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BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
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China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Japan’s annual wholesale inflation reached 4.0% in February, reflecting rising raw material costs and reinforcing market expectations of a near-term interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). The corporate goods price index (CGPI), which tracks the prices businesses charge each other, matched market forecasts but slowed slightly from January’s 4.2% increase.
Bank of Japan data showed yen-based import prices declined 0.7% in February after rising 2.3% in January, highlighting fluctuating cost pressures. The BOJ had ended its decade-long ultra-loose monetary policy last year, raising short-term interest rates from 0.25% to 0.5% in January, signaling a shift toward tightening.
With consumer inflation surpassing the BOJ’s 2% target for nearly three years, policymakers have indicated a willingness to raise rates further if economic recovery remains stable. Investors are closely watching for signals on future monetary policy moves, as sustained inflation and economic resilience could prompt additional hikes.
Japan’s inflation trend continues to shape expectations for financial markets, businesses, and households. The BOJ’s stance on interest rates remains a focal point, with any further increases likely to impact lending, investment, and overall economic growth.
