BOJ Deputy Governor Hints at Rate Hike in September

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino hinted at a potential interest rate hike in September, sparking market expectations. At a press conference in Saitama on August 28, Himino stated that the BOJ will consider raising its policy interest rate 'at every monetary policy meeting, including the next one' in September.

Many market participants have anticipated a BOJ rate hike in September, and Himino's comments may fuel this expectation. He emphasized the need to be mindful of upside risks to prices, given that the underlying inflation rate is approaching 2%, the BOJ's target inflation rate.

Himino acknowledged that it's not too soon to assess the effects of the June rate hike, which increased the policy interest rate to 1%. He stated, 'We aren't saying we'll not take a single step until complete information becomes available.'