1.   Although Japanese government securities also performed well in the past three months as a rally drove yields to record lows, investors say the best is likely over.

2.   Although securities firms bought the new notes at a lower yield than expected, they drove yields higher after the sale to drum up demand among investors.

3.   And because the fear of inflation drives long-term yields higher, they can fall as confidence in the Fed grows.

4.   Any sign that inflation is accelerating could drive yields still higher and prompt the Federal Reserve to raise benchmark interest rates.

5.   Any sign that the economy is picking up enough steam to accelerate inflation could drive yields still higher and even prompt the Federal Reserve to raise benchmark interest rates.

6.   Any sign that the economy is picking up enough steam to accelerate inflation could drive yields still higher and possibly force the Federal Reserve to raise benchmark interest rates.

7.   Any sign that the economy is picking up enough steam to accelerate inflation could drive yields still higher and prompt the Federal Reserve to raise benchmark interest rates.

8.   As a result, Japanese bonds rose, driving yields to their lowest level in a week.

9.   Bank issues lagged hurt as surprising strength in manufacturing and Christmas spending drove bond yields higher.

10.   Bonds rose for a sixth day, driving yields to an eight-year low, amid speculation Japanese economic growth will slow further.