Bank of Japan raises policy rate to 1.25 percent in 7-2 vote
1.25 percent.
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate by 25 basis points on Friday, setting the uncollateralized overnight call rate at around 1.25 percent from around 1.0 percent.
The new guideline takes effect September 24. The Bank also set the interest rate on its complementary deposit facility at 1.25 percent and the basic loan rate at 1.5 percent.
The Policy Board approved the increase by a 7-2 vote. Asada Toichiro and Sato Ayano opposed the move, arguing separately that inflation excluding fresh food remained below 2 percent and that economic and price conditions had not accelerated enough to justify an increase.
The Bank said underlying inflation was approaching its 2 percent target as higher producer prices and wage costs reached consumer prices. It said financial conditions would remain accommodative after the increase and that further rate rises would depend on economic activity, prices and financial conditions.
