JGB futures were well bid on the Nikkei BoJ....>

JGBS: JGB futures were well bid on the Nikkei BoJ sources story that was run

outside of Tokyo hours on Thursday, with the contract last dealing 31 ticks

higher on the day. Contract was a little limited in afternoon trade, on the

uptick in the offer to cover ratio in the latest round of 10-25 Year BoJ Rinban

ops. We also saw Japanese finance Minister Aso note that the BoJ & the MoF are

not currently discussing whether to ditch the Bank's annual JGB purchase limit,

in light of the Nikkei piece.

- The 5-10 Year sector of the curve has outperformed all day, with swaps wider

across the curve ex. 10s & 20s.

- Weekend focus likely to fall on the continued COVID-19 lockdown debate, ahead

of Monday's BoJ decision.