JGB's firmer in the morning session, coming....>

JGBS: JGB's firmer in the morning session, coming off lows hit during the

overnight. Dovish comments from BoJ Governor Kuroda and Sato earlier today

helping the bid tone. Kuroda said earlier that the BoJ would continue to pursue

powerful monetary easing, and that there was still a long way to go until the 2%

inflation target was hit.

- Sato said that the BoJ needs to continue their low rate policy.

- A dovish report from Goldman Sachs is also helping to support JGB's. Goldman's

say that while the inflationary environment is improving, easy policy is still

needed to hit the 2% inflation target, especially considering the possible

negative effects of a sales tax hike in 2019.

- Market looks ahead to 5-Year auction at 0345BST/1245JST, demand is expected to

be robust at the auction, there has been some pre auction concession in the past

few session.

- JGB future last at session high of 150.73.