Japan’s largest long-term bond selloff in years pushed 40-year yields to their highest since 2007, triggering global market turbulence after PM Takaichi’s fiscal easing plan.
On January 21, Japan’s 30- and 40-year bond yields surged over 25 basis points, with the 30-year reaching 3.91%, a 27-year high, and the 40-year hitting 4%—its highest since 2007. The spike followed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s announcement of tax cuts and increased spending, ending fiscal tightening. The selloff rippled through global markets, lifting U.S. Treasury yields and driving the Nikkei 225 down 1.36% and the KOSPI down 1.52%. Bitcoin fell below $91,000, while gold and silver reached record highs as investors sought safe havens. Analysts caution that rising long-term yields may tighten global liquidity and heighten financial instability risks.