Share this @internewscast.com

Japan’s central bank raised interest rates on Tuesday for the first time since 2007, ending the world’s last negative rates regime on early signs of robust wage gains this year.

The BOJ raised its short-term interest rates to around 0% to 0.1% from -0.1%, according to its statement at the end of its two-day March policy meeting. Japan’s negative rates regime had been in place since 2016.

The BOJ also announced the abolition of its radical yield curve control policy for 10-year Japanese government bonds, which the central bank has employed to target longer-term interest rates by buying and selling bonds as necessary.

The BOJ said it would stop purchases of exchange-traded funds and Japan real estate investment trusts (J-REITS) and will slowly reduce its purchases of corporate bonds, aiming to stop this practice in about a year.

The BOJ will, however, continue its purchases of Japanese government bonds with broadly the same amount as before. This represents the sharpest pullback in its decades-old radical policy tinkering in the form of asset purchases and quantitative easing to reflate the world’s fourth-largest economy.

The BOJ had barely budged from its ultra-loose monetary policy posture despite “core core inflation” — which excludes food and energy prices — exceeding its 2% target for more than a year, because policymakers viewed price increases as largely imported.

However, there are signs of price growth that are more organic and sustainable.

Ongoing “shunto” spring wage negotiations between Japan Inc and its unionized workers have so far yielded a weighted average 3.7% spike in base pay, Rengo, Japan’s largest federation of trade unions, said Friday in its first provisional update.

That is even more robust than last year’s gains, which were the steepest spike in three decades.

BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda had repeatedly said the outcome of this year’s annual “shunto” wage negotiations would be key to sustainable price increases. The Bank of Japan expects higher salaries to lead to a virtuous spiral, with domestic demand fueling inflation.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pope Leo XIV watched ‘Conclave’ ahead of papal summit — and plays Wordle and Words With Friends, brother reveals

Pope Leo XIV Enjoys ‘Conclave’ Movie Before Papal Gathering and Loves Word Games, Brother Shares

The brother of Pope Leo XIV has revealed what the pontiff enjoys…
Pope Leo XIV’s brother reacts to his historic election: ‘There are no words’

Pope Leo XIV’s Brother Responds Emotionally to His Historic Election: ‘I’m Speechless’

The brother of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who has made…
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Photo of Jason Corbett and a woman at a formal event

Unraveling the Tragic Tale of Jason Corbett: Inside the Fatal American Marriage

JASON Corbett was killed by his wife Molly Martens and her father…
Dem Congress members storm New Jersey ICE prison to conduct 'oversight visit': 'People deserve dignity'

Democratic Congress Members Visit New Jersey ICE Facility for “Oversight Tour”: “Everyone Deserves Dignity”

Three Congressional members made their way through the gates of a U.S.…
Newark Airport problems: Radar went black for air traffic controllers at Newark Airport again early Friday

Newark Airport Troubles: Radar Blackout Strikes Air Traffic Control Once More on Friday

NEWARK, New Jersey — Radar screens at Newark Airport went black again…
Amtrak bilked out of $12M by at least 119 employees, doctors in fraud scheme; many still on the job: report

Amtrak Allegedly Defrauded Out of $12M by Over 119 Employees and Doctors; Many Remain Employed: Report

At least 119 Amtrak employees and doctors took the railroad company for…
Timberwolves wallop Warriors to even series at game apiece

Timberwolves Dominate Warriors to Tie Series at 1-1

MINNEAPOLIS — Julius Randle scored 24 points and dished out 11 assists…
First American elected pontiff, get to know Pope Leo XIV

Meet Pope Leo XIV: The First American Elected as Pontiff

Pope Leo XIV, 69, was elected to take up the papal seat…
Kash Patel warns FBI mission at risk under Trump admin's massive FBI budget cut

Patel Backs Trump’s FBI Budget Proposal Following House Testimony

FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday said he fully backs the Trump…
Newark Liberty International Airport radar screens go dark again

Radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport malfunction once more

Early Friday, radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey…
Pope Leo XIV, Villanova grad, introduces himself adorned in symbolism, proverbial religious devotion

Villanova Graduate Pope Leo XIV Showcases Rich Symbolism and Deep Religious Devotion in Introduction

In the serene pause that gripped the anticipatory crowd, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique…
Screenshot of a Newsmax live report on Cardinal Prevost being the first American elected as Pope.

Shocking Incident as Dog Walker Spits at US Attorney Nominee Ed Martin During Live TV Interview

A furious dog walker shouted profanities and spat on Donald Trump’s past…