Preview of the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision: The interest rate will remain unchanged this month, with expectations for a rate hike heating up in May

Several institutions predict that the Bank of Japan will maintain its current policy in this month's interest rate decision, but the possibility of a rate hike in May is gradually increasing.

Standard Chartered believes that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates in the second quarter of 2025 to balance inflation and economic growth targets.

JP Morgan predicts that this meeting will not adjust interest rates, but there may be discussions about raising them at the May meeting, with a benchmark prediction for action in June.

ANZ predicts two rate hikes (in May and October) each by 25 basis points in 2025. However, if market volatility increases, the likelihood of adjusting policies in May will decrease.

Capital Economics believes that inflation will exceed expectations. The Bank of Japan might raise interest rates in May rather than July and expects interest rates to rise to 1.5% by 2027.

Bank of America is focusing on a press conference by Haruhiko Kuroda, Governor of the Bank of Japan. The focus is on his assessment of economic data and future guidance on raising interest rates while also paying attention to central bank's stance on tightening financial conditions.

Haruhiko Kuroda, Governor of the Bank Of Japan will hold a monetary policy news conference today at 14:30 (UTC+8).