Category: boj

BOJ’s New Chief Keeps Ultra-Low Rates, Embarks on Policy Review

TOKYO—The Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept ultra-low interest rates on Friday but announced a plan to review its past monetary policy moves, laying the groundwork for new Governor Kazuo Ueda to gradually phase out his predecessor’s massive stimulus programme. While maintaining its commitment to “patiently” keep policy accommodative, the central bank removed a pledge from…


BOJ Keeps Low Rates as Kuroda Sticks to Script at Swan Song Meeting

TOKYO—The Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintained ultra-low interest rates on Friday and held off making changes to its controversial bond yield control policy, leaving options open ahead of a leadership transition in April. Though widely expected by most analysts, the decision sent the yen and local bond yields tumbling as some investors unwound bets that…


BOJ Defies Market Bets for Policy Tweaks, Yen Tumbles

TOKYO—The Bank of Japan on Wednesday maintained ultra-low interest rates, including a bond yield cap it was struggling to defend, defying market expectations it would phase out its massive stimulus program amid mounting inflationary pressure. The surprise decision sent the yen skidding against other currencies and bond yields tumbling the most in decades, as investors…


BOJ Kuroda Dismisses Near-Term Chance of Exiting Easy Policy

TOKYO—Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda on Monday brushed aside the chance of a near-term exit from ultra-loose monetary policy, although markets and policymakers are signaling an increasing focus on what comes after Kuroda’s tenure ends. Investors have continued to push up Japanese government bond (JGB) yields on expectations the BOJ will phase out…


Bank of Japan Widens Yield Curve Control Band, Triggering Jump in Yen

The Japanese yen rose 3 percent against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) modified its yield curve control (YCC) band, allowing long-term government bond yields to trade in a wider range. The BOJ has decided to raise Japan’s 10-year government bond yields from 25 basis points to 50 basis points…


Bank of Japan Keeps Ultra-Low Rates, Dovish Policy Guidance

The Bank of Japan maintained ultra-low interest rates and dovish policy guidance on Thursday, reassuring markets that it will continue to swim against a global tide of central banks tightening monetary policy to combat soaring inflation. Here are some analysts’ views on the move and market reaction: Shigetoshi Kamada, General Manager—Research Department, Tachibana Securities, Tokyo…


BOJ Policymaker Vows to Keep Ultra-Low Rates, Dovish Guidance

TOKYO—The Bank of Japan must maintain massive monetary stimulus and its dovish policy guidance until wages show clearer signs of increasing, one of its board members said, reinforcing the central bank’s outlier status in a global wave of monetary tightening. Board member Toyoaki Nakamura also ruled out the chance of tweaking Japan’s ultra-low interest rates…


Japan’s Inflation Holds Above BOJ Target, Price Pressures Broaden

TOKYO—Japan’s core consumer inflation accelerated in July to its fastest in seven-and-a-half years, driven by fuel and raw material prices and adding to the costs of living for households yet to see significant wage gains. In a sign of broadening price pressure, the so-called “core core” index that strips away not just the impact of…


BOJ Retains Easy Policy, Kuroda Shuns Chance of Near-Term Rate Hike

TOKYO—The Bank of Japan projected inflation would exceed its target this year in fresh forecasts issued on Thursday, but maintained ultra-low interest rates and signaled its resolve to remain an outlier in a wave of global central banks’ policy tightening. BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda brushed aside the chance of near-term policy tightening, saying he had…


Japan Government, Central Bank Reiterate Concern Over Sharp Falls in Yen

TOKYO—Tokyo is concerned about sharp falls in the yen currency and stands ready to “respond appropriately” if needed, Japan’s top government spokesperson said on Monday, issuing a fresh warning to markets. The remark echoed Friday’s joint statement by the government and central bank, but failed to avert a plunge in the yen to 135.22 against…