Weak Yen May Spur BOJ Rate Hike in April, Ex-Board Member Says

The Bank of Japan may raise its benchmark interest rates as early as April as heightened market concerns over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “dangerous” approach to fiscal policy keep the yen weak, according to a former BOJ board member.

“The BOJ must raise rates at least by June or July,” Makoto Sakurai, the former member of the policy setting board, told Bloomberg on Friday. “But the move could also come in April.”