By Reuters Staff
TOKYO (Reuters) – The Bank of Japan kept monetary policy steady on Thursday and slightly upgraded its view on the economy, suggesting that no immediate expansion of stimulus was needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
FILE PHOTO: Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Washington, U.S. October 19, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso
Following are comments from BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda at his post-meeting news conference:
BOJ STEPS
Domestic and overseas markets remain jittery but tensions have eased somewhat.
The BOJ will continue with measures that are exerting positive effects in the economy, such as measures to support corporate funding and stabilise markets.
ON NEW PRIME MINISTER SUGAS ADMINISTRATION
Whats most important for us is to take measures to ease the strain from COVID-19. We want to continue with powerful monetary easing and strive to support the economy and achieve our price target.
As stipulated in the BOJ law, the government and the BOJ must closely communicate with each other. We will continue to coordinate closely on policy management.
INFLATION TARGET
Our foremost target is our inflation goal. But we obviously are also striving to achieve healthy economic growth, including job conditions.
Its important to achieve gradual price rises accompanied by rising corporate profits, jobs and wages. From this standpoint, we can consider additional monetary easing steps as needed.read more
Highlights: BOJ Governor Kuroda’s comments at news conference – Reuters UK
