-- The Bank of Japan is anticipated to maintain its policy rate at 0.75% when its two-day meeting concludes on April 28, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing its recent poll.
Approximately 80% of 51 economists polled expect the policy rate to be kept, and the remainder forecast an immediate hike, down from 37% in early March, as the Middle East conflict drives up energy costs for import-dependent Japan, the poll showed.
The poll also showed that 57% of surveyed economists now predict the next rate hike will occur in June, and people familiar with the situation have indicated that authorities are inclined to hold the benchmark rate steady on April 28, the news wire said.
Governor Kazuo Ueda said last week the April decision is difficult as the BOJ must balance inflation risks, though roughly three-quarters of economists surveyed believe upside risks currently dominate.
As the yen hovers near the 160 intervention level, analysts expect hawkish language with any hold, despite the year-end rate forecast rising to 1.25% from 1%.
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