After the Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1.25%, the yen temporarily fell to the ¥157-per-dollar range. In the Tokyo market, the Nikkei Stock Average temporarily rose more than ¥1,300 above the previous day's close.
At its Monetary Policy Meeting, the Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1.25%. After the decision, the yen temporarily weakened to the ¥157-per-dollar range, marking the weakest yen and strongest dollar levels in about two weeks. Despite the Bank of Japan's rate hike decision, 2 policy board members opposed the increase, prompting expectations of an early further rate hike to recede and the yen to be sold. In the Tokyo stock market, the Nikkei Stock Average temporarily rose more than ¥1,300 from the previous day's close.
While expectations for further changes in monetary policy remain the focus of the markets, there are also views that the yen's depreciation could be affected by export companies' earnings and foreign-currency-denominated debt. Market participants say the decision was viewed as leaning dovish.
In news on the 18th, 播磨屋本店 announced plans to cease operations at the end of March 2027. Other reports covered everyday topics, including measures against unauthorized parking at nearby stores and explanations of pension payment dates and benefit amounts. Additional coverage included the introduction of a system to prevent unauthorized parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities, the first of its kind in the AEON Group, inquiries related to parking, and market trends following the consolidation of beer taxes.
Coverage was centered on fast-moving reports concerning the Bank of Japan's policy change, drawing attention to trends in the yen and stock markets, while reports on individual business closures and everyday-life topics were also presented alongside them.