South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Bank of Japan’s Upcoming Rate Decision: Insights and Key Takeaways
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is concluding a two-day policy meeting this Thursday. This review follows a recent election loss for Japan’s ruling coalition, intensifying political uncertainties that could affect BOJ’s monetary policy decisions.
Is a Rate Hike on the Horizon?
Earlier in 2024, the BOJ ended negative interest rates and raised its short-term policy target to 0.25%. While inflation currently sits at 2%, the central bank remains cautious about further rate increases. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has emphasized the need to monitor global economic risks, including the U.S. market, before any additional hikes. As a result, experts predict a steady rate outcome in October, with BOJ preferring policy stability until Japan’s political direction becomes clearer.
Key Signals for Market Observers
The BOJ's quarterly report will detail its latest economic and inflation projections, providing potential clues for future rate actions. Analysts believe inflation will likely hover around the 2% target until at least March 2027, meeting the conditions for potential hikes but not guaranteeing them. Additionally, Ueda's post-meeting briefing on Thursday may offer guidance on the BOJ's stance, especially concerning Japan’s currency depreciation, which affects import costs and inflation.
Next Steps in Rate Hikes
The BOJ’s next meetings are scheduled for December and January. While most economists anticipate a rate hike by March, factors like wage growth, global demand, and Japan’s political climate could influence the timing.
