The latest minutes from the Bank of Japan's meeting release suspense over interest rate hikes: Policy adjustments may come unexpectedly!

The latest minutes from the Bank of Japan show that although the interest rate hike button has been paused for now, it could be restarted at any moment! Especially if there are new developments in the Sino-U.S. trade friction, an interest rate hike could catch everyone off guard at any time.~

Multiple committee members emphasized that "the interest rate hike window has not closed," especially when the U.S. tariff policy becomes clearer.

The central bank's forecasting model shows that inflation is steadily moving towards the 2% target, while real interest rates remain low.

Despite trade frictions potentially dragging down the economy, a hot job market continues to raise expectations for corporate salary increases.

Committee members reached a consensus: the current price trend still supports maintaining a tightening tone.

The central bank admitted that the existing economic forecasts have uncertainties and may be significantly revised as the situation changes.

The policy meeting at the end of April maintained the interest rate at 0.5% but significantly lowered growth expectations. With the recent 90-day tariff ceasefire agreement reached between China and the U.S., tensions in the global market have eased somewhat, creating new space for adjustments in the Bank of Japan's policy. However, committee members emphasized that the specific strategies of companies in response to tariffs remain the biggest uncertainty.