BOJ April Rate Hike Odds Are 50/50 After Iran, Ex-Official Says

There is still a 50% chance the Bank of Japan will raise its benchmark rate next month after a hold in March even after the conflict in Iran generated new uncertainties, according to a former BOJ executive director who oversaw monetary policy.

“The next rate hike will likely come in either April or June,” Eiji Maeda said in an interview Friday. “Given the current uncertainty, the chances appear roughly 50/50 between the two. It’s an extremely difficult situation for the BOJ.”