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2026-04-17 08:31:49
[Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: Middle East Conflict Brings Double Risks, Policy to be Decided at End-of-Month Meeting] (1) Kazuo Ueda stated that the Middle East conflict brings the dual risks of rising inflation and economic downturn, and the Monetary Policy Committee will decide on the most appropriate policy to achieve the 2% inflation target at its end-of-month meeting. (2) His remarks are closely watched as this is his last chance to release policy signals before the interest rate decision on April 28; he had previously hinted at this before the two previous rate hikes to ensure the market was prepared. (3) Before the escalation of the Middle East conflict, most observers expected a rate hike in April, but expectations have cooled in recent weeks; Ueda's emphasis on uncertainty on Monday further reinforced this trend.
