BOJ Holds 0.75% Rate, Upgrades Growth Outlook Ahead of Snap Election
The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate at 0.75% and raised its growth forecasts for fiscal 2025 to 0.9% and for 2026 to 1%, after board member Hajime Takata proposed raising rates to 1% (a move that was rejected). The decision comes ahead of a snap election on Feb. 8, with inflation around 2% and a weakening yen amid rising yields, signaling continued steps toward policy normalization amid a mixed growth outlook.