Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
RBA Reassesses Pricing Behaviors and Policy Impact Amid Inflation Pressures 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
RBNZ Cuts Interest Rates Again as Inflation Cools and Recovery Remains Fragile 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Singapore Maintains Steady Monetary Outlook as Positive Output Gap Persists into 2025 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
BOJ Seen Moving Toward December Rate Hike as Yen Slides 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasized the central bank's cautious stance on future monetary policy in response to heightened global uncertainties, particularly stemming from U.S. tariffs. Speaking to parliament on Wednesday, Ueda noted that the BOJ will closely examine how U.S. trade measures, including auto and reciprocal tariffs, could impact Japan’s economy and inflation.
“Domestic and overseas economic uncertainties have risen due to U.S. tariff actions,” Ueda stated. “We will continue to carefully assess their effects on Japan’s economy and prices through various channels.”
The BOJ ended its ultra-loose monetary policy last year, raising interest rates to 0.5% in January 2025 after concluding Japan was nearing a sustainable 2% inflation rate. However, the recent global trade tensions, sparked by former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, have complicated the central bank’s plan to gradually tighten policy.
Ueda reiterated that previous rate hikes were based on steadily rising underlying inflation and the strategic goal of avoiding more aggressive rate increases in the future. He underscored that removing excessive stimulus early supports long-term economic stability and sustainable growth.
When pressed by lawmakers for a stronger commitment to counter tariff-related economic headwinds, Ueda declined to give firm language, citing ongoing uncertainty over the direction of U.S. trade policy.
“We will scrutinize developments and assess their impact on the economy, prices, and financial markets,” Ueda said. “Our policy guidance will be based on thorough projections.”
The BOJ's next policy meeting is scheduled for April 30 to May 1, where analysts widely expect the central bank to keep interest rates steady at 0.5% and provide updated economic forecasts.
