Bank of Japan rate decision outlook: interest rates remain unchanged this month, expectations of a rate hike in May rise

Odaily Planet Daily News: Many institutions expect that the Bank of Japan will maintain its current policy in this month's interest rate decision, but the possibility of a rate hike in May is gradually increasing. Standard Chartered Bank believes that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates in the second quarter of 2025 to balance inflation and economic growth targets. JPMorgan Chase does not expect interest rates to be adjusted at this meeting, but interest rate hikes may be discussed at the May meeting, with the baseline forecast being a June action. ANZ Bank predicts two rate hikes in 2025 (May and October), 25 basis points each, but if market volatility increases, the possibility of adjusting policy in May will decrease. Capital Economics believes that inflation will exceed expectations, the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates in May instead of July, and expects interest rates to rise to 1.5% in 2027. Bank of America pays attention to the press conference of Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, focusing on the assessment of economic data and future interest rate hike guidance, while paying attention to the central bank's stance on tightening financial conditions. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda will hold a monetary policy press conference at 14:30 today. (Jinshi)