BOJ branch chiefs said cost-driven price rises are spreading from B2B transactions into consumer-facing industries, as energy and raw material costs—boosted by the Middle East conflict and a weaker yen—alongside higher transport and labor costs have led many firms to pass through higher inter-company prices. In its quarterly regional economic report the BOJ upgraded assessments for two of nine regions, left seven unchanged, and said regional economies are recovering despite some weakness. Overni

BOJ branch chiefs said cost-driven price rises are spreading from B2B transactions into consumer-facing industries, as energy and raw material costs—boosted by the Middle East conflict and a weaker yen—alongside higher transport and labor costs have led many firms to pass through higher inter-company prices. In its quarterly regional economic report the BOJ upgraded assessments for two of nine regions, left seven unchanged, and said regional economies are recovering despite some weakness. Overnight index swap markets price the probability of a BOJ rate hike in December at over 80%.