1: Rising Bond Yields - The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond rose to nearly 5.1%, the highest level in a year and a half, with a significant increase of over 0.4% since May [2][3] - Long-term bond yields are rising across Japan, the UK, and Germany, indicating a broader trend of increasing rates in the bond market [5] - The rise in yields is attributed to concerns over fiscal instability and the impact of U.S. trade policies on global supply chains and inflation [2][9] Group 2: Economic Indicators and Monetary Policy - Recent economic indicators, including April's employment data, have led to a decrease in expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with some officials suggesting only one cut may occur this year [6] - In the UK, the consumer price index rose by 3.5% year-on-year, prompting discussions about the pace of future interest rate cuts by the Bank of England [8] Group 3: Fiscal Concerns and Market Reactions - The U.S. Congress is working on fiscal legislation that could lead to a significant increase in public debt, estimated at $3 trillion to $5 trillion over the next decade [10] - Concerns about fiscal deterioration are prevalent in Japan and Europe, with rising defense spending discussions contributing to increased interest rates [10] - The perception of U.S. Treasuries as a safe asset is being challenged, leading to potential shifts in investment strategies among global investors [10] Group 4: Impact on Housing and Corporate Investments - The rise in long-term interest rates is creating headwinds for investments reliant on long-term borrowing, such as housing [11] - The 30-year mortgage rate reached 6.92%, contributing to a 5% decline in mortgage application indices [11] - High interest rates may increase the risk of corporate bankruptcies, particularly for companies with heavy debt burdens [11]

Core Viewpoint - The rise in long-term bond yields across major economies, including the US, Japan, and Europe, is driven by concerns over fiscal instability and inflation, leading to potential economic slowdown and market volatility [1][3][6]. Group 1: Bond Market Trends - On May 21, the yield on the US 30-year Treasury bond rose to nearly 5.1%, the highest level in 1.5 years, with an increase of over 0.4% since the beginning of May [3]. - The rise in yields is not limited to the US; the UK 30-year bond yield reached 5.5%, and Germany's rose to approximately 3.1% [3]. - Japan's newly issued 30-year and 40-year bonds also hit historical highs, reflecting a broader trend of increasing long-term interest rates [3][6]. Group 2: Economic Indicators and Inflation - Concerns over inflation have intensified, with the US April employment data exceeding market expectations, leading to a belief that the Federal Reserve may only lower interest rates once this year [4]. - In the UK, the Consumer Price Index rose by 3.5% year-on-year in April, the highest in 15 months, prompting discussions about the pace of future interest rate cuts by the Bank of England [5]. Group 3: Fiscal Instability - The US Congress is coordinating fiscal legislation that could lead to a significant deterioration in fiscal health, with estimates suggesting a potential increase in public debt by $3 trillion to $5 trillion over the next decade [6]. - Japan is also experiencing fiscal expansion discussions ahead of the summer elections, with proposals for tax cuts [6]. - The perception of fiscal instability is contributing to rising interest rates, as investors express concerns over the sustainability of government debt [6][7]. Group 4: Impact on Investment and Financial Markets - The increase in long-term interest rates poses challenges for investments reliant on long-term borrowing, such as housing, with the 30-year mortgage rate rising to 6.92% [8]. - High interest rates may lead to increased bankruptcies among heavily indebted companies and could impact financial institutions holding significant amounts of US Treasuries [8].