Bank of Japan keeps rates steady, yen plunges to historic low

The Bank of Japan decided to keep its interest rates on hold this week, a move expected by many but still significant as it followed a record plunge of the yen to a 34-year low. Despite the volatility, the central bank’s benchmark rate remains fixed between 0% and 0.1%. This decision marks a period of economic recalibration for Japan, as the country navigates through fluctuating market conditions without altering its monetary stance.

Monetary Stability Amid Currency Turmoil

In a move that underscores its current economic strategy, the Bank of Japan also revised its approach to government bond purchases. Moving away from its previous pace, the bank has dropped the regular reference that pegged its buying at approximately 6 trillion yen ($38.5 billion) monthly.

This hints at a broader recalibration of Japan’s monetary policy, which has been under scrutiny after recent changes, including the end of its negative interest rate policy and the abolishment of yield curve control.

The yen’s rapid depreciation has been the talk of the town, especially after it recently crossed the 156 mark against the U.S. dollar, further slipping to trade around 156.7. This drop in value did not go unnoticed at the bank’s headquarters, though it was not explicitly mentioned in their latest policy statement.

Governor Kazuo Ueda later addressed the media, clarifying that the bank’s policy maneuvers are not aimed directly at controlling currency rates. However, he acknowledged the substantial impact of exchange rate volatility on Japan’s economy and price stability. Ueda emphasized the potential necessity of policy adjustments if the yen’s movements start to affect the economy or price levels.

“In gauging underlying inflation, we won’t look at single data. We will look at various indicators and economic factors behind the price moves such as the output gap and inflation expectations.”

Kazuo Ueda

Economic Outlook and Policy Adjustments

Further details emerged during Ueda’s press briefing and the subsequent release of the bank’s economic outlook for the coming years. The central bank has moderately increased its inflation forecast for fiscal 2024, now expecting it to range between 2.5% and 3%, up from the previous 2.2% to 2.5%. This adjustment reflects a nuanced optimism about Japan’s economic recovery and price stability prospects.

However, growth forecasts tell a slightly different story. The bank has adjusted its GDP growth expectations for 2024 downward, now anticipating an expansion of just 0.7% to 1%, compared to earlier estimates of 1% to 1.2%. This recalibration suggests a cautious approach to Japan’s economic growth amidst ongoing global uncertainties and internal challenges.

The BOJ reiterated its commitment to maintaining accommodating financial conditions for the time being, despite these uncertainties. This stance is aligned with its strategic goal of achieving and stabilizing a 2% inflation rate in the near future. The bank remains vigilant, ready to adjust the degree of monetary accommodation as needed, especially if the anticipated inflation dynamics and economic conditions start to diverge from their forecasts.

Governor Ueda also highlighted the ongoing evaluation of various economic indicators such as service prices, import price hikes due to a weaker yen, and corporate wage and price-setting behaviors. These factors are crucial for understanding the underlying inflation trends and will be important in shaping future monetary policy decisions.