The next Bank of Japan (BoJ) interest rate decision is due on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at approximately 03:00 UTC.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) announces its interest rate decisions eight times a year during its Monetary Policy Meetings (MPMs), held approximately every six weeks. At each meeting, the BoJ determines whether to raise (rate hike), lower (rate cut), or maintain the current interest rate, with each decision aimed at achieving specific economic objectives, such as controlling inflation, stabilizing the yen, or supporting economic growth.
What is the current BoJ interest rate?
The Bank of Japan's (BoJ) current key short-term policy interest rate is 0.5%. This rate was established during the BoJ's meeting on January 24, 2025, when the central bank raised the rate from 0.25% to 0.50% (marking the highest level in 17 years), and was kept unchanged at the latest meeting on March 19, 2025.
What time is the Japan interest rate decision?
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) typically announces its monetary policy decisions at the conclusion of its two-day Monetary Policy Meetings (MPMs). While the exact time of these announcements isn't fixed, they generally occur between 11:45–13:00 Japan Standard Time (JST) (02:45–04:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)) on the second day of the meeting.
Please note that these times are approximate and can vary depending on the specifics of each meeting. For the most accurate information, it's advisable to monitor the BoJ's official website.
What date is the next Bank of Japan rate decision?
The Bank of Japan's next monetary policy meeting and subsequent rate decision are scheduled for April 30–May 1, 2025.
See below for the full list of the BoJ's scheduled monetary policy meetings for 2025:
- January 23–24
- March 18–19
- April 30 – May 1
- June 16–17
- July 30–31
- September 18–19
- October 29–30
- December 18–19
How often does the BoJ change interest rates?
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has the ability to change interest rates at any of its scheduled monetary policy meetings, which are typically held eight times per year (approximately every six weeks).
However, the BoJ changes interest rates infrequently compared to other major central banks like the Federal Reserve (Fed) or the European Central Bank (ECB). Historically, the BoJ has kept rates ultra-low or negative for decades due to persistent deflation and sluggish economic growth–when the BoJ raised the rate from 0.25% to 0.50% on January 24, 2025, it marked the highest level in 17 years.
Read more about the Fed and the ECB's interest rate decisions here:
Will the Bank of Japan raise interest rates?
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) held its interest rate at 0.5% during its most recent meeting on March 19, 2025, though it is broadly anticipated to raise rates later in the year.
Market analysts are projecting that the BoJ could raise interest rates gradually, potentially raising the rate to 0.75% by July 2025.
What time is the BoJ meeting released?
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) typically announces its interest rate decisions at the conclusion of its Monetary Policy Meetings. While the exact time of the announcement(s) are often not officially specified, such decisions are often released in the late morning or early afternoon, Japan Standard Time (JST). This would correspond to the early hours of the same day in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), given the time difference.
However, the BoJ releases its Monetary Policy Meeting (MPM) Minutes, Outlook Report, and Summary of Opinions at specific times following their meetings:
- Outlook Report: "The Bank's View" section is published immediately after the relevant MPM (with the full text available the next business day at 14:00 JST).
- Summary of Opinions: Released at 08:50 JST (approximately six business days after the MPM).
- MPM Minutes: Released at 08:50 JST (typically about two months after the corresponding meeting).
Bank of Japan release schedule 2025
What is the Bank of Japan forecast?
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is widely expected to raise interest rates later in 2025, but it kept the rate steady at 0.5% during its latest March 19, 2025 meeting.
Analysts, including those from Goldman Sachs, project that the BoJ will gradually increase interest rates, potentially raising the rate to 0.75% by July 2025.
What is the effect when the Bank of Japan cuts interest rates?
When the Bank of Japan cuts interest rates, it weakens the yen, boosts exports, and encourages spending and investment, which can drive inflation and stock market gains. However, it also pressures banks, lowers savings returns, and may create asset bubbles, particularly in real estate.
What happens when the BoJ increases interest rates?
When the Bank of Japan (BoJ) increases interest rates, borrowing becomes more expensive, which slows consumer spending and business investment, helping to control inflation. However, it can also strengthen the yen, making exports less competitive, while pressuring stocks, real estate, and corporate profits due to higher financing costs.
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