Japan’s central bank held its policy rate at 1.25% in an 8-1 vote, with one board member dissenting in favor of a hike. The BOJ said core inflation may remain near the target and that price risks are skewed to the upside. Earlier-printed strong Tokyo CPI reinforced market expectations of a December rate increase, providing additional support to the yen and weighing on USD/JPY. Further downward pressure on the dollar came from hopes for a diplomatic end to the US‑Iran conflict and falling US Trea

Japan’s central bank held its policy rate at 1.25% in an 8-1 vote, with one board member dissenting in favor of a hike. The BOJ said core inflation may remain near the target and that price risks are skewed to the upside. Earlier-printed strong Tokyo CPI reinforced market expectations of a December rate increase, providing additional support to the yen and weighing on USD/JPY. Further downward pressure on the dollar came from hopes for a diplomatic end to the US‑Iran conflict and falling US Treasury yields, which narrowed the US‑Japan yield gap; however, traders are waiting for BOJ Governor UEDA’s post-meeting press conference before increasing short USD/JPY positions.