Bank of Japan is expected to hold rates this week — but stay hawkish: CNBC survey

The Bank of Japan is expected to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1.25% at the end of its two-day meeting on Friday, according to a CNBC survey, with the possibility of a hike very much alive in the coming months. All 16 respondents expect the BOJ to stand pat, given the bank raised rates last month to their highest level in 31 years. All respondents said they expect the BOJ to set the stage for a rate hike in December or January next year, as domestic inflation and wages continue to rise. Macroeconomic factors support the BOJ's additional policy tightening, said Homin Lee, senior macro strategist at Lombard Odier.