Bank of Japan Deputy Gov. Ryozo Himino refrained from dropping any clear hints pointing to an imminent interest rate increase, reinforcing financial market expectations that authorities will stand pat this month after a conflict erupted in the Middle East over the weekend.
¡°I want to closely monitor the situation¡± in the Middle East, Himino said Monday in a speech to local business leaders in Wakayama Prefecture.
Himino spoke as the outlook for the economy became murkier after the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The speech indicates there is little chance of a rate hike when the BOJ¡¯s board sets policy on March 19. The remarks stand in contrast to those Himino made in January 2025, when he pointed out that the board would discuss raising the benchmark rate at its coming meeting, a gathering where it increased borrowing costs.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.