Bloomberg reports that the Bank of Japan is considering raising its inflation forecast for this fiscal year. Food prices, including rice, have risen faster than expected, and oil costs have also increased. These price jumps were not anticipated in the bank’s previous forecast released in early May.
Bloomberg notes that at its July meeting later this month, Japan’s central bank will update its economic and inflation forecasts. Analysts expect the key interest rate to stay at 0.5%, as policymakers see no urgent need for action. Based on current data, the regulator is likely to conclude that inflation will sustainably reach its target by March 2028.
However, the situation remains uncertain. The Bank of Japan will make its decision only after carefully reviewing all the latest available data, Bloomberg says.