Nothing On Local Docket, Omicron Eyed

JGB futures nudged higher during the final overnight session of last week, with the bid from the U.S. Tsy space providing support. Still, U.S. Tsy futures opened sharply lower this week, owing to tentative optimism re: the ultimate mortality threat posed by the omicron COVID variant.

• When it comes to omicron’s impact on domestic policy, Friday (after the Tokyo close) saw BBG source reports note that “uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant is making some Bank of Japan officials see increased risk in ending or scaling back a Covid funding program set to expire in March. While credit conditions for big firms have improved along with the market for corporate bonds and commercial paper, it may be risky to announce a reduction in support now.”
• There is nothing of note on the domestic docket today.