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Sources Say BoJ May Hold Off On Rate Hike

Japanese Cabinet to Approve Temporary Budget on March 27

Japan's Real Wages Increase for the First Time in 13 Months, Increasing the Possibility of Bank of Japan Rate Hike

Nikkei futures 涨幅扩大至 58,140 points

BOJ Governor Kuroda to Hold Monetary Policy Press Conference

Japan's Core CPI Rises 2.4%, Market Anticipates Rate Hike Later This Year

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Japan’s producer prices surged 4.9% year-over-year in April 2026, up from 2.9% in March and surpassing the expected 3% growth. This marks the fastest increase since May 2023, driven by high-energy costs linked to supply chain issues from the war in Iran. Monthly, producer prices rose 2.3%, up from a 1.0% gain in March.

- Japan’s producer prices increased by 4.9% year-over-year in April 2026, surpassing the expected growth of 3%.  
- The rise is attributed to high-energy costs resulting from supply chain disruptions linked to the war in Iran.  
- Month-over-month, producer prices rose by 2.3%, compared to a 1.0% increase in March.

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Japan’s producer prices surge 4.9% in April, marking fastest rise since 2023

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The AI-led market rally continues as investors overlook high interest rates and oil prices above $100. A summit between U.S. President Trump and China's Xi Jinping is underway, focusing on trade and geopolitical tensions, with low expectations from the talks. Asian markets, particularly South Korea and Japan, are performing well, driven by AI investments. Key UK economic data is anticipated, reflecting the impact of the ongoing Iran war on the economy. Prime Minister Starmer faces pressure following local election losses.

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MORNING BID EUROPE-AI rally powers on, Trump-Xi summit takes centre stage

Bank of Japan Policy Board Member Ichiro Zeng indicated that the central bank is considering a comprehensive review of economic factors such as prices, employment, and financial conditions before making any further interest rate hikes. He stressed the need for well-informed and balanced monetary policy adjustments, given that the current policy rate is near the estimated neutral level.

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Bank of Japan Considers Comprehensive Review Before Further Rate Hikes

Kazuo Ueda, a member of the Bank of Japan's board, has raised concerns about inflation expectations due to the yen's depreciation. He highlighted that the weakening yen could increase import prices, affecting consumer price trends. Ueda emphasized the necessity of monitoring these developments to evaluate their impact on Japan's economic stability and inflation outlook.

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Bank of Japan Board Member Highlights Concerns Over Inflation Expectations Due to Yen Depreciation

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Japan has entered a phase of inflation, as stated by Bank of Japan board member Ichiro Zeng. He noted a significant shift in the economic environment, with inflationary pressures becoming more apparent. This marks a notable change from Japan's previous deflationary trends. The Bank of Japan is closely monitoring the situation to evaluate its impact on monetary policy.

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Bank of Japan Board Member Says Japan Has Entered Inflation Phase

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The Nikkei 225 closed above 63,000 for the first time, marking a significant milestone amid market uncertainty. TOPIX companies are expected to achieve nearly 6% profit growth, fueled by demand for AI and gains in the banking sector. Additionally, Japanese investors sold foreign stocks in April due to concerns over inflation and energy costs.

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Nikkei closes above 63,000 as profits, AI demand lift stocks

Japan's Economic Watchers Current Conditions Index for April was reported at 40.8, falling short of the expected 41.5, according to Jin10. The previous value for the index was 42.2, indicating a decline in economic sentiment.

Japan's April Economic Watchers Current Conditions Index Falls Short of Expectations

The OECD predicts that Japan's interest rates may rise to 2% by the end of next year, urging the Bank of Japan to gradually increase rates to avoid economic overheating. The current rate is near the lower bound of the neutral rate range, which is estimated between 1.1% and 2.5%. Additionally, the OECD recommends raising the consumption tax to build fiscal buffers amid challenges like population aging and rising debt costs.

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OECD: Japan Interest Rate May Rise to 2% by End of Next Year

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) minutes from April indicate that some members advocate for an immediate interest rate hike, with one suggesting an accelerated pace if inflation risks grow. Despite keeping rates unchanged last month, three of nine members supported a hike, emphasizing the need for action unless economic slowdown signs appear. The BOJ is likely to begin raising rates at its next meeting, despite uncertainties surrounding the Middle East conflict.

- The Bank of Japan (BOJ) released the minutes of its April meeting, revealing that some members believe a rate hike is necessary soon.  
- One member suggested that if inflation risks intensify, the pace of rate increases could be accelerated, despite uncertainties regarding future conflicts in the Middle East.  
- While the BOJ maintained its interest rate last month, three out of nine members supported an increase, indicating the need for prompt action unless clear signs of economic slowdown emerge.

BOJ Meeting Minutes: Some Members Urge Rate Hike Starting from Next Meeting

TOKYO, May 12 : Some Bank of Japan policymakers in April saw the need to raise interest rates soon, with one signalling the chance of accelerating the pace of hikes if inflationary risks heightened, a summary of opinions at last month's meeting showed on Tuesday. "It is quite possible the BOJ will raise interest rates from the next meeting onward, even if the future course of the Middle East conflict remains unclear," one board member was quoted as saying in the summary.

- In April, some policymakers at the Bank of Japan indicated the need to raise interest rates soon due to increasing inflation risks.  
- One member suggested that the pace of rate hikes might accelerate in response to these risks, despite uncertainty regarding the future of conflicts in the Middle East.  
- The summary of last month's meeting suggests that the Bank of Japan may begin to raise interest rates at the next meeting.

ChinaAMC Nomura N225 ETF(QDII)(513520.SH)

Japan’s producer prices surge 4.9% in April, marking fastest rise since 2023

MORNING BID EUROPE-AI rally powers on, Trump-Xi summit takes centre stage

Bank of Japan Considers Comprehensive Review Before Further Rate Hikes

Bank of Japan Board Member Highlights Concerns Over Inflation Expectations Due to Yen Depreciation

Bank of Japan Board Member Says Japan Has Entered Inflation Phase