The Bank of Japan is said to be leaning toward a rate hike at its December meeting, while keeping the option open for further tightening, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with internal discussions. Policymakers will continue monitoring incoming economic data and market conditions right up to the final decision.
The headline immediately moved markets: the yen strengthened, JGB futures slipped, and traders increased pricing for a December hike. The report reinforces expectations that the BOJ is preparing to advance its gradual normalisation path, even as uncertainties around consumption and external demand persist.
