Bank of Japan Deputy Governor UCHIDA: keeping core inflation stable at the 2% level is crucial.

EU Commission President Von der Leyen said AI models present opportunities but also raise risks.

Daiwa Institute economist Kanako Nakamura said the BOJ cited accelerated cost pass-through as a reason to tighten, noting import-cost increases from Middle East tensions, combined with an ongoing wage–price cycle, are pushing up inflation. She warned that even if oil stabilizes with progress on peace talks, cost increases have spread from plastics and ethylene into power, gas and transport, implying persistent price pressure. Markets will watch whether the BOJ issues stronger signals for further hikes; Nakamura said continued rate increases may be needed to prevent further yen depreciation amid persistent Japan–US rate differentials.