Japanese government bond yields increased on reports suggesting the Bank of Japan (BOJ) might exit negative interest rates. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield reached a one-month high at 0.760%. BOJ policymakers are reportedly considering ending negative rates and revising stimulus programs. The BOJ might replace its bond yield control (YCC) with a new quantitative framework. Big Japanese companies are expected to offer significant pay hikes, influencing the timing of BOJ’s exit. Japan’s economy avoided a technical recession, supporting an earlier exit. Market expectations for ending negative rates in March increased after BOJ officials’ comments on inflation targets. The 20-year and 30-year JGB yields also rose to one-month highs