During the intermeeting period, the BOJ stated it would engage with market participants to gather feedback and formulate a detailed plan for gradually decreasing its JGB purchases over the next one to two years. This strategic shift aims to balance monetary policy amid economic uncertainties and evolving market conditions.
The decision to hold rates steady was supported by an 8-1 majority vote among board members, with dissent from Toyoaki Nakamura, who advocated for an immediate reduction in JGB purchases but proposed reassessing economic conditions in the upcoming July 2024 outlook report before finalizing any changes.
Looking forward, the BOJ will continue its purchases of JGBs, commercial paper, and corporate bonds as outlined in the previous March monetary policy meeting. The market response to the BOJ’s announcement included a 0.52% weakening of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar, with the yield on 10-year JGBs decreasing by 44 basis points to 0.924%. Meanwhile, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index reversed earlier losses, rising by 0.68%, and the broader Topix index climbed by 0.71%.
These developments highlight the BOJ’s proactive approach to managing monetary policy amidst global economic challenges, reflecting its commitment to supporting financial stability and sustainable growth in Japan’s economy.