Reuters reported Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Lease issued 5 billion yen ($44.27 million) worth of six-month commercial paper with a yield of minus 0.001%.

Due to the fact that the Bank of Japan introduced negative interest rates earlier this year, Reuters noted that SMFL will get an interest return of 25,000 yen from the borrowing.

Reuters said that MSFL is the first issuer of commercial paper with a negative yield.