日本央行会议纪要：内部加息阵营隐现裂痕 中性利率论争浮出水面

Core Viewpoint - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintains a cautious yet optimistic stance on the current economic and inflation situation, with notable internal disagreements on the pace of monetary policy normalization [1][4]. Monetary Policy Decisions - The BOJ decided to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.5% for the fifth consecutive meeting, aligning with market expectations [1]. - The BOJ unanimously approved the initiation of selling its holdings of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Japanese Real Estate Investment Trusts (J-REITs), with the sale scale expected to be roughly equivalent to the amount of stocks purchased from financial institutions [1]. Inflation Dynamics - Inflation is primarily driven by rising food prices, with core inflation expected to remain weak; current core inflation is estimated to be between 1.5% and 2.5% [2]. - Despite a recent consumer price index increase of 2.5% to 3.0%, policymakers believe this rise lacks sustainability, and core inflation may revert to lower levels once food price shocks dissipate [2]. Interest Rate Hikes - There is a growing call for interest rate hikes, with two members advocating for an immediate increase to 0.75%, citing that the current policy rate is below neutral levels and that the output gap is closing [3][4]. - Some members emphasize the importance of timely rate hikes from a risk management perspective, suggesting that the technical preparations for a policy shift are in place [3]. External Economic Influences - The external environment, particularly U.S. tariff policies, is a significant concern for BOJ members, with worries about indirect impacts on export industries [5]. - While some members view the U.S.-Japan trade agreement as a stabilizing factor, there are warnings about the potential negative effects of U.S. tariff policies on Japanese exports and production [5]. Asset Management Strategies - The focus is shifting towards optimizing the asset structure on the balance sheet, with calls for a "market impact neutral" asset portfolio [6]. - There are concerns that reducing the balance sheet to pre-financial crisis levels could impair short-term interest rate control, indicating a cautious approach to exiting unconventional monetary policies [6]. Gradual Adjustment Path - The majority of members advocate for a cautious approach, emphasizing the need to monitor key variables such as U.S. monetary policy shifts and the impact of declining corporate profits on wage negotiations [7]. - The BOJ's baseline scenario remains unchanged, indicating a temporary stagnation in economic growth and core inflation improvement, while some members propose decisive adjustments if inflation continues to exceed targets [7].