BOJ's Himino Set to Test Market Expectations with Hawkish Speech

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino is set to address business leaders in Saitama on Thursday, delivering a speech that will be closely watched for hints about the central bank's stance on a potential rate hike at its September meeting.

Himino's remarks are seen as an early test of market expectations for a 25 basis point increase in interest rates. The BOJ has been under pressure to act, with some analysts predicting that it will raise rates to 1.25% by the end of the year.

The speech comes as the yen trades near the high 158 level against the dollar, with some market participants watching for any signs that the central bank may be preparing to intervene in currency markets.