Bank of Japan Policy Board member Masu Kazuyuki (増一行) was reported to have said that the Bank would “discuss thoroughly” a policy rate hike at the next Monetary Policy Meeting, and the outlook was discussed during the press conference. Kiuchi (木内) introduced a comment on the program stating that Masu Kazuyuki (増一行), a member of the middle camp, had mentioned a rate hike.
Bank of Japan Policy Board member Masu Kazuyuki (増一行) explained that the Bank would “discuss thoroughly” a policy rate hike at the next Monetary Policy Meeting. He also stated that the Bank would review and assess exchange rates, crude oil prices and international conditions, among other factors. The Bank was said to have a policy of raising the rate to around 1.25% at the next meeting, but it was reported that no specific reference was made to this.
In a speech before the program, the outlook was presented that the Bank would “continue raising the policy interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary easing.” As the inflation rate approaches 2%, the importance of keeping inflation under control and the significance of rate hikes were pointed out.
A comment by Kiuchi (木内) was introduced stating that, because Masu Kazuyuki (増一行), who is in the middle camp among BOJ board members, had mentioned a rate hike, the possibility of a policy rate increase at next week's meeting was high. It was interpreted as meaning that the rate could rise to around 1.75% to 2% in the latter half of next year or the year after next.