Bank of Japan

A panel has called on the Bank of Japan to proceed carefully with any interest rate increases.

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Japan reportedly conducted a large-scale yen-buying operation using around $35 billion, driving the USD/JPY rate down nearly 3% to 155.5. Bank of Japan data supports the intervention's scale, which would mark the first official action in nearly two years if confirmed. The move highlights Tokyo's limited tolerance for ongoing yen weakness amid rising import costs.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) reported a 6% rise in net income to ¥520.6 billion ($3.3 billion) for the third quarter ended December 31, driven by higher interest rates from the Bank of Japan boosting lending income.

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Core inflation in Tokyo slowed to a 15-month low in January due to gasoline subsidies and easing food price pressures, offering some relief to consumers. Yet an underlying gauge excluding fresh food and fuel remained above the Bank of Japan's 2% target, indicating continued progress toward sustainable price growth.

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 0.75% from 0.5% on December 20, marking a 30-year high aimed at curbing inflation. However, the yen weakened sharply against the dollar and other major currencies. Markets reacted with sales due to the BOJ's vague outlook on future hikes.

19 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Bitcoin's price climbed to $88,000 following the Bank of Japan's interest rate increase to its highest level in 30 years. Despite expectations of a risk-off move, the hike did not trigger a flight to the yen, with futures traders instead piling into leveraged long positions. Ether outperformed bitcoin amid broader altcoin weakness.