BOJ Prepares for September Rate Decision with Third Speaking Event

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has scheduled another speaking event ahead of its September policy meeting, fueling speculation about potential rate hikes. Board member Kazuyuki Masu will deliver a speech and hold a news conference on September 10.

This is the third such event in recent weeks, following speeches by hawkish board members Hajime Takata and Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino. The BOJ has been giving advance signals of rate hikes through these pre-scheduled events, similar to past practices when interest rates were increased.

Takata dissented on the BOJ's decision in July to keep rates steady, instead calling for a hike to 1.25%. Masu and Himino are seen by markets as among those who favor a near-term rate increase. The BOJ's next policy meeting is set for September 17-18.

Market expectations of a rate hike have been growing, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying he expected to meet BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda at a G20 finance leaders' meeting on August 31 and September 1. If Ueda were to travel and hold a news briefing after the meeting, it would draw market attention.