Financial markets in Japan are reacting swiftly to growing speculation of a major tax shift ahead of an expected early election. While government bond yields are spiking over fiscal concerns, investors are pouring into food-related shares.
The anticipated move to reduce or even scrap the sales tax on food has driven gains in consumer staples, reports Bloomberg, but it’s triggering alarm in debt markets already wary of the country’s spending levels.
Food stocks rise on tax cut hopes
Shares in Japan’s food industry jumped after reports signalled a potential two-year tax exemption on food and beverages. Yamazaki Baking Co. gained as much as 7.4%, while the Topix Foods index climbed 2.2% to the day’s high.
Broader market performance was weaker, but the food sector outperformed, buoyed by expectations that tax relief would directly support consumer spending.
The tax reduction is expected to begin as early as January, according to Japanese news outlet Kyodo.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is evaluating the plan.
The proposal aligns with campaign strategies as both ruling and opposition parties gear up for a national vote, possibly on 8 February.
Bond market reacts to fiscal concerns
While equities in specific sectors rallied, government bonds declined sharply.
The 10 and 20-year yields rose about 10 basis points, reaching levels last seen in 1999. Meanwhile, the 30 and 40-year yields increased around 15 basis points, pushing them to record highs since their respective issuances.
This shift highlights growing doubts about Japan’s fiscal discipline.
Market participants are concerned that any cuts to the consumption tax would widen the fiscal deficit.
The government already faces a heavy debt burden, and any loss in tax income may prompt increased bond issuance.
An annual shortfall of ¥5 trillion, or $31.7 billion, is projected if the cut goes ahead.
Opposition outlines alternative funding
The Centrist Reform Alliance, a newly formed opposition group, has proposed financing the tax reduction through a government-managed fund.
This initiative is aimed at making the food tax cut more palatable to investors by offering an alternative to direct spending.
However, the plan’s details remain limited, and market response has been cautious.
With both major political blocs supporting reduced taxes on essential goods, attention has turned to how the move will be funded.
Investors are bracing for more pressure on bond prices if the government fails to outline credible fiscal safeguards.
Currency holds steady amid mixed signals
The Japanese yen saw slight gains after the US dollar weakened in response to global geopolitical tensions.
President Trump’s tariff threats against Europe, tied to unrelated negotiations, briefly affected currency markets.
However, the yen’s overall response to Japan’s domestic policy developments remains subdued.
Experts suggest that ongoing concerns about Japan’s debt and tax revenue shortfall are keeping the currency in check.
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