Japan
Yosano downplays BOJ criticism
Japan's economic and fiscal policy minister Kaoru Yosano downplayed criticism Tuesday 15 November within the government over the Bank of Japan's plan to explore an end to its ultra-loose monetary policy.
Comment: Japanese spat threatens recovery
Japanese policymakers face enormous challenges over the coming months as the country's economy edges towards normality. One of the key issues is how to coordinate the need for both fiscal and monetary tightening. Judging by recent developments, the…
Japan’s debt dilemma
After years of stagnation, Japan’s economy is at last stirring. Yet rising yields threaten new financial crises. Anthony Rowley reports.
Japan's Fukui on New Path of Growth
On 11 November Toshihiko Fukui, governor of the Bank of Japan, gave a speech entitled "Toward a New Path of Growth for the Japanese Economy" based on the Bank's October Outlook Report at the Kisaragi-kai meeting in Tokyo.
BoJ research paper on corporate earnings
A Bank of Japan research paper notes that corporate earnings have been greatly increasing in Japan over the last three years as business conditions continue to recover.
Bank of Japan's course might renew deflation
This article published on Friday 4 November says that while caution may be a good trait for central bankers when it comes to inflation, in the case of Japan, it's totally misplaced.
BOJ Outlook for economic activity & prices, Oct 05
The Bank of Japan published the English version of its October 2005 Outlook for economic activity and prices report on 1 November. In the report the BOJ forecast consumer prices would rise this fiscal year and next, and it said chances of a policy shift…
Japan's Yosano says stable long-term rate critical
Kaoru Yosano, Japan's newly appointed state minister for economic and fiscal policy, said that keeping long-term interest rates stable at low levels is vital to the success of fiscal and budget reforms.
Bank of Japan says end of deflation in sight
The Bank of Japan said on Monday 31 October that the seven-year period of deflation will end in the year to March 2006.
Comment: Japan sees return to normal
Japan's monetary policymakers yesterday delivered another instalment of what is becoming an increasingly confident message: after seven years of deflation, they expect prices to start rising again early next year.
Central bankers welcome Fed nominee
Following Ben Bernanke's nomination to succeed Alan Greenspan as chairman of the Federal Reserve, central bankers were out in force this week to welcome the move.
China forex reserves expected to surpass Japan's
China's forex reserves are expected to surpass Japan's this year as strong fund inflows and a burgeoning trade surplus make it the world's largest holder of foreign currency, state press reported.
Muto says BOJ to keep ultra-loose policy
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Deputy Governor Toshiro Muto said on Friday 21 October that the central bank will continue to help the resurgent economy by keeping its super-loose monetary policy.
Fukui: BOJ framework change not sign of tightening
A change in the Bank of Japan's current quantitative easing framework isn't a sign the central bank will shift to monetary tightening, BOJ Governor Toshihiko Fukui said on Thursday 20 October.
Hosokawa says FX moves should reflect fundamentals
Japan's Ministry of Finance will closely watch foreign exchange rate movements and take action if needed, the ministry's top bureaucrat said Thursday 20 October.
East Asian currency union under discussion
There is a case for a currency union in East Asia but one excluding China and Japan, according to Peter Kenen, a Princeton-based academic.
Iwata says deflation easing but no policy move yet
Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Kazumasa Iwata said on Tuesday 18 October that although the economy is emerging from deflation, the BOJ will maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy for now.
BOJ's Muto on the dynamism and diversity of Asia
In the speech 'Dynamism and diversity of Asia: A central banker's view' given on 17 October Toshiro Muto of the Bank of Japan said Asian economies are stronger today even with record high oil prices compared with the 1970s when they were hit by the last…
BOJ minutes show support for liquidity cut
Two Bank of Japan Policy Board members suggested that they may support the lowering of the current account balance target in the future, according to minutes released Monday 17 October.
Bank of Japan Monthly Report, October 2005
The Bank of Japan published the English version of its October 2005 monthly report on 14 October. The BOJ left its assessment of the nation's economy unchanged in the report, saying the economy "continues to recover."
BOJ must tread carefully in the days ahead
According to this Editorial published on Friday 14 October, the Bank of Japan must take great care when scrapping its easy-money policy. And the central bank's monetary policy should be consistent with the government's efforts to regain fiscal health, it…
Tanigaki sees oil 'biggest' worry for world econ
Surging oil prices are the biggest worry for the world economy and the Group of 20 rich and developing countries is set to discuss the issue, Japanese Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Friday 14 October.
BOJ's Fukui: Important to strengthen economic base
Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui said on Friday 14 October that it is important to boost Japan's economic strength further to beat deflation and achieve sustained economic growth.
Fukui says BOJ in critical period on policy
Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui said on Wednesday 12 October that the BOJ was entering a critical phase for deciding an end to its ultra-loose monetary policy.