BOJ divided over how US policies impact rate hike timing at March meeting, minutes show
TOKYO :Bank of Japan policymakers were divided in March over how soon the central bank should raise interest rates again as uncertainty stemming from U.S. tariff policies heightened, minutes of their meeting showed on Thursday.
"Downside risks stemming from U.S. policies had rapidly heightened and, depending on future developments in its tariff policy, it was quite possible that these risks would even have a significant negative impact on Japan's real economy," one member said.
The member said the BOJ therefore "would need to be particularly cautious when considering the timing for the next rate hike."
Another member said even with heightened uncertainty, the BOJ was not always obliged to conduct monetary policy in an overly cautious manner. The BOJ "might face a situation where it should act decisively," the member said.
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