Futures finished 4 ticks higher at 151.03,.....>

JGBS: Futures finished 4 ticks higher at 151.03, as the domestic curve

flattened, with yields on bonds from 7-Years out softening modestly on the day.

- JGBs pulled back from opening highs inspired by the Cohn/US-China trade

headlines as the Nikkei 225 briefly moved into positive territory.

- The BoJ left the amounts in today's Rinban operations steady. The offer to

cover ratio ticked higher in the shorter dated 1-3 Year bucket, it remained

steady in the 3-5 Year bucket & fell in the 10-25+ Year buckets.

- Incoming BoJ Deputy Gov. Wakatabe highlighted various ways in which the BoJ

could further ease policy, but said he has no pre-commitment to looser policy.

His fellow incoming Deputy Gov Amamiya offered little fresh insight.

- Last week's volatility has resulted in pressure returning to the 151.17-19

region where the Bollinger band top is situated. Bulls continue to look for a

close above 151.19 to initially target 151.51 2017 highs. The Bollinger band top

is the key concern for bulls with potential to limit follow through. Bears now

need a close below 150.89 to ease bullish pressure and below 150.47 to target

2018 lows.