Business Jan 5, 2023
BOJ's policy tweak hasn't led to lending windfall, Mizuho head says
by Ritsuko Shimizu
Comments from the president and CEO of Mizuho Financial Group highlight the challenges Japanese banks still face.
Commentary / World Jan 5, 2023
It’s now clear that quantitative easing was a colossal policy mistake
by Allison Schrager
There’s no convincing evidence that central banks’ purchases of trillions of dollars of bonds and other financial assets helped any economy.
Business / Financial Markets Jan 5, 2023
Japan's MOF lifts coupon rate on 10-year JGBs to 8-year high after BOJ move
While a higher coupon rate could squeeze public finances, it will benefit investors as it brings higher return on their bond investment.
Business Dec 30, 2022
Bank of Japan buys record amount of bonds to defend governor’s new target
by Masaki Kondo
The combination of additional fixed-rate and fixed-amount purchases announced Friday have boosted this month’s buying to about ¥17 trillion.
Business Dec 26, 2022
BOJ’s Kuroda dismisses near-term chance of exiting easy policy
by Leika Kihara
Kuroda said the decision last week to widen the allowance band around its yield target was aimed at enhancing the effect of its ultraeasy policy.
Business Dec 23, 2022
Japan unveils record budget in boost to military capabilities
by Tetsushi Kajimoto and Takaya Yamaguchi
The draft budget features record military and welfare spending as Japan confronts regional security challenges from an ever-assertive China and an unpredictable North Korea.
Business / Economy Dec 23, 2022
Daiwa chief expects more BOJ tweaks in pivot to policy tightening
by Takashi Nakamichi and Takako Taniguchi
Japan’s 40-year high inflation and signs of distortions in the bond market mean it’s a good time to start normalizing policy, Daiwa Securities Group CEO Seiji Nakata said.
Business Dec 22, 2022
Japan to rein in bond sales in fiscal 2023-2024
by Takaya Yamaguchi
Japan's Ministry of Finance plans to reduce government bond sales to ¥190 trillion ($1.44 trillion) in the fiscal year beginning April 1.
Business / Financial Markets Dec 22, 2022
Nippon Life may buy more domestic bonds after BOJ shift raises yields
by Hideyuki Sano and Masahiro Hidaka
Benchmark 10-year sovereign yields have almost doubled to 0.48% after policymakers raised the cap to 0.50% on Tuesday.
Commentary / Japan Dec 21, 2022
Master of surprise Kuroda does it one more time
by Gearoid Reidy and Daniel Moss
An unexpected BOJ policy tweak stunned markets. Expect central banking’s biggest outlier to keep confounding investors.
Business Dec 21, 2022
BOJ's widening of yields band may raise housing loans and hit consumers
The Bank of Japan's surprise decision to allow long-term interest rates to move in a wider range will likely raise borrowing rates for households taking out housing loans.
Business / Economy Dec 20, 2022
Kuroda shocks markets by raising BOJ cap on 10-year bond yields, driving up yen
by Toru Fujioka and Sumio Ito
The bank will now allow yields to rise to around 0.5%, up from the previous upper limit of 0.25% on their range of movement, according to a policy statement.