With markets seeking clues on the BOJ's next rate hike, attention will center on remarks by a BOJ deputy governor due Thursday. SMBC Nikko Securities strategist Ataru Okumura said a single speech has limited ability to steer market expectations, but traders will watch how firmly he frames inflation control. Okumura added that while the bond market firmly prices an earlier BOJ hike, investors doubt the bank can push rates above a restrictive 2% threshold, so the future interest-rate path will be

With markets seeking clues on the BOJ's next rate hike, attention will center on remarks by a BOJ deputy governor due Thursday. SMBC Nikko Securities strategist Ataru Okumura said a single speech has limited ability to steer market expectations, but traders will watch how firmly he frames inflation control. Okumura added that while the bond market firmly prices an earlier BOJ hike, investors doubt the bank can push rates above a restrictive 2% threshold, so the future interest-rate path will be the key market focus.