BOJ Sets Stage for Another Rate Hike Signal Ahead of September Meeting

The Bank of Japan has scheduled another speaking event for one of its board members ahead of its next policy meeting in September. Board member Kazuyuki Masu will deliver a speech and hold a news conference on September 10, the BOJ said on Friday.

This is the third such event planned by the BOJ, with hawkish board member Hajime Takata speaking on September 2 and Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino on August 27. These events allow the BOJ to give advance signals of a rate hike, similar to past practices.

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 hawks who favour a near-term rate hike.