Japan Interest Rate

The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark short-term rate unchanged at 0.5% in October 2025, maintaining borrowing costs at their highest level since 2008 and extending a pause since the last hike in January. The decision, in line with market expectations, was approved by a 7-2 vote, with board members Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takata again proposing a rise to 0.75%, as they had in September. The central bank reaffirmed its commitment to continue raising borrowing costs if the economy follows its projections. The move came hours after the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its second rate cut of the year. In its quarterly outlook, the BoJ held core inflation for FY 2025 at 2.7%, expecting it to ease to 1.8% in FY 2026 before rising slightly to 2.0% in FY 2027. GDP growth for FY 2025 was revised up to 0.7% from 0.6%, supported by a trade deal with Washington and new leadership under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, while GDP projections for FY 2026 and 2027 remained at 0.7% and 1%, respectively.