Japan
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.
Comment: "Critical period," says Fukui
Yesterday was an important day for the Bank of Japan. All eyes were on its governor, Toshihiko Fukui, as he spoke after the latest policy board meeting. Also, deputy governor, Toshiro Muto, delivered parliamentary testimony.
Fukui and Greenspan to meet in Tokyo
Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui will hold talks with U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan on 17 October at the BOJ's head office in Tokyo, officials said.
Japanese economist expects to head OECD
Japan's candidate for chief of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Tuesday 4 October that she is confident she will be chosen for the post.
IMF appoints new Director for Asia office
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato named Akira Ariyoshi as Director of the IMF's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific on Wednesday 5 October.
BoJ's Haru sees chance to lift super-loose policy
Hidehiko Haru, one of the Bank of Japan's nine policy board members said the BoJ sees the possibility of lifting its four-and-half-year long ultra-loose monetary policy in early 2006, but cautioned that the move would not be rushed.
IMF official calls for BOJ to 'be cautious'
A senior International Monetary Fund official on Monday 3 September urged the Bank of Japan to "be cautious" about ending its quantitative credit easing policy.
Bank of Japan Annual Review 2005
According to the Bank of Japan's Annual Review 2005, the economy continued a recovery trend in fiscal 2004, although there seemed to be somewhat weak movements in production, particularly in IT-related sectors, in the second half of the fiscal year.
Wrong time to cut funds target says BOJ's Nakahara
Bank of Japan policy board member Shin Nakahara said in a speech on Monday 3 October that it would be inappropriate to lower the BOJ's funds target now, and that the threshold for ending its superloose policy framework was not low.
BOJ's Fukui sees 'fully sustainable' recovery
Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui said on Monday 3 October that Japan's economic recovery seems "fully sustainable," though it is very subdued.
Former Bank of Japan executive director dies
Toshihiko Yoshino, a former Bank of Japan executive director and a noted economic critic, died of pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital on 12 August, the Asahi Shimbun and Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspapers reported this week. He was 90.
Japan's Fukui on the outlook for the economy
In a speech given on 29 September Toshihiko Fukui of the Bank of Japan said that the chances are growing that the central bank will end its super-stimulative monetary policy early next year.
Japanese MOF's Hosokawa says deflation persists
Japan's Vice Finance Minister said on Thursday 29 September that the country is still experiencing deflation and the government still needs to make the utmost efforts to beat price falls.
BOJ's Suda doesn't rule out policy shift
A Bank of Japan policy board member left open the possibility on Wednesday 28 September that the central bank could ditch its ultra-loose monetary policy by the end of the fiscal year to next March.
BOJ's Fukui on the global economy
In a speech given on 25 September Toshihiko Fukui of the Bank of Japan emphasized the central bank's commitment to eradicating deflation.
Oil set to be main topic for G7 meeting
Japan's finance minister said Friday's G7 meeting of top finance ministers and central bankers would discuss soaring oil prices as the main topic and talks on China's currency reform may be low-keyed for now.
BoJ's Nishimura sees no need for liquidity cut
Kiyohiko Nishimura, one of the Bank Japan's nine policy board members, sees no need to end the bank's super-loose monetary policy and cut its liquidity reserve target any time soon even as the country shows signs of pulling out of its deflationary cycle,…
Report says IMF to cut US growth outlook
The International Monetary Fund expects the United States economy to grow less than previously expected this year and next, but will upgrade Japan's growth prospects on its upcoming world economic scorecard, German newspapers said over the weekend.
BOJ's Iwata repeats inflation target call
Bank of Japan deputy governor Kazumasa Iwata said Thursday 15 September that the central bank should adopt a specific inflation target to boost transparency in monetary policy and fend off excessive market speculation after its quantitative easing…
Fukuma sees risk from maintaining reserve target
Katsutoshi Fukuma, a member of the Bank of Japan's policy board, said in a speech he now sees rising risks in maintaining the bank's present 30-35 trln yen liquidity reserve target range, and he reiterated his call for a reduction.