Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Yen Falls to 40-Year Low as Markets Watch Japan Intervention and U.S. Jobs Report 
India Manufacturing PMI Slows in June as Demand Weakens Despite Lower Cost Pressures 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
Asian Stocks Mixed as South Korea Slides on Profit-Taking, Japan and China Gain on Strong Factory Data 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
US Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Payrolls Data and Monitor Iran Tensions 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Data as Fed Rate Outlook, ECB, and Iran Talks Shape Forex Markets 
BOJ Raises Interest Rates to 1% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
UN Chief Urges Nations to Close $100 Million UNRWA Funding Gap 
ECB Set to Raise Interest Rates as Energy Shock Fuels Eurozone Inflation Concerns 
BoE Policymaker Alan Taylor Signals No Need for Interest Rate Hike Amid Iran War Inflation Risks 
The Bank of Japan is expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged through June, according to a Reuters survey conducted from April 14–21. Out of 56 economists, 84% anticipate no rate change at the April 30-May 1 and June 16-17 policy meetings. While a slight majority now forecast a 25-basis-point hike to 0.75% in the third quarter, support has dropped from 70% last month to 52%.
Economists point to U.S. President Donald Trump's fluctuating tariff policies as a major source of uncertainty. Although the BOJ's policy path remains largely intact, the outlook has dimmed due to tariff-related disruptions, especially in manufacturing. Trump's latest moves include a 25% tariff on U.S. car imports and a temporary 10% rate on all Japanese goods, down from an earlier 24%.
Despite these challenges, 87% of surveyed economists believe the risk of recession in Japan remains low. Most respondents agree that the BOJ will lower its economic growth forecast in its next outlook report but is unlikely to cut interest rates. Instead, the bank is expected to emphasize that rising wages and stable inflation support gradual tightening.
Among 39 economists who forecast the timing of a hike, 28% chose July—down from 70% in March—while 23% now expect no increase until 2026 or later. Analysts like Atsushi Takeda from Itochu Research note that while exports may fall, a strong yen and subdued consumer prices could help support domestic demand and corporate earnings.
Markets currently price in a 65% chance of a BOJ rate hike by year-end, reflecting cautious optimism amid geopolitical headwinds and shifting trade dynamics.
