JGBs tad lower despite wider-than-expected July trade deficit; no significant economic data to watch out

Japanese government bonds remained tad lower during late Asian session Thursday after  investors have largely shrugged-off the wider-than-expected trade deficit for the month of July. There remains no significant economic data to watch out for the rest of the day.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year JGB note, which moves inversely to its price, slipped 1/2 basis point to 0.100 percent, the yield on the long-term 30-year note steadied at 0.847 percent and the yield on short-term 2-year traded flat at -0.117 percent by 05:20GMT.

A trade deficit of JPY231.2 billion was reported in July, as import growth of 14.6 percent (led by oil imports) outstripped export growth of 3.9 percent y/y. With the flight to safety sentiments likely to prevail today, Asian markets may trade with a nervous tone today.

Meanwhile, the Nikkei 225 index fell 0.10 percent to 22,183.00 by 05:25GMT, while at 05:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly JPY Strength Index remained slightly bullish        at 88.70 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex