TOKYO -- The Bank of Japan is expected to lower its inflation forecast for the fiscal year beginning in April from 1.4% to around 1% and, if crude oil prices remain depressed, will likely push back the estimated time of arrival at its 2% target.
Amid fading hopes that the BOJ's current strength of monetary easing will drive the pace of consumer price growth it seeks, financial markets' attention has turned to the timing of its next move.