BOJ governor Ueda expects further interest rate hikes as underlying inflation picks up
- Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, albeit with some weakness
- Economic growth likely to be slow but continue at a moderate pace of recovery
- Financial conditions remain accommodative even after recent rate hike
- So, that will continue to support economic activity
- Expects to continue raising interest rates as underlying inflation approaches 2% level
- There is risk of underlying inflation overshooting 2% even
- The timing, pace of future rate hikes will be decided by scrutinising baseline forecasts and the risks involved
Ueda is on a bit of hiatus for medical reasons and these are his first remarks since then. As a reminder, he was not a voter nor did he participate in the latest BOJ policy meeting this month. That being said, his policy views are very much shared by the entire board so it wasn’t a deal breaker or anything.
The comments here are in line with what the BOJ has been communicating. So, there really isn’t anything that stands out. Carry on as you will.
This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.