BOJ Divided on US Policies' Impact Ahead of March Rate Hike Decision, Minutes Reveal

TOKYO (CryptoTrendLens.blogspot.com) - In March, members of the Bank of Japan had differing views regarding when the institution should increase interest rates once more due to uncertainties caused by U.S. tariff policies, according to the minutes released on Thursday.

One member noted that the downside risks due to U.S. policies had quickly intensified, and based on potential future changes in their tariffs, there was a strong possibility that these risks could significantly negatively affect Japan’s actual economy.

The member stated that the BOJ thus "must exercise particular caution when deciding the appropriate time for the subsequent interest-rate increase."

A fellow committee member mentioned that despite increased ambiguity, the Bank of Japan isn’t necessarily required to pursue monetary policy too cautiously. They pointed out that the bank could find itself in a position where decisive action would be warranted.

(Reported by Makiko Yamazaki; Edited by Christopher Cushing)