BoJ March meeting: Rates steady at 0.75% but ready to hike ‘without delay’ if outlook holds

The Bank of Japan maintained its key short-term rate at 0.75% during its March 2026 meeting, indicating readiness for future hikes if economic conditions align. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, domestic financial conditions remain loose, with investment slowdowns attributed to labor shortages. Policymakers will monitor wages, inflation, and financial conditions while aiming to keep inflation below 2%. The Nikkei 225 Index fell about 5%, and the yen appreciated past 160 per dollar. Vice Finance Minister Atsushi Mimura expressed concerns over rising speculative activities in crude oil and foreign exchange markets, promising decisive government action if necessary.