Japan is facing increasing challenges in controlling its bond market, with the Bank of Japan (BoJ) struggling to maintain control through its open-ended program of Quantitative Easing (QE). The program involves the BoJ buying the 10-Year Japanese Government Bond whenever its yield rises to 1% or higher. This QE program is considered one of the most audacious ones in history, with the central bank willing to do whatever it takes to prevent bond yields from rising.
However, despite these efforts, the BoJ has had to intervene in the bond market six times in the past month alone. A chart depicting the movement of yields clearly shows that they broke above critical resistance in mid-2023 and have been rapidly rising ever since. This indicates that the current QE program is proving inadequate to control bond yields effectively.
The BoJ’s direct interventions in the bond market have now become a weekly occurrence, underscoring the increasing difficulty in managing the situation. This is happening at a time when the value of the Japanese currency, the Yen, is also poised to reach new lows. These developments indicate that Japan’s bond market is in a precarious state, with potentially far-reaching implications for the country’s economy.
It is essential to recognize the broader context of these events. The world is rapidly approaching a significant crisis known as the Great Debt Crisis. Previous crises such as the bursting of the Tech Bubble in 2000 and the Housing Bubble in 2007 have shown the devastating impact of such crises on the global economy. The most recent crisis, the bursting of the Great Debt Bubble in 2022, signals that we are on the cusp of facing a new financial catastrophe.
Japan’s struggle to control its bond market is indicative of the broader challenges faced by central banks worldwide as they try to navigate a complex and fragile financial system. The unprecedented levels of debt, coupled with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, have exacerbated these challenges, making it increasingly difficult for central banks to maintain stability.
The potential failure of a major central bank, such as the Bank of Japan, would have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. It would undoubtedly trigger a chain reaction of financial instability that could spread to other countries and regions. The interconnected nature of the global financial system means that no country or region can isolate itself from the impact of such a failure.
In conclusion, the situation in Japan’s bond market highlights the struggles faced by central banks in managing the current financial landscape. The BoJ’s ongoing interventions and the rapid rise of bond yields indicate that the current measures are insufficient to control the market effectively. As the world edges closer to the Great Debt Crisis, it becomes increasingly important for policymakers and institutions to implement strategies that address the underlying issues and promote stability in the financial system. The potential failure of a major central bank should serve as a wake-up call for coordinated efforts to mitigate the risks and ensure a sustainable path forward.
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