Japan’s 10-year government bond yield steadied around 3% on Wednesday, holding a recent decline after reports suggested the Bank of Japan was reluctant to deliver a rare back-to-back interest rate hike this month, while leaving the door open for a potential increase in December. The central bank reportedly sees limited justification for consecutive rate hikes unless there are signs of a sharp acceleration in upside inflation risks. Meanwhile, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said policymakers would continue to closely monitor bond yields, reiterating that long-term interest rates are determined by market forces. His comments signaled a cautious approach as the central bank moves further away from strict yield control. Elsewhere, oil prices extended gains amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, heightening concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East and keeping inflationary pressures elevated.