Kazakhstan Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 18% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Bank of Korea Holds Interest Rates Steady as Weak Won Limits Policy Flexibility 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Japan’s Inflation Edges Higher in October as BOJ Faces Growing Pressure to Hike Rates 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Fed Rate Cut Odds Rise as December Decision Looks Increasingly Divided 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan’s Rising Inflation Strengthens Case for a Near-Term BOJ Rate Hike 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
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.
