【环球财经】日本央行维持利率不变 两位委员支持加息

Core Viewpoint - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, awaiting clearer economic conditions amid ongoing economic and political uncertainties [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Conditions - The BOJ is assessing the impact of U.S. tariff policies on both domestic and international economies, which is influencing their decision-making process [1][2]. - Japan's economic growth may slow down due to trade policies affecting global growth, but a re-acceleration is anticipated [2]. - The latest data shows Japan's core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7% year-on-year in August, a significant drop from July but still above the BOJ's 2% target, indicating the need for vigilance regarding inflation [2]. Group 2: Policy Decisions - The BOJ's decision to keep rates unchanged was widely expected following the resignation of Prime Minister Shinto Abe, but two committee members voted in favor of a 25 basis point rate hike, signaling a potential acceleration in policy normalization [1][3]. - The BOJ has begun selling its holdings of ETFs and REITs, reflecting a hawkish stance that has strengthened the yen and affected the stock market [3][4]. - Analysts expect the BOJ to raise interest rates before January next year, with indications that the internal dynamics of the policy committee are shifting towards a faster normalization of monetary policy [4].