BOJ Is Said to Keep April Hike on Table With Eyes on Iran Crisis

Bank of Japan officials are still on track to raise interest rates, with the possibility of April not ruled out, as they continue to monitor the implications of Middle East tensions for Japan’s economy, according to people familiar with the matter.

While officials see little chance of a rate hike at the policy meeting ending March 19, they have so far not altered their stance of proceeding with rate increases if the economic outlook evolves as expected, the people said.