11.   It also makes yen bonds more attractive to foreign investors, who benefit when they convert the proceeds of their investments into other currencies.

12.   Nomura said a broad range of investors bought the yen bonds, with Japanese investors showing the most interest.

13.   Still, some traders said any decline in yen bonds would be shortlived.

14.   The disappearance of European currencies with the birth of the euro could lead underweight European institutional investors to shift funds into yen bonds, they said.

15.   To be sure, concern that demand for yen bonds is waning weighed on prices, analysts said.

16.   To be sure, an overnight rise in U.S. Treasury bonds may help yen bonds.

17.   While higher rates would boost the yen by making yen bonds and deposits more appealing, it could crimp economic recovery.

18.   Yen bonds recovered in Europe overnight after falling in Tokyo amid concern surging U.S. Treasury yields portended rising interest rates worldwide.

19.   Mahathir said his country would take advantage of a Japanese offer to guarantee yen bonds issued by the Malaysian government.

20.   The Finance department has yet to assign the launch of the yen bonds.