Japan’s 10-year government bond yield hovered around 1.65% on Friday, holding near 17-year highs as investors assessed the Bank of Japan’s policy path. Data showed Tokyo’s core inflation rose 2.5% in September, unchanged from August but below forecasts of 2.8%. Minutes from the BOJ’s July meeting signaled policymakers remain inclined to raise rates further if economic and price conditions unfold as expected. At its September meeting, the BOJ left rates on hold but faced two dissents, suggesting additional tightening may be drawing closer. Politically, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will elect a new leader on October 4 to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.