BOJ pauses rate hikes amid Trump’s tariff fear

On Thursday, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintained its key interest rate unchanged and refuted demands for a rate increase following Trump’s tariff fear. This includes a collapse in the yen and its slow growth just before the parliament returns to Tokyo for a pivotal session next week.

According to The Japan Times, the BOJ’s decision came after a two-day policy meeting. In the meeting, analysts were split over whether rates should be raised to 0.5 percent or held at the current 0.25 percent.

Markets had already begun to anticipate the BOJ’s decision, moving on to a pause. This is a cautious measure after two 2024 rate hikes ended a yearslong freeze on negative interest rates.

BOJ governor will address the further moves of the bank

The uncertainty was exacerbated by Trump’s threat of further tariffs on Chinese, Canadian, and Mexican goods. Promoted as a tool for preventing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, the trade strategy raises questions regarding the encouragement of the beginning of a more general attack on the global trading system.

Markets are waiting for BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda’s updates about the bank’s next moves when he addresses the decision later.

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