BOJ's negative-rate exit may hinge on January, April inflation outlooks

With price growth looking stable, Japan central bank homes in on wages

20231219N BOJ Ueda

Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda struck a balanced tone at the post-policy-meeting news conference Dec. 19 as the central bank moves toward an exit from easing. (Photo by Nanami Sato)

SHIORI GOSO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The Bank of Japan is weighing when to end its negative-interest-rate policy as inflation shifts to a more stable footing, focusing on spring wage negotiations kicking off in January and an expected pivot to rate cuts in the U.S.

Gov. Kazuo Ueda struck a balance between positivity and caution in his news conference Tuesday after the central bank's policy meeting as it enters the final stages of a move toward an exit from years of ultraloose monetary policy. With its goal of stable 2% inflation within reach, Ueda's comments seemed intended to ensure the BOJ has as free a hand as possible.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.