The Bank of Japan (BOJ) concluded its meeting by keeping the short-term interest rate at 0.5%, unchanged since March. The central bank also unveiled a new roadmap for bond purchases.
BOJ's Decision and Its Consequences
All BOJ members supported the decision to maintain the current interest rate. The bond tapering plan, which runs until March 2026, remains unchanged. Starting in April 2026, the BOJ will gradually reduce monthly bond purchases by ¥200 billion each quarter, ultimately bringing them down to ¥2 trillion per month by March 2027.
Market Reaction Following Ueda's Press Briefing
After the meeting, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda gave a press briefing in Tokyo, noting 'high uncertainty' in global trade. This comment led to a slight strengthening of the yen, while the dollar stayed flat. Currency markets barely moved, with the euro stuck at $1.1556 and the pound slightly dropping.
Impact of Conflict on Markets
Meanwhile, markets were shaken by escalating conflict headlines from the Middle East. Fighting between Iran and Israel intensified, pushing stock futures down. Energy traders reacted quickly, leading to a rise in oil prices. The BOJ continues its bond-buying policy for now, but with smaller steps post-2026.
The Bank of Japan maintains a cautious approach towards its monetary policy as global markets face various pressures. Ongoing monitoring of the situation is crucial for future stability.